The Breezy returns to Greenwood Lake

GREENWOOD LAKE — Tortuga has set sail. And the Breezy is returning to port.
Last July the Bailey family - Paul, Aileen and Morgan - bought what they felt was the most iconic location in and on Greenwood Lake, an inn with a rich, storied history, a place where people have been drawn for more than 150 years, the Breezy Point Inn.
No stranger to the restaurant world, Paul Bailey, a well-known musician and composer, was a member of the famous New York Friars Club and served on the House Committee, which was responsible for the overall operation of the members' only restaurant.
"In an effort to make a big splash in Greenwood Lake," said Bailey, "a name change seemed like a good idea. We brought change, with a new seafood, shore food, a bright new look along with a lake blue deck and we announced the arrival of Tortuga."
A pause for renovationsThe restaurant was a success but after the season the Baileys decided it was time to shut down for a few months and do some much-needed renovations.
Local patrons will be pleasantly surprised by the new improvements and innovations to the restaurant and lodging facilities.
The Bailey family, along with long time manager of Breezy Point Inn Miriam Rosenberg, also took a second look at the name Tortuga and they decided to rename it, The Breezy."
"Anyway," said Paul Bailey, "everybody still calls it The Breezy,"
'The Breezy Point Villa'And there is also a strange and eerie twist to this breezy tale.
Twenty one years ago the Bailey Family purchased one of the most noteworthy historic homes in West Milford, N.J., built in 1867, where they were able to sift through historical papers that revealed a colorful historic tapestry including a few letters between the friends and family back in the day. And in that collection was one postcard from around the turn of the century.
The postcard showed a young girl sitting on the steps from an old dirt road.
The house is behind her and above the girl is an arched sign with three words that would take on a huge significance, "Breezy Point Villa."
"A flash of lightning'Besides that, there is also an old horse barn back at the Bailey home, which had a shelf filled with old horse tack and rusted tools. Underneath the shelf was an old sign, "The Breezy," which is now displayed above the restaurant's fireplace,
"Like a flash of lightning," said Bailey, "it all came together. Yes, The Breezy is perfect for this wonderful place on this picture perfect lake, and it is perfect in another almost serendipitous way."
The Baileys are now charged with breathing new life into The Breezy, which has a spectacular view.
The Breezy is currently undergoing renovations but will soon reopen and feature American seafood dishes, some German favorites and a piano bar along with a special "take out" service for boaters a la Jersey Shore.
For additional information visit www.thebreezyny.com.
- Roger Gavan