Trip Highlights
First you will meet Mrs. Caroline Astor, the Grande Dame of Newport and New York Society and the head of "The 400". Her ballroom could only accommodate 400 guests at one party; therefore, no one else was worth knowing in society. Mrs. Astor will give the group a 19th Century Newport City Tour. Although her "coach" would be more opulent than yours, you may have more horsepower.
Savor lunch in the wood-paneled, vaulted-ceiling Canfield House dining room, the former gambling parlor where Alva Vanderbilt's nephew, Reggie, who was Gloria Vanderbilt's father, often cheered on the roulette wheel, still on display. Your group will be greeted by Mr. Canfield's savvy wife, Genevieve. Enjoy a 3-course plated lunch in this exclusive setting.
Menu: Salad, Choice of Baked Scrod with Bread Crumbs and Lobster Sauce, Grilled Breast of Chicken with Feta, Spinach & Roasted Peppers OR Flat Iron Steak, Potato, Vegetable, Dessert & Coffee.
Next you will visit Marble House, the "Summer Cottage" of Mrs. Alva Vanderbilt. It is a social and architectural landmark of Newport society. Mrs. Vanderbilt was one of the newest additions to Mrs. Astor's "400" and her daughter, Consuelo, married the British Duke of Marlborough of Blenheim Palace, north of Downton Abbey. Enjoy an audio guide as you tour this exquisite Newport Mansion.
Bid farewell to Mrs. Astor knowing that you have hob-nobbed with Newport's socialites for the day!