Your Gilded Age-Inspired Travel Guide

Jennifer DeWitt
Jul 16
3 min read

With HBO’s The Gilded Age returning for another season of sumptuous drama, there’s no better time to channel your inner Bertha Russell and plan a trip to the very place that inspired the show’s most glamorous settings. Newport, Rhode Island isn’t just a picturesque seaside destination—it’s where America’s wealthiest families once retreated to their “summer cottages” (which, let’s be honest, were basically palaces by the sea).

Why Newport Still Captivates

The stunning mansions that serve as the backdrop for Bertha’s social climbing adventures are very much real and open for touring today. From The Breakers’ 70-room Italian Renaissance splendor to Marble House’s opulent ballrooms, these architectural marvels continue to transport visitors back to an era when being “old money” like the Astors meant everything, and “new money” families like the Russells had to fight for every invitation.

The Marble House | Image: insideinside.org

Walking through these gilded halls, you can almost hear the whisper of silk gowns and the gentle clash of teacups as society ladies plotted their next social maneuver. It’s the perfect setting for a weekend that would make even Agnes van Rhijn approve—well, perhaps after a few carefully worded critiques about propriety.

Dressing the Part: Your Newport Packing Essentials

The Carrie Astor Approach to Daywear

Pack pieces that transition effortlessly from mansion tours to waterfront dining. Think breathable fabrics in soft, romantic colors—the kind of pieces that photograph beautifully against Newport’s coastal backdrop. Flowy dresses and coordinated sets capture that effortless elegance that even the most discerning Newport society matron would appreciate.

Channel Your Inner Gladys Russell

For evening affairs (because Newport’s dining scene is definitely worth dressing up for), bring pieces that feel special without being overly formal. A striped ensemble or a perfectly tailored blazer can take you from sunset cocktails to dinner with the sophistication that would make young Gladys proud—minus the family drama, of course.

Accessories Worthy of Mrs. Astor’s Ballroom

Don’t forget the details that elevate any outfit. A woven handbag, delicate jewelry, and a classic sun hat aren’t just practical—they’re essential for achieving that timeless Newport elegance. After all, if you’re going to tour the same rooms where society’s elite once gathered, you might as well look the part.

The Practical Peggy Scott Touch

While we’re channeling Gilded Age glamour, remember that Newport involves quite a bit of walking—through mansion rooms, along Cliff Walk, and down cobblestone streets. Pack comfortable yet stylish footwear that can handle both indoor touring and outdoor exploring. Think refined flats and low-heeled sandals that won’t leave you hobbling like a character from one of Oscar van Rhijn’s dramatic productions.

Beyond the Wardrobe: Modern Gilded Age Essentials

Beauty and Wellness

Even the most well-appointed Newport mansion rooms can be drafty, and sea air has its own effects on skin and hair. Pack a comprehensive beauty kit to maintain that polished look throughout your stay. A good makeup brush set ensures you’re camera-ready for all those mansion selfies.

Travel in Style

Arriving in Newport should feel as elegant as the destination itself. A sophisticated piece of luggage and a versatile travel bag ensure you’re prepared for everything from day trips to dinner reservations, all while maintaining that effortless style that defines Newport’s enduring appeal.

Making Your Newport Moment

As you stroll through the same rooms where America’s elite once summered, remember that Newport’s magic isn’t just in its opulent past—it’s in how that grandeur continues to inspire us today. Whether you’re exploring the Chinese Tea House at Marble House or taking in ocean views from The Breakers’ terrace, you’re walking in the footsteps of a fascinating era.

Pack thoughtfully, dress beautifully, and prepare to experience Newport like the sophisticated traveler you are. After all, in a place where every mansion tells a story of ambition, elegance, and social intrigue, your own Newport chapter deserves to be written in style.