Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Bus Trip

A Private VIP Tour through the Lockwood-Matthews Mansion and lunch hosted by The Gilded Gentleman

(Best suited for adults with a Gilded Age interest, no children under 8 admitted.)

Overview

Join The Gilded Gentleman for a day-long bus trip to Norwalk, Connecticut to visit “the Mansion that Launched the Gilded Age.” Built in 1868 by financier and railroad tycoon LeGrand Lockwood and following his death, evolving through the Gilded Age under the Charles Mathews family, the mansion contains examples of extraordinary interior decoration from a who’s who of important 19th-century artists and interior designers. Sumptuous interior spaces, featuring work by designers including the Herter Brothers, Leon Marcotte, and George Platt, offer an intimate as well as grand view of life in late 19th-century America.
You’ll board a comfortable private coach in midtown Manhattan for the journey to Hyde Park, enjoy an exclusive tour of the Mansion with our private guides and then savor an early buffet dinner (included!) at the historic Beekman Arms inn (considered America’s oldest continuously running inn since 1766.) and then return to Manhattan.

Date: Saturday, July 25th – 10 am – 4 pm

Note: Guests must be at the designated pick-up point no later than 10 am sharp. Latecomers cannot be accommodated.

This private daylong bus trip will include air-conditioned, round-trip bus transportation from midtown Manhattan, a 75-minute private, custom tour of the Mansion by Lockwood-Mathews tour guides, and a two-course lunch at a local restaurant before returning to the city.

“Carl is the consummate host, I loved the insight he gave and his storytelling. I love his podcast and can’t wait to take another tour.”

The Tour:

Tour Host / Guides: The entire event will be hosted by Carl Raymond, host of The Gilded Gentleman history podcast who will provide commentary and insight to and from Hyde Park. The private tour of the mansion will be conducted by members of the staff of the National Park Service.

Highlights include:

• Round-trip bus transportation from a convenient midtown Manhattan location. Note: Bus will pick up and drop off passengers only at the designated location.

• Private custom tour of the Mansion by Lockwood Mansion tour guides, including visits to Entrance Hall, Rotunda, Library, Music Room, Drawing Room, Dining Rooms, as well as the second floor Bedrooms, and areas used by domestic staff. Note: Elevator access to the second floor is available.

• Time for guests to explore the grounds or the on-site Gift Shop.

• Gilded Age historical commentary on the bus by Carl Raymond, host of the Gilded Gentleman history podcast

• Two-course lunch at O’Neill’s Pub and Restaurant in Norwalk. The two-course menu will include (choose either Starter or Dessert with Main Course). Starter: Tossed House Salad with balsamic vinaigrette dressing, Choice of Main Course: California Wrap with Grilled Chicken, Bason, Lettuce, Tomato, Avocado, Chipotle mayo on herbed tortilla, Shepherd’s Pie with Ground Beef, Peas, Carrots, and Onions topped with Mashed Potatoes, Chopped Cobb Salad with Grilled Chicken served with balsamic vinaigrette, Veggie Burger served with French fries. Dessert: Apple Pie with fresh whipped cream. Beverages included: Soft drinks, coffee, tea. Alcoholic beverages are available but not included in the tour price; they will be billed to each guest. (Menu subject to change.)

Rates

$169 per person

What’s included:

• Private bus transportation to and from the Mansion from Midtown Manhattan
• Cost of tour and gratuity, and group admission to the Mansion
• A two-course lunch at a local pub
• As a special amenity, guests are permitted to bring drinks and snacks for consumption on board the bus, but must not leave any trash behind
• The bus has a restroom on board

Ages

This tour is best suited for ages 12 and up. Children under 8 not admitted.

Please Note:

Guests must be at the designated pick-up point no later than 10:30 am sharp. Latecomers cannot be accommodated. Also, no promo or discount codes can be used for this special VIP tour.