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World video travel guide
News • United States • 2011-06-17
VISIT LONG ISLAND’S GOLD COAST IMMORTALIZED IN F. SCOTT FITZGERALD’S “THE GREAT GATSBY”
Grand Mansions And Castles Located Within Short Driving Distance Of NYC And Each Other
HAUPPAUGE, NY-- Just a short ride from New York City on Long Island’s north shore lies a place of uninhibited wealth and opulence immortalized in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s book, THE GREAT GATSBY. Many of the “Gold Coast” mansions that grace this scenic coastal area, so-called due to the huge concentration of fortunes here, are open for the public’s perusal and enjoyment. THE GREAT GATSBY is a delightful story of shallow wealth and great excesses.
Come to Long Island’s Gold Coast and take a step back in time to the 1920s when neighbors at the upper echelon of high society strove to out-do each other in terms of lavish, castle-like mansions and gardens of European caliber. Over a half-dozen estates have been converted to public use, many offering art galleries and tours, and others open to allow visitors to stroll the grounds and spectacular gardens to get a feel for what life was like for the privileged few.
Located within a 20-mile cluster along Long Island’s north shore, following are some of the architectural treasures that await visitors to the area:
Sands Point-This 216-acre preserve actually includes two mansions; Falaise, a Normandy style manor house, and Hempstead House, an imposing castle. The beautiful grounds feature walking paths, while the mansions provide a glimpse of outstanding architecture and design perched high on a cliff overlooking the water.
Chelsea Center-This stunning mansion is an architectural marvel, with a real moat, soaring turrets and regal design. The first floor serves as an art museum.
Coe Hall at Planting Fields Arboretum- For a true delight come stroll the 409-acre grounds of the Planting Fields Arboretum, wander through the green houses featuring many rare and beautiful species, and take a mansion tour to see the amazing tapestries, furnishings and artwork.
Coindre Hall-This 33-acre waterfront estate features a real castle-like mansion and rolling grounds that overlook Huntington Harbor. The first floor features exhibits show what life was like during the “Gatsby Era.” This is truly a wonderful place to take and afternoon stroll with a picnic lunch.
Old Westbury Gardens-A stately mansion here called Westbury House contains 18th century furnishings and fine art inside, while the grounds boast lovely gardens. Garden and nature lovers will find inspiration in the many rare plant species and ever-changing, meticulously maintained grounds.
Frick Estate/Nassau County Museum-This neo-Georgian mansion houses the Nassau County Museum of Art, including ten galleries of world-class exhibitions. The 145-acre estate features formal gardens, reflecting ponds, outdoor sculpture and rolling meadows.
Vanderbilt Museum-Located a little further from the city than some of the other Gold Coast mansions, this is one estate not to be missed. In addition to mansion tours, this museum high on a hill and overlooking the water includes a world-class display of large game taxidermy, including polar bears and lions, in addition to marine specimens. A planetarium is also located on the grounds, so plan to stay into the evening.
For a true Gold Coast experience, plan on spending the night at either the Glen Cove Mansion or at Oheka Castle. Both welcome overnight guests.
For more information, including directions and hours of operations, visit the Long Island Convention & Visitors Bureau website at www.discoverlongisland.com.
The Long Island Convention & Visitors Bureau and Sports Commission (LICVB&SC) was established in 1979 as a marketing arm for the destination’s nearly $5 billion travel and tourism industry. Based on Long Island in Hauppauge, NY, the LICVB&SC contributes to the economic development and quality of life on Long Island by promoting Long Island as a world-class destination and by attracting individuals, tours, meetings and conventions, trade shows, sporting events, related activities and business to Long Island. For more information about Long Island, please contact the Long Island Convention & Visitors Bureau and Sports Commission by calling 1-877-386-6654 or visit the web site at http://www.discoverlongisland.com.
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330 Motor Parkway, Suite 203, Hauppauge, NY 11788 (631) 951-3900
