A trip to Newport, R.I., inspired by HBO’s ‘The Gilded Age’ – The Boston Globe

Since its premiere in 2022, the cable giant’s original series, “The Gilded Age,” a drama focused on New York City’s 19th century elite, has brought renewed intrigue to the Ocean State’s “Gold Coast.”

“I think the show itself has put Newport back on this global sphere,” Cassandra Earle, communications director for Discover Newport, told the Globe. “We’ve had interest from people from across the globe coming to Newport because of this series.”

And for fans of the show, it’s easy to get up close with the glamour gracing their television screens.

The production has filmed scenes for its two seasons in the storied properties that line scenic Bellevue Avenue and other locations around the city that have long been museums open to the public. (The series will be back to film this fall, as HBO readies for Season 3, Earle confirmed.)

“[The series] brings … a nice light to the Gilded Age time period, which a lot of people were not familiar with and didn’t understand,” said Melanie Garcia, director of visitor experience for the Preservation Society of Newport County, which maintains the Newport Mansions. “And that’s what we’re all about here.”

So, are you thinking about a “Gilded Age” inspired trip to Newport? Here are a few ideas to consider when stepping back in time:

Exploring the grounds

The collection of historic properties known as the Newport Mansions spans six sites, including The Breakers, Marble House, The Elms, Chateau-sur-Mer, Kingscote, and the Green Animals Topiary Garden, all open to the public.

While self-led and guided tours are staple offerings regularly available to visitors, devoted fans of the HBO series may be most interested in the mansions’ show-specific tour.

On the popular “Inside ‘The Gilded Age’ Tour,” attendees are shown the rooms at four of the mansions where scenes of the show were filmed and get the “inside scoop on what it takes to host a major television production,” the website for the Newport Mansions boasts.

“I think definitely people who come on the tour have a passion for the show,” Garcia said. “They’ve been watching it, and they’re really excited to see places that it was filmed at. A lot of people really enjoy getting that behind the scenes information.”

Tickets a $200 each for Preservation Society members and $250 each for nonmembers to The Elms, Marble House, The Breakers, and Chateau-sur-Mer, where refreshments are served on the porch.

“It is kind of like a whirlwind tour,” Garcia said, adding ticket-holders receive guest passes to be able to return to the four properties at their own leisure.

Tickets are $200 each for Preservation Society members and $250 each for nonmembers. Those interested should act soon, as the tour is only offered select times throughout the year, and for now, the next string of tours are booking for Tuesdays and Fridays in September and spots are limited, Garcia said.

HBO fans looking to take in even more of the show’s setting may want to venture over to the International Tennis Hall of Fame on Bellevue Avenue, where some of the show’s scenes were filmed on the facility’s Horseshoe Court. There is no charge for the public to stroll the grounds, according to Megan Erbes, director of communications for the Hall of Fame.

Taking in tea time

For a sophisticated experience, consider taking in afternoon tea at the Chinese Tea House, located on the same property as the Marble House, the 1892 mansion William Vanderbilt built for his wife, Alva.

Through Sept. 2, afternoon tea and dining is offered on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, and on Labor Day, before switching to only Saturdays and Sundays in September and October, according to the website.

Discover Newport, the city’s visitor center, also offers other suggestions for visitors craving the afternoon tea experience.

Getting around in style

While historians may note the Gilded Age technically ended before the first shots of World War I were fired in 1914, who would turn down a ride in a classic, 1920s car?

Take a drive back in time with Newport Classic Car Co., which offers various private group tours around Newport, including trips to the mansions, in authentic antique cars, such as a 1924 Studebaker convertible, starting at $45 per person.

“We stop in front of each home narrate it, tell you about it. And some of our packages do include admission,” owner Ken Hudson said. “It all depends on which one you do.”

Hudson also operates Newport Classic Yacht Co., which offers private sightseeing cruises on a 42-foot 1928 antique wooden commuter yacht, once owned by a wealthy family of Bostonians nearly a century ago.

“You do see mansions that are on the inner harbor that you will not see from the street side in the car,” Hudson said. “So it does also provide a little extra experience.”

Pricing for the boat charter begins at $400 and varies by cruise.

Staying at an historic inn

“Gilded Age” fans looking for an-around-the-clock immersive experience can also consider booking a two-night stay at the historic Castle Hill Inn on Ocean Avenue.

The 1874 inn, initially built as one of Newport’s “summer cottages,” offers a special package inspired by the HBO series that includes daily breakfast and afternoon tea, a “tasting-menu” experience for two at Aurelia at Castle Hill, two mansion tickets, and access to a self-guided audio tour of Newport’s Cliff Walk, among other perks. Pricing starts at $1,300 per night.

Christopher Gavin can be reached at christopher.gavin@globe.com.