The Gilded Tour: Champagne & Charcuterie at Elkins Estate

The Gilded Tour: A Rare Invitation to Elstowe Manor’s Opulence

For those who appreciate Philadelphia’s rich architectural lineage and refined experiences, The Gilded Tour offers a rare window into the opulent past. Set amidst the rolling gardens of the Elkins Estate in Elkins Park, this exclusive evening event invites guests into the storied halls of Elstowe Manor—one of the finest surviving examples of Beaux-Arts architecture on the East Coast.

On Thursday, November 20, beginning at 5:00 p.m., The Gilded Tour welcomes visitors with a champagne reception and curated charcuterie spread, setting the tone for an intimate evening of history, elegance, and indulgence. Hosted by the award-winning hospitality group By Landmark, this marks the first time the manor is open to the public for guided exploration—an occasion steeped in Gilded Age grandeur and modern-day celebration.

The Gilded Tour: Champagne, Charcuterie & Historic Splendor

Guests begin the experience with a glass of sparkling champagne in hand, paired with artisan charcuterie and light seasonal bites. Set within the dramatic backdrop of Elstowe Manor’s entrance hall, the reception offers the perfect ambiance to mix, mingle, and soak in the architectural marvel before the formal tour begins at 5:30 p.m.

The guided walkthrough spans approximately 45 minutes, navigating through frescoed ceilings, soaring marble columns, and gilded chandeliers that still shimmer with the stories of a bygone era. Built in 1898 for industrialist and philanthropist William L. Elkins, the estate reflects the peak of Philadelphia’s Gilded Age opulence. Each salon and corridor is an Instagram-worthy tableau, revealing exquisite craftsmanship and a timeless sense of place.

Following the formal tour, guests are invited to roam the estate at their leisure, glass in hand, enjoying additional light bites while uncovering more hidden corners of Elstowe Manor. From its intricately carved fireplaces to stained-glass details and sweeping staircases, The Gilded Tour transforms a traditional happy hour into a transportive cultural experience.

The Gilded Tour: Tickets, Access & How to Attend

Tickets for The Gilded Tour are priced at $30 per person—a modest investment for such an immersive escape into one of the region’s most architecturally significant estates. The cost includes valet parking, champagne, hors d’oeuvres, and the full guided tour experience. Space is limited to preserve the event’s intimate ambiance, and tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable.

While guests of all ages are welcome to join the tour, those indulging in the champagne must be 21 or older. Located at 1750 Ashbourne Road in Elkins Park, the estate is just minutes from Center City, making it the perfect midweek excursion for architecture lovers, history buffs, and those seeking a more elevated kind of social gathering.

With only one evening available, The Gilded Tour is a can’t-miss moment in the region’s fall social calendar—a toast to the past with all the sparkle of the present.

About Post Author

Allan Lane

Philadelphia born and bred, Allan Lane is the Publisher and Editor in Chief of digital magazines. He launched his first publication, SportBikes Inc Magazine in 2010, followed by dosage MAGAZINE in 2019. Recently, Allan launched his third online publication, Club For Man. As a journalist, Allan covers fashion, lifestyle, culture, art, and motorcycles.

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