Regency Romance Weekend
~ May 3rd and 4th ~
A Most Cordial Invitation from Your Hosts at Old Westbury Gardens
Dearest Readers,
It is with great delight that we welcome you to Regency Romance Weekend, a most splendid affair in honor of the esteemed 250th birthday of Miss Jane Austen. As you step onto these picturesque grounds, we invite you to don your finest gowns and cravats, and step into a world of charm, wit, and leisure!
Families may wander the gardens for storybook strolls and hands-on crafts, while those with a playful spirit can enjoy lawn games fit for the finest estates. Artistic souls may find inspiration in creative activities, and music lovers will be serenaded with classical takes on familiar tunes.
Of course, what would a Regency gathering be without fashion and society gossip? Join us for a fascinating discussion on Regency fashion—fact versus fiction. And for those with a keen mind and a love of Austen’s world, Jane Austen trivia will put your knowledge to the ultimate test.
Between amusements, indulge in a proper afternoon tea, or treat yourself to special confections at the café. And should you wish to bring a touch of Austen’s world home, the gift shop shall be stocked with delightful Jane Austen treasures.
So ready yourself for a weekend of elegance, merriment, and a touch of romance, as we celebrate the literary brilliance of Miss Austen in the grandest of styles.
Yours most affectionately,
Old Westbury Gardens
An Agreeable Itinerary of Diversions…
Saturday's Planned Amusements
STORYBOOK STROLL: Jane Austen, Little People Big Dreams by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara, 10:30 to 11:30am
Join us for a stroll through the Gardens as we share a story and create a take-home craft. Storybook Strolls start at the Beech Tree (next to Westbury House), and end at the Thatched Cottage. Location: The Beech Tree
Ages 3-5, Secure your child’s spot pre-register today—includes one child and one adult. Pre-Registration Encouraged. Included with Admission. Free For Members!
CROQUET ALL DAY! And Other Lawn Games, 11am to 5pm
Enjoy some classic outdoor fun with croquet, cornhole, ring toss, and Jenga set up on the back lawn! Perfect for a little friendly competition and relaxation.
All Ages, Included with Admission
FAN-TASTIC CRAFTS: Kids Fan Decorating, 12pm to 2pm
Decorate your very own fan with markers, crayons, rhinestones, and ribbons! Take home your unique creation and enjoy your custom design. Perfect for all ages and skill levels. Location: In Front of Westbury House
All Ages, Included with admission, plus a $5 materials fee will be collected at the Craft Station (cash only)
A BRIDGERTON-INSPIRED DANCE: LEARN THE STEPS OF THE “TON”, 12pm to 1pm
Dearest Gentle Reader...learn to dance like Simon and Daphne! Join us for an hour of grace and merriment as we learn some of the dances from
the Bridgerton and Queen Charlotte television series! No experience is necessary and no partner is needed, as our instructor Susan de
Guardiola will guide you through easy choreographies inspired from the television series and talk about how the Bridgerton dances differ from the dances of the actual Regency/Jane Austen era.
Location: The Barn at Orchard Hill; Ages 16+, Included with admission
SKETCHING AND WATER COLORING FOR ADULTS, 3 to 4pm
In this relaxed art class with Education Manager Laura Erwin, we’ll explore the gardens while you use a provided sketch pad, pencil, watercolor set, and brush. No experience needed! You’ll pick up easy sketching techniques and enjoy a stress-free creative session. Location: The Beech Tree. Pre-registration is required.
General Admission + $5 Class Fee, Members: $5 Class Fee Only
DANCING WITH JANE AUSTEN, 3pm to 4pm
Join dance historian and teacher Susan de Guardiola for a lively hour of dance from the Regency era and Jane Austen's novels interspersed with fascinating historical images and tidbits about Jane Austen as a dancer and life (and occasional scandal!) in the Regency ballroom and how it differed from what you see in films and television. No partner is needed and no experience is necessary for this beginner-friendly class!
Location: The Barn at Orchard Hill; Ages 16+ , Included with admission
A REGENCY RIVALRY: JANE AUSTEN TRIVIA, 5 to 6pm
Think you know your Mr. Darcy from your Mr. Knightley? Test your Jane Austen knowledge with a fun trivia session covering beloved characters, iconic quotes, and more! Light refreshments will be served, so bring your Regency-era wits and compete for bragging rights (and maybe a prize or two). Perfect for Austen lovers and trivia buffs alike!
Location: The Red Ballroom; All Ages, Included with Admission
Sunday’s Leisurely Pursuits
BEGINNER BEE EMBROIDERY CLASS, 11am to 1pm
Learn basic embroidery stitches and make a small embroidered design with the help of an instructor. All supplies are included, and participants take home their hoop and embroidered design. Location: The Barn at Orchard Hill Ages 12 and up,
General Admission + $10 Class Fee, Members: $10 Class Fee Only
CROQUET ALL DAY! And Other Lawn Games, 11am to 4pm
Enjoy some classic outdoor fun with croquet, cornhole, ring toss, and Jenga set up on the back lawn! Perfect for a little friendly competition and relaxation.
All Ages, Included with Admission
FAN-TASTIC CRAFTS: Kids Fan Decorating, 12pm to 2pm
Decorate your very own fan with markers, crayons, rhinestones, and ribbons! Take home your unique creation and enjoy your custom design. Perfect for all ages and skill levels. Location: In Front of Westbury House
All Ages, Included with admission, plus a $5 materials fee will be collected at the Craft Station (cash only)
REGENCY FASHION: FACT FROM FICTION, 2 to 3pm
Step into the world of empire waistlines and elegant gloves! Discover the fascinating history behind Regency-era fashion. Unravel the styles of Bridgerton, Emma, and Pride and Prejudice. Join Education Manager Laura Erwin, an alum of the Fashion Institute of Technology, as we will unpack the myths and inaccuracies behind these iconic looks. A must-see for fashion fans and Regency romance lovers!
Location: The Barn at Orchard Hill,
All Ages, Included with Admission
PRESSED FLOWER BOOKMARK CLASS, 4 to 5pm
Learn how to arrange preserved delicate flowers on a wooden bookmark, creating a beautiful and functional keepsake. Perfect for book lovers and crafters of all skill levels! Pre-registration is required.
Location: The Barn at Orchard Hill,
Ages 12+, General Admission + $5 Class Fee, Members: $5 Class Fee Only
CAFÉ IN THE WOODS
REGENCY ROMANCE WEEKEND SPECIALS
Lady Catherines Scones
Miss Jane Bennet’s Muffins
Pemberly Punch
Rosé, Pellegrino blood orange seltzer, orange slice.
Miss Elizabeth Bennet’s Mimosa
Prosecco, Orange Juice, Orange Slice
Mr. Darcy’s Lavender Lemonade
Lavendar Lemonade, Prosecco float
The Rose and Crown
Daily Beer Selection