Plan Your Perfect Gatsby Getaway: Celebrating The Great Gatsbys 100-Year Anniversary Theme Weekend
As the green light flickers across the water, the ghost of a bygone era beckons. F. Scott Fitzgerald’s magnum opus, The Great Gatsby, is poised to celebrate its 100th anniversary on April 10, 2025, and the allure of its opulent world has never been stronger. This quintessential American novel continues to captivate with its themes of ambition, love, and the dazzling, yet hollow, core of the American Dream. The Roaring Twenties are calling, and this centennial is the perfect occasion to step out of the pages of literature and into the lavish reality of the Jazz Age.
This guide is your blueprint for planning the ultimate getaway, a weekend steeped in the glamour of Jay Gatsby, the wistful charm of Daisy Buchanan, and the electric energy that defined a generation. Forget generic vacations; luxury travelers are seeking unique journeys, with roughly 70% expressing frustration with standardized experiences. Your bespoke Gatsby getaway awaits.
Exploring the Roaring Twenties
Explore Roaring Twenties experiences: From Jazz Age Lawn Party in NYC to Gatsby-themed suites and riverboat cruises in Kentucky.
The Roaring Twenties were a decade of unprecedented social and cultural change, an era of flappers, jazz, and clandestine indulgence. This vibrant spirit is recaptured today in curated events that transport you back in time. The celebrated Jazz Age Lawn Party on Governors Island in New York is a perfect example, recreating the vintage atmosphere of Gatsby's grand celebrations with period-accurate music and attire. Central to the era's legacy were speakeasies, which emerged during Prohibition as clandestine bars where society’s elite and adventurous could enjoy forbidden alcoholic beverages behind hidden doors.
This spirit isn't confined to major cities. Just outside Louisville, The Pillow and Paddock bed and breakfast pays direct homage to the Roaring '20s with its dedicated Gatsby Suite, featuring décor inspired by the lavish Art Deco style of the era. For a truly evocative experience, riverboat cruises on the Ohio River aboard vessels like the Belle of Louisville and those offered by BB Riverboats evoke the romance and ambition reminiscent of The Great Gatsby, where dreams felt as vast as the water itself.
The Allure of the Jazz Age
The Jazz Age, a term coined by Fitzgerald himself, is immortalized in the pages of The Great Gatsby. It embodies the glamour, excess, and frenetic energy of 1920s America, a period of economic prosperity juxtaposed with profound social transformation. The novel serves as a cultural touchstone, defining our collective memory of this dazzling decade. As the centennial of this great American novel approaches in 2025, locations with deep connections to the era—from Fitzgerald’s birthplace in St. Paul to the glittering coasts of New York and even the French Riviera—are actively preparing celebrations. These events highlight their unique links to the Jazz Age, offering immersive experiences for literary pilgrims and history enthusiasts alike.
F. Scott Fitzgerald's Influence
Published in 1925, F. Scott Fitzgerald's iconic novel, The Great Gatsby, is a masterful critique of the American Dream, set against the glittering backdrop of the Roaring Twenties. The novel is inextricably linked to Long Island's famed Gold Coast, the real-life inspiration for the fictional towns of West Egg and East Egg. Fitzgerald, who lived in Great Neck (West Egg) in the early 1920s, drew heavily from his surroundings, observing the lavish lifestyles of the newly rich who built sprawling estates there.
The novel masterfully exposes the opulent yet morally ambiguous society of the Jazz Age, waltzing between the extravagant parties on Long Island and the urban excitement of New York City. It vividly depicts the era's clandestine indulgences, shaped by Prohibition. Fitzgerald's inspiration came from real places that travelers can still visit today. The Sands Point Preserve, for instance, is widely believed to be a model for East Egg, while the magnificent Gold Coast mansions that dot the landscape are echoes of Jay Gatsby's own palatial home.
Great Gatsby-Themed Experiences
To celebrate the novel's centennial, cities with Fitzgerald connections are offering unique, immersive experiences. Louisville, Kentucky, a city tied to Daisy Buchanan’s backstory, presents a dynamic lineup, including a speakeasy tasting tour that delves into its Prohibition-era history and the premiere of a Great Gatsby ballet. These events blend historical immersion with high art. A highlight for cinephiles is a special screening of Baz Luhrmann’s dazzling 2013 film adaptation, often accompanied by a Gatsby-inspired cocktail, offering a classic cinematic experience that brings the visual splendor of the novel to life.
Themed Events and Elegant Parties
The spirit of Gatsby’s legendary parties is being revived across the country. In Lexington, a Gatsby-themed gala encourages guests to don their finest flapper dresses and fedoras for an evening of foxtrot and revelry. To help you host your own lavish affair, The Great Gatsby Cooking and Entertaining Guide provides authentic recipes for classic Jazz Age dishes like oysters Rockefeller and Eggs Benedict, making it the perfect resource for channeling your inner host and throwing a party worthy of Jay Gatsby himself. The growing interest in themed celebrations is significant, with the themed birthday party market alone accounting for over $150 million in revenue in the US in 2022.
Speakeasies: The Secret World
During Prohibition, speakeasies were the vibrant, secret heart of the Roaring Twenties. These covert bars operated in defiance of the law, offering jazz music, dancing, and illicit cocktails to those in the know. In New York City alone, it’s estimated that between 20,000 and 100,000 illegal speakeasies flourished. To maintain secrecy, these establishments were hidden behind innocuous facades—a tailor shop, a basement in a sweets store, or even a secret panel. At The Pillow and Paddock, this tradition is honored with a secret speakeasy bar, accessed through a disguised bookcase at the back of its 1920s-themed theater. The culture of speakeasies embodied a spirit of rebellion and decadence, perfectly echoing the clandestine romances and hidden truths that define The Great Gatsby.
Literature and Pop Culture
The enduring legacy of The Great Gatsby is being celebrated on a grand scale. A 100th-anniversary lighting ceremony at the Empire State Building is planned, coinciding with global activities and giveaways that underscore the novel's international impact. Closer to the story's roots, a variety of events connect literature with tangible experiences. These include a garden party at Louisville’s Waterfront Botanical Gardens and historical tours of the Seelbach Hotel, a place Fitzgerald himself frequented.
Accommodations are also embracing the theme. A bespoke Gatsby Suite is available at The Pillow and Paddock in La Grange, Kentucky, as part of the centennial celebrations. Meanwhile, in New York City, The Plaza Hotel, a key setting in the novel, offers its own special packages. At the famed Old Seelbach Bar, guests can enjoy a Gatsby-inspired experience featuring the signature Seelbach Cocktail—a luxurious blend of Kentucky bourbon, orange liqueur, and Champagne—that transports them directly to the Jazz Age.
Books Inspired by The Great Gatsby
Fitzgerald's masterpiece has inspired a new generation of writers to explore its themes and characters. Wild and Wicked Things by Francesca May is a bewitching novel loosely inspired by The Great Gatsby, incorporating elements of witchy magic and sapphic love interests into a tale of murder, romance, and deeply flawed characters. Another notable work is Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald by Therese Anne Fowler, which provides a rich, fictionalized account of the life of Fitzgerald's talented and tumultuous wife. The character of Daisy Buchanan herself, with her purported Kentucky heritage, has become a source of literary exploration, intertwining themes of Southern elegance and tragedy. Louisville, Kentucky, is often cited as Daisy’s hometown in the novel, adding a layer of Southern gothic charm to her glamorous persona.
Jillian Cantor's "Beautiful Little Fools"
Jillian Cantor's novel Beautiful Little Fools draws its title and inspiration from one of the most memorable lines in The Great Gatsby. After giving birth to her daughter, Daisy Buchanan tells Nick Carraway that she hopes her child will be a "beautiful little fool," adding, "That's the best thing a girl can be in this world, a beautiful little fool." This phrase powerfully reflects the societal frustration and lack of agency experienced by women of the period. F. Scott Fitzgerald reportedly borrowed this poignant line from his own wife, Zelda, who expressed a similar sentiment. Cantor's work reimagines the classic story from the perspectives of its female characters, exploring the challenges of being a thoughtful individual in a world that often undervalues women's intellect and autonomy.
Embracing Gatsby's World
To truly immerse yourself in the world of Jay Gatsby, seek out experiences that blend luxury with historical authenticity. The Gatsby Suite at The Pillow and Paddock offers a tangible connection to the era’s style. This extends to the property’s secret speakeasy, a hidden gem accessed through a bookcase in its 1920s-themed theater, providing a genuine taste of Prohibition-era secrecy and excitement. These curated environments allow you to step beyond reading the novel and actually live a piece of its enchanting, mysterious world.
Luxury and Nostalgia
A key part of the Gatsby experience is indulging in the luxury of the Roaring '20s. The Old Seelbach Bar in Louisville provides just that. Here, you can order the signature Seelbach Cocktail, a sophisticated blend of Kentucky bourbon, orange liqueur, and Champagne that was popular during the period. The drink embodies the opulent spirit of the times and offers a direct, flavorful link to the world Fitzgerald described. It’s a nostalgic experience that combines history, literature, and classic mixology, perfectly capturing the essence of a bygone era of glamour.
Planning Your Themed Getaway at Pillow and Paddock Bed & Breakfast
For a truly immersive experience, base your getaway at a location steeped in the era's charm. The Pillow and Paddock Bed & Breakfast offers the ideal setting. Be sure to book the Gatsby Suite for your stay. This suite provides everything needed for a comfortable and stylish retreat, including a plush queen-size bed, a fully equipped ensuite bathroom, and access to a guest pantry with complimentary beverages and snacks. Its themed décor will set the perfect tone for your entire weekend adventure.
Itinerary Suggestions
A well-planned itinerary can bring the Jazz Age to life. In Louisville, a city rich with Gatsby-esque history, start your day with a walking tour of Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby Museum. For groups of 15 or more, special immersive experiences can often be arranged. In the afternoon, take a Historic Old Louisville Walking Tour to admire the stunning Gilded Age mansions from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, which evoke the grandeur of Gatsby's world. This blend of equestrian history and architectural splendor creates a perfect backdrop for your themed escape.
Tips for Travelers
To elevate your trip, delve into the local history. While staying in the Louisville area, a visit to the Seelbach Hilton Hotel is essential. At the Old Seelbach Bar, not only can you enjoy a classic Seelbach Cocktail, but you can also join one of the complimentary history tours often hosted by historian Larry Johnson, who brings the hotel's storied past—and its connection to Fitzgerald—to life. When booking your accommodation, make a reservation at Pillow and Paddock well in advance, specifically requesting the Gatsby Suite to ensure your stay is fully immersed in the theme from start to finish.
Conclusion
As the centennial of The Great Gatsby dawns, the novel's power to inspire and enchant remains undiminished. Its world of lavish parties, whispered secrets, and impossible dreams offers a perfect template for a modern getaway that is anything but ordinary. By moving beyond simple event attendance and curating a personal journey, you can create a truly memorable celebration. Whether you're exploring the real-life Gold Coast mansions that inspired West Egg, sipping a Seelbach Cocktail in the very hotel Fitzgerald frequented, or finding a hidden speakeasy behind a bookcase at Pillow & Paddock, you are actively participating in the novel's legacy. This anniversary is an invitation to plan your own perfect Gatsby getaway—a weekend dedicated to the glamour, romance, and enduring mystery of the Jazz Age. Let the green light guide you toward an unforgettable experience.
