New York group promotes 'Gold Coast' mansions

GARDEN CITY, N.Y. -- The operators of some of Long Island's Gold Coast mansions are trying to make it easier for tourists to see the stately rooms and gardens that housed some of the country's wealthiest people.

The Gold Coast Mansion Alliance is launching a marketing campaign, similar to the Newport Mansions in Rhode Island. The goal is to attract worldwide publicity, encourage tourism and film productions at the sites.

The alliance features a new website that lists some of the Gold Coast mansions that are open to tourist visits.

The mansions include Oheka Castle, Old Westbury Gardens, Eagle's Nest-Vanderbilt Museum, Planting Fields-Coe Hall, Glen Cove Mansion, Sands Point Preserve, and Chelsea Mansion.

The website also features a page about "Historic Homes for Sale, " a list of Long Island tour guides, and an events calendar that will be updated monthly.