Welcome to Newport

Newport is a quaint little town that is an expensive seaside getaway in the summer months. While it is lovely in the summer (and worth a visit then too), the nice part of visiting Newport in the fall is that the crowds have started to dwindle and the ocean air is extra crisp. The Amica Newport Half Marathon takes place the second Sunday of October which coincides with Columbus Day holiday weekend. While living in Providence between 2011 and 2013, I made the trek to run this Newport race three years in a row—a testament to it as a quality race.

Where to Stay

Chances are good that you will have to drive to Newport because it is not easy to get to. (There is a bus from Providence, but it is long and slow.) If you are coming from a distance, you’ll fly into TF Green Airport and rent a car from there. To be walkable to the race starting line and all of the sites in Newport, the ideal place to be for the weekend is south of Old Beach Road, north of Ruggles Ave, and west of Thames Street. There are a number of Airbnbs in that neighborhood ranging from $130-$200/night but they book up early. Make sure the place has parking available because finding a spot in Newport can be a challenge.

About the Race

This is a popular race because the views are outstanding. The first half of the race takes you downtown and through residential neighborhoods, while the second half is on Ocean Drive from which you have panoramic views of the ocean and mansions along it. The only downside of this is that it can be chilly and windy along the ocean in October, so plan accordingly. (Course map)

**Day 1. Arrive, Walk the Cliff Walk and Visit Mansions**

Saturday

I recommend arriving in Newport on Saturday morning, the day before the race. On the first day, stretch your legs on the Cliff Walk and visit two of the iconic Newport Mansions.

11:30 - Arrive in Newport. Make a first stop for lunch at Cru Cafe (A). Try to find parking around there, but know you’ll be leaving your car for a few hours. (If you have an Airbnb nearby, consider dropping the car there.) Generally the side streets offer the best availability for parking.

12:30 - Head next to the Easton's Beach Rotunda (B) to pick up your bib (open 12-6pm).

1:00 - Walk to the entrance of the Cliff Walk (B), a well-maintained three-mile seaside walkway between the ocean and Newport’s most beautiful homes.

1:30 - After about 25 mins on the Cliff Walk, you’ll come to the first stop, The Breakers Mansion (C) (open daily 9am-5pm). First, ogle that this used to be the Vanderbilt’s “summer cottage.” Then walk around the building to the front to go in for the audio tour. Buy your ticket online in advance. Select the “2 House Ticket” which gets you into the Breakers plus one other mansion ($32).

3:00 - After the tour, get back on the Cliff Walk until the Marble Ave exit. Take a left on Bellevue and arrive at the Marble House (D) (open daily 10am-5pm), another Vanderbilt home. Use your “2 House Ticket” to tour the home and grounds.

4:30 - From the Marble House, head north on beautiful Bellevue Avenue back to where the car is parked. Stop at the Stop and Shop (E) for pre-race grocery shopping.

5:00 Check into the Airbnb. Cook, eat, and rest your legs after putting some mileage on them today.

**Day 2. Race and Recover on Thames Street**

Sunday

Race day! In the morning, fill your lungs with ocean air as the race route takes you miles along the coastline. In the afternoon, explore Newport’s downtown on Thames Street before a seafood dinner overlooking the water.

5:45 - Wake up and eat breakfast (for us, instant oatmeal and a cup of coffee). Walk to the starting line on Easton's Beach.

7:30 - Race! Enjoy the views of Downtown Newport, Fort Adams park, Ocean Drive and Bellevue Avenue mansions.

10:00 - Celebrate your finish with a light post-race snack. Head back to the Airbnb to get cleaned up.

11:30 - For brunch, head to Corner Cafe (A) (open Mon-Wed 7am-2:30pm, Thu-Sat 7am-9pm, and Sun 7am-4pm) which unfortunately doesn’t take reservations. It’s going to be a popular spot this weekend so you should try to get there early, and you may need to put your name in and wait. (If the wait is unbearable, nearby Belle’s Cafe (B) is another option.)

1:30 - After lunch, walk the length of Thames Street. There are dozens of shops along the way that are fun to poke into. On your way, meander in and around Commercial Wharf and Bowen Wharf (C) along with other wharf streets. Check out the Armory Antique Marketplace (D).

3:30 - At the end of Thames Street, stop in at Thames Glass Glassblowing Studio & Gallery (E). Call in advance to schedule time to make your own glass. While I’ve never done the “make your own”, I think it sounds awesome. In just ten minutes you can make a Christmas ornament ($38)!

4:30 - Mosey back down Thames Street. Stop in to have a drink outside at @the Deck (F) if it is unseasonably warm, or inside at the Brick Alley Pub & Restaurant (G). @the Deck has a nice view, but skip the food. Brick Alley has better food, but I’d still hold out until dinner if you can.

6:00 - Splurge for dinner at The Mooring Seafood Kitchen & Bar (H) (open 11:30am-9pm daily, until 10 on Fri and Sat), with views overlooking the harbor. Make a reservation in advance. After dinner, call it a wrap on the day and head back to the Airbnb.

Sleep in and depart Newport. Stop for breakfast on your way out.

11:00 - Check out of the Airbnb. If you are heading to TF Green Airport or Boston, you’ll likely be routed through Jamestown, RI. Make a stop for breakfast there at Slice of Heaven (open 6am-3pm except closed Tue).