If arriving by car from New York/New Jersey area, you'll take 95 North into RI and continue to US Route 1, then RI Route 138 East toward Newport. Be prepared for two excitingly tall bridges! The distance from New York City or Mountain Lakes is roughly 4 hours.
From Boston, take 93 South to Route 24 South to RI Route 138. The drive is about 2 hours with traffic (and there is always traffic.)
If arriving by plane, we highly suggest flying into Providence's TF Green Airport, even if you have to connect. It is calm and easy. Several rental car companies are there. A second option is Logan Airport in Boston. Just keep in mind, it is big, crowded and the traffic heading south on Friday afternoon is a bear. The distance from TF Green to Newport/Middletown area is about 40 minutes. The trip from Boston Logan is about two hours.
Having a car is the easiest way to get around, but if needed, Uber or taxis are available from the airport.
More information is coming regarding a wedding night shuttle to/from hotels and Blithewold.
Accommodations:
First and foremost, please note that the Newport/Bristol area is a very busy wedding and tourist destination, so we urge you to book your accommodations as soon as possible.
We have a small block of rooms at two hotels in the Newport/Middletown area.
1) Wayfinder Newport, 151 Admiral Kalbfus Road, Newport, 401-849-9880. The following room block link is for Friday and Saturday night. If you wish to add more nights, please call them directly and request to get the Smith/Adams block rate. The direct link for Friday/Saturday nights is here.
2)The Pell Newport (JDV by Hyatt), 425 East Main Road, Middletown, 401-846-3555. This block is also for Friday and Saturday night, so please call directly if you wish to stay longer. The direct link for Friday/Saturday nights is here. When you click this link, you'll be brought to the homepage. Then click on BOOK in upper right corner. The block price will the be displayed on a King or Two Queen room.
If you'd like to find your own place, any hotel in Newport, Middletown, Portsmouth or Bristol will be within 20-30 minutes of the wedding events. There are many expensive or less expensive ones from which to choose. Probably the easiest way to find a place is to use Booking.com.
There are also airbnbs and vrbo rentals in the area. If staying in any of the four towns listed above, you will be close to activities. FYI, the Smiths and Adams will be staying in Middletown rentals near Easton beach (aka First Beach).