This October, I was invited by my friend Hoàng-Kim of Color and Chic to go on a fall road trip of a lifetime with Lexus. We got to test drive their newest luxury vehicles while taking in the beautiful fall foliage across New England. I have never visited the area, so I was excited to cross it off my travel bucket list. In this post, I wanted to share the 3-day travel itinerary of our fall road trip with Lexus.

3-Day Fall Road Trip Through New England with Lexus

3-Day Travel Iteniary from Rhode Island, Boston, Maine, Connecticut, and New Hampshire.

Day 1: Travel from Atlanta to Providence, Rhode Island

After landing in Providence, we took a car to The Chanler at Cliff Walk, a very well-known hotel in Newport Beach, Rhode Island. It was located right off the Cliff Walk and the property had a beautiful 180-degree view of the beach below and the sea. From here, you can walk the paved Cliff Walk along the coast to The Breakers, a historic vacation home owned by The Vanderbilts.

Things to Do in Newport Beach:

1. Tour the Newport Mansions: Newport is home to several historic mansions, including The Breakers, Marble House, and Rosecliff. These opulent homes offer a glimpse into the lifestyle of the wealthy families who once owned them.
2. Visit the Cliff Walk (in a Lexus, of course!): This scenic 3.5-mile walk offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Newport Mansions. The walk is free and open to the public, and visitors can start at either end.
3. Explore Fort Adams State Park: This park is home to the largest coastal fortification in the United States. Visitors can take a tour of the fort, hike the trails, or enjoy a picnic with stunning views of the harbor.
4. Stroll along Thames Street: This lively street is lined with boutique shops, art galleries, restaurants, and cafes. It’s a great place to shop, dine, and people-watch.
5. Sail on a classic yacht: Newport is known as the sailing capital of the world, and there are plenty of opportunities to take a sailboat tour or rent a classic yacht. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of the coastline and learn about Newport’s rich sailing history.

We had dinner at Cara Restaurant inside The Chanler, which was a private chef-prepared 5-course meal. This is one of the nicest restaurants in the area, so it’s great for a special occasion like your anniversary or birthday.

Day 2: Drive from Newport Beach to Kennebunkport, Maine.

On the second day we headed out early to drive to Kennebunkport, Maine. Some of the girls went to Salem to do the Salem Witch Trial Tour, but Hoàng-Kim and I decided to head to Boston for the day to grab lunch with a friend and shop in the area. The girls who went to Salem said it was very crowded, so do make note of that if you plan to visit in October, which is likely their busiest month of the year.

In Boston, we ate at Contessa located in the Newbury Hotel, and I highly recommend it! We all ordered the spicy lobster rigatoni, and it was one of the best plates of pasta I’ve ever had. Reservations are recommended for lunch and dinner. After lunch, we walked along Newbury Street and popped into a few of the luxury stores. It was nice to stretch our legs before continuing our journey with Lexus to Maine.

For this portion of the road trip, we drove the new Lexus RX 500H in a gorgeous Copper Crest color, which fit right in with the beautiful fall foliage of the area. I drive a very basic Honda CRV, and I’m not going to lie this trip made me want to consider upgrading sooner rather than later. The Lexus vehicles had so many updated features that were not only luxurious but also made driving the car much safer! I loved the adaptive cruise control that adjusted to traffic speed and predicted steering, especially while on the highway.

We left Boston late afternoon and did hit some typical Boston traffic on our way to Kennebunkport, Maine. As we headed North, the fall foliage became even more beautiful. The town of Kennebunkport was so charming, I wish we had more time to spend there and I plan to make another trip back.

We stayed in the Historic William Jefferds House and it was so charming. Although it was a historic home, the interiors were very modern and updated with really cute decor.

What to do in Kennebunkport, Maine

1. Take a scenic drive: The fall foliage in Maine is renowned for its beauty, and Kennebunkport is no exception. Take a drive along Ocean Avenue or head north to enjoy the vibrant colors of the leaves.
2. Visit the Maine Coast: Explore the coastline by taking a walk along the rocky shores or taking a scenic boat tour. The fall weather can be a bit chilly, so make sure to bring warm clothing.
3. Go apple picking: Maine is known for its delicious apples, and many local orchards offer apple-picking during the fall season.
4. Enjoy a fall festival: Kennebunkport hosts several fall festivals, including Harvest Fest and the Kennebunkport Festival of Lights. These festivals offer a variety of activities, including food, music, and crafts.
5. Visit a local farm: Many farms in the area offer fall activities such as hayrides, corn mazes, and pumpkin picking. Check out the Pumpkin Patch Trolley at the Seashore Trolley Museum for a unique experience.
6. Visit a historic site: Kennebunkport is rich in history, and there are several sites to visit, including the White Columns Museum and the Seashore Trolley Museum.
7. Enjoy local cuisine: Kennebunkport is known for its seafood, so be sure to try some of the local specialties, such as lobster rolls or clam chowder.

Overall, Kennebunkport offers a variety of activities to enjoy during the fall season. Whether you prefer outdoor activities, festivals, or exploring local history, there is something for everyone.

Related: The Best Knee-High Boots for Fall

Where to Eat in Kennebunkport, Maine:

1. The White Barn Inn: This is one of Kennebunkport’s most renowned restaurants, offering an upscale dining experience in a historic setting. The menu features fresh local ingredients and innovative dishes.
2. Earth at Hidden Pond: This farm-to-table restaurant is located in a beautiful wooded setting and offers a unique dining experience. The menu changes frequently based on what is in season, and the food is creative and delicious.
3. The Boathouse: This waterfront restaurant offers stunning views of the Kennebunk River and a menu featuring fresh seafood and other local ingredients. The outdoor deck is a great place to enjoy a drink or a meal in the summer months.
4. Salt & Honey: This cozy restaurant is located in the heart of Kennebunkport and serves up delicious comfort food with a modern twist. The menu features creative dishes made with local ingredients.
5. Alisson’s Restaurant: This casual eatery has been a Kennebunkport favorite since 1973. The menu features classic American fare, including seafood, burgers, and sandwiches.

We ate at Hurricane in downtown Kennebunkport. I ordered the lobster clam chowder, salmon, and pumpkin creme brulee for dessert. Everything was delicious, even the fresh sourdough bread served before the meal arrived.

Day 3: Scenic Drive through  Kancamagus Highway to Concord

This drive was on my bucket list because I have seen so many beautiful photos of it on Instagram! Unfortunately, it rained the entire drive so we didn’t have great visibility for the overlooks, but it was still filled with beautiful color along the road.

For this part of the trip, we drove the new Lexus LX, which is a bigger vehicle with a third row. Again, I was so impressed with all the luxury safety features and I was much more confident driving through the mountains in the rain because of that! I also loved using the Lexus interface with a 12.3 inch touchscreen display. It was easy to see the navigation as we explored through Kancamagus Highway and we even pre-saved spots along the route we wanted to see.

The Kancamagus Highway is a scenic drive that runs through the White Mountains of New Hampshire, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Here are some of the best scenic spots to visit along the Kancamagus Highway:

1. Sabbaday Falls: This beautiful waterfall is located just off the Kancamagus Highway and can be accessed via a short, easy hike. The waterfall cascades down a series of granite steps, surrounded by lush forest.
2. Rocky Gorge: This scenic spot offers views of a narrow, rocky gorge and a series of cascading waterfalls. Visitors can park along the highway and take a short walk to the viewing area.
3. Kancamagus Pass: This high mountain pass offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. Visitors can pull off at several scenic overlooks to take in the panoramic views.
4. Lower Falls: This popular swimming hole features a series of cascading waterfalls and crystal-clear pools. It’s a great place to cool off during the hot summer months.
5. The Flume Gorge: This natural gorge features towering granite walls, a cascading waterfall, and a series of boardwalks and bridges that allow visitors to explore the area. The Flume Gorge is located just a short drive from the Kancamagus Highway.

Once we arrived in Concord, New Hampshire, we checked in at Hotel Concord in downtown and met the crew for a farewell dinner at O Steaks and Seafood at The Hotel Concord. We had early flights home the next morning so after dinner, we packed up and reflected on such a wonderful trip with Lexus.