Photo: © Robert Dennis / Kennebunk-Kennebunkport-Arundel Chamber of Commerce
Imagine all the colors of fall—scarlet, gold, and russet—with sunlight filtering through the trees. Now add the deep blue of the Atlantic as a backdrop, and you have the Kennebunks in autumn.
The Kennebunks—Kennebunkport, Kennebunk, and Arundel—truly shine in fall, when cooler temperatures, gorgeous scenery, and plenty to do make this one of the best times of year to experience coastal Maine.
Fall From a New Perspective in the Kennebunks
Start outside. Get out on the water, whether it’s on a boat tour or in a kayak, and take in the changing leaves along the shore. The crisp air and brilliant foliage offer an entirely different perspective on a coastline that has been drawing visitors for generations.
Prefer to stay on land? Rent a bike or walk the many wooded paths created by the Kennebunkport Conservation Trust, Kennebunk Land Trust, and Arundel Conservation Trust—hundreds of acres waiting to be explored. Around every bend, you may find another quintessential Maine scene: a weathered barn framed by fiery maples, a quiet salt marsh, a winding river, or a glimpse of the ocean through the trees.
Savor the Season
Of course, fall in Maine is meant to be savored, too.
Stop for a warm cup of coffee before setting out for the day. Find a cozy spot for lunch, sample a local craft beer or cocktail, or settle in for an unforgettable dinner. The Kennebunks’ nationally recognized dining scene ranges from lobster enjoyed within sight of the water to creative farm-to-table cuisine and sophisticated fine dining. And fall brings its own flavors to the table, as chefs make the most of Maine’s seasonal harvest.
Then spend an afternoon exploring Dock Square in Kennebunkport and Lower Village in Kennebunk. Browse locally owned shops and galleries filled with fine art, jewelry, clothing, home décor, and handcrafted gifts. Without the heat of midsummer, autumn is made for wandering, taking your time, stepping inside somewhere that catches your eye, and discovering something you didn’t know you were looking for.
There’s history around every corner, too. The grand homes of sea captains and shipbuilders recall the region’s maritime past, while Cape Porpoise remains a working fishing village where generations of families have made their living from the sea.
Follow the coastline, and you’ll pass Walker’s Point, the iconic summer home of the Bush family, dramatically situated on a rocky peninsula overlooking the Atlantic. Framed by brilliant fall foliage and deep blue water, it’s part of a scenic drive that feels especially spectacular this time of year.
And when you’re ready to slow down, you can do that here, too. Find a chair overlooking the ocean, book a relaxing spa treatment, linger over dinner, or simply watch an autumn sunset turn the sky shades of pink, orange, and gold.
Perhaps that’s the real secret of fall in the Kennebunks. You don’t have to choose between a quintessential New England foliage getaway and a coastal Maine vacation. Here, you get both.
Come for the brilliant colors. Stay for the food, art, shopping, history, outdoor adventures, and unmistakable coastal charm.
And let the Kennebunk-Kennebunkport-Arundel Chamber of Commerce help you plan your visit.
Discover the Kennebunks this fall, where the colors of Maine meet the coast at GoKennebunks.com
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The Kennebunks offer a timeless coastal escape, where working fishing villages, world-class restaurants, charming shops and galleries, and luxurious inns meet the rugged beauty of Maine’s shoreline. With plenty of space to explore the outdoors, unwind and reconnect, the Kennebunks invite visitors to experience the best of Maine’s coast.