Happy Thursday, friends!
Well, I hope you’re in a pumpkin-y mood because today’s post is EXTRA fall-bulous!
Leading up to Kensington’s birthday in September, she kept trying to figure out how to celebrate Sweet Sixteen. We went back and forth with a lot of ideas until she finally said she just wanted to take Ebby Lee and go see some leaves.
Um, yes please!
Kensington has always been the kiddo who loves “to go” on her birthday. Two years ago, we celebrated 14 with…
…a very “fall” birthday at Walt Disney World. When she turned 10…
…she wanted to take Ebby Lee to New York City for her birthday…
…and how SWEET it was to take these same two besties six years later back on another birthday trip 🙂 . I cannot even begin to describe how SPECIAL it was to travel with these two girls.
We planned around their schedules and landed on their Fall Break as the perfect time to go (especially if we wanted to see the foliage). Kensington had a few specific requests on this trip. She wanted to eat clam chowder every day (easy!), wear sweaters, and she knew she wanted to visit the Conjuring House (her favorite movie) and Salem too (hello Hocus Pocus!). We landed on a trip to both Rhode Island and Massachusetts to check every box. Andrew and I had visited both places before and knew these girls would love it.
On Saturday morning, we woke up early and flew from Dallas to Boston…
…we rented a car and drove over to grab lunch at Yankee Lobster before our 90 minute car ride to Newport.
You guys, Yankee Lobster is one of my favorite places to eat.
We had the most BEAUTIFUL drives on this trip. Photos and videos would not do it justice, but oh my goodness, the trees were SPECTACULAR! I know it varies a little each year, but I really feel like we nailed the foliage for 2024.
We arrived at our super cute hotel in Newport (pumpkins make me so happy), checked in…
…we had two rooms next door to each other. Oh so lovely. I wish I would have taken more pics of inside this hotel because it truly was beautiful. We enjoyed the breakfast area, the rooftop bar, the downstairs bar and dining area, the outdoor yard…it was all so gorgeous.
After we checked in, we walked right to the heart of Newport…
…oh Newport, you are SO CHARMING!!!
I just could have stayed forever.
Everywhere we went, it was fall amazingness after fall amazingness!
We all did a little shopping at my favorite influencer’s store too! I love me some Kiel James Patrick!
Our hotel even looked lovely at night.
The four of us headed back to regroup and then headed off to a delicious dinner…
…where she got her second bowl of chowder for the day along with yummy oysters and more. Dinner at White Horse Tavern did not disappoint!
Considering we left our house at 4:45 that morning, we were happy to head back to the hotel and crash that night. Day one was such a super success!
More sweater weather pics to come 🙂 .
I hope you all have the BEST day, friends! I’ll see you back here tomorrow! xx
Elspeth says
What a beautiful first day! New England is gorgeous in the fall!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Elizabeth Feldpausch says
Traveling with just one kiddo is always such a special treat!!!
Sheaffer says
How special! Loved following along on insta and seeing all the pics of the girls!
Susan Jeffries says
You have made me want to travel the east coast! I haven’t been further than NYC and Buffalo(: This east coast trip was just added to my list for us next fall! Happy bday to your oldest!
Julianne P says
I saw you and Andrew outside Cooke House. We were there to see my son while he is studying at the Navel War College. It was beautiful weather weekend
Mix and Match Mama says
Ohhhh! I’m sad I didn’t get to say hello!!! I hope you had a wonderful visit.
Laura says
I love how much you are able to have special time with each kid! Halloween decorating with Smith, the Fair with Madeley and Ashby, and this trip with Kensington!
Kristen says
Newport is so charming! What a fun way to spend her 16th! Does K have plans to tour colleges in Boston!? She seems to love the NE life!
Mix and Match Mama says
There are a few in particular, but there are a few other places as well that she’s interested in. It’s an exciting time thinking about all of these future *things*.
Grace says
The food looks amazing! The weather seemed great. Looks like a wonderful trip!
Jami Romano says
So special 🙂
Natalie Alvarado says
I’ve always wanted to visit New England in the fall. Newport looks so charming! 🍁❤️ Continue making memories with the ones you love.
Amy says
I always dread when the weather gets cooler, but your love of Fall makes me not dread it as much! Thanks for always being a pocket full of positivity on the internet!
Aimee Thiele says
And now Newport in the fall is on my bucket list! 🙂
Mix and Match Mama says
In my opinion, move it to the TOP!
Patty says
Newport any time of the yr is amazing. Fall is lovely Christmas is magical, spring is gorgeous and summer is so fun! Looks like a great birthday trip, no better gift than precious memories made.
Betsy says
Looks like yall had a great time! We were apparently in Newport on the same day y’all were! We were traveling for my daughter’s 13th birthday—started in nyc then went to Newport! The weather was AMAZING! I love having a fall baby to celebrate!
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh my goodness, I’m sad we didn’t see each other!! I LOVE that your girl wanted a similar birthday experience too!!
Anneka says
That looks so fun. I’m glad Kensington had such a lovely trip to celebrate her birthday!
Misty says
I love that she wants to travel as her celebration. I have a few that prefer that as well! It looks beautiful, I definitely want to visit Newport
Erika Slaughter says
Ebby Lee had so much fun!
Mix and Match Mama says
We all voted, and she’s in on the rest of our vacations 🙂 . We LOVE traveling with your girl!
Jill says
An area of the country I can’t wait to visit. Your posts over the years will help with my planning.
Mix and Match Mama says
Yay!!! I hope you go and have the BEST time!
JULIE BARBER says
Where did you get your purse?
Mix and Match Mama says
It’s from Louis Vuitton!
Amy D. says
What a fun filled first day! 🙂 I’m so glad you all had a wonder-fall time. 😉
Sarie says
I love Newport! I went to college in RI and I would skip classes on extra-beautiful days, take the bus to Newport, and just walk around and take it all in. Thanks for bringing back lots of great memories. 💜
Jessica says
I’m taking my oldest to NYC in a couple weeks for her 10th bday! We are meeting her best friend and her mom from the state we moved from a few years ago. SO excited to show her the city! I miss having really little kids but also loving the age of experiences over things. 🙂
Mix and Match Mama says
Ohhhhh! Enjoy every single second!
Lindsey Smith says
What a fun birthday trip!
Kristy says
I love it! You can’t show me too many pics! Are you going to share the KJP treats?! I’m heading to Annapolis, Maryland to visit my college son and can’t wait to see the leaves and the ocean.
Mix and Match Mama says
All three of us girls bought sweatshirts. Mine says New England, K’s says Happy Camper and EL’s has the cutest dog on it.
Erin says
You will not see the ocean in Annapolis, it is on the Chesapeake Bay. If you want to see the ocean you’ll have to drive over the bay bridge and then a couple more hours to the coast. But Maryland is beautiful this time of year- enjoy!
Yvonne says
I love Newport! One of my besties lives there near the Breakers, We love to visit this time of year, it is so beautiful! I love how quaint it is and the foliage never disappoints! Happy sweet 16 Kensington, thank you for sharing your birthday with us! 🍁🎃🍂
Faith Kapp says
My husband and I just returned from our first trip to NE states. The colors were gorgeous! I had clam chowder twice myself and it was so so good! I grew up on the coast of NC eating fresh seafood but NE chowder is better! I’m making notes for our next trip!
Laura Elizabeth Fredlund says
Can’t wait to read more! What a great choice Kensington made! Happy birthday to her 🙂
Stephanie Snyder says
Doesn’t it just make your heart so happy that Kensington is such a Fall lover too?! What a perfect birthday trip. Love love love!
Mix and Match Mama says
She is very much my girl 🙂 .
Candi says
Do you have a link to your brown boots?
Mix and Match Mama says
I love them SO MUCH!! I wore them all day long yesterday too. https://shopstyle.it/l/chd9m
Penny Giesecke says
Posts of your travel are my favorite. What a special birthday for your daughter and her best friend. I look forward to the sequel!
Kacey says
It’s the BEST time of year to visit here! I love that I get to soak in all of the New England Fall goodness each and every day. I couldn’t live anywhere else! If you’re ever here around Christmas, the mansions are all decked out and even more gorgeous than normal – a must visit =)
Side note: I was just looking at the Vanderbilt spa for a little day of relaxation. Looks like a gem!
Melissa says
This looks like a perfect trip!! Adding this to my list for sure!
Ashley P says
This is perfect timing- we are leaving in 20 minutes when the kids get home from their half day of school for a road trip to Providence, RI to visit my sister! Can’t wait for all the fall things.
Mix and Match Mama says
No way?! I hope you have the BEST time!!!
Beverly says
This was on Pioneer Woman, 7 ways to preserve Fall leaves. Hopefully you collected some beautiful fall leaves on Kennsington’s birthday trip. https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/home-lifestyle/crafts-diy/a61679763/how-to-preserve-fall-leaves/?source=nl&utm_source=nl_pwm&utm_medium=email&date=101724&utm_campaign=nl37084594&GID=ed712816bca6293f8f365203cb53f244ad1360fb4bef1e9669f0f4bb2ce26410&OO=&utm_term=TEST-%20NEW%20TEST%20-%20Sending%20List%20-%20AM%20180D%20Clicks%2C%20NON%20AM%2090D%20Opens%2C%20Both%20Subbed%20Last%2030D
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank YOU for sharing!!
Amy says
How special!! I love that Kensington chose such a special trip for her sweet 16! I love seeing all of your travels and making lists of where I would love to visit next. I am going to see the leaves in Shenandoah National Park this weekend, and moving Providence, RI up the list!! Love following along with your life Shay! 🙂
Mix and Match Mama says
I hope you have the BEST leaf peeping trip!!
Jill says
This is so special. What a SWEET memory this will always be for the girls.
Amy B says
What a fun birthday trip! Ten years ago my husband and I took an anniversary trip to Boston, and I fell in love with New England. Now I’m adding this location to my list of places I want to check out next!
Thank you for sharing the beautiful photos.
Holly C. says
Newport is so magical…. your trip looks fabulous!!!
Jenny N says
It looks like an awesome trip and it’s only day one!!
I have never been to the east coast and now I want to go really bad! I am googling Newport right now although I really want to visit Boston also, and I want to eat lobster everyday while I’m there!!
Nikkie F. says
What a fun trip! Happy sweet 16th Birthday, Kensington 💕 She is turning into such a beautiful little lady! All the kids are growing up too fast!!! Enjoy these special trips 💖
Tamara R says
What a wonderful sweet 16 trip! I just love Newport, RI, it is very special place for Mike and I. I need to go back soon! I have never heard of KJP but looking at the website, I want it ALL!!
Marisa Patel says
All of your stories make my dreams of visiting the NE so much bigger! My husband has been making me wait because he has seen a lot of it already and he does not like the cold ;-(
Carissa says
Aww what a special way to celebrate! Newport is beautiful! Hope the year ahead is the best one yet for your girl!
Jeanette says
The scenery and food looks amazing!! What a special way to celebrate your daughter’s birthday.
Marci says
What a fun trip! New England would be perfect this time of year!
Emily S. says
Shay, I have a question for you. How do you help decide/guide what length skirts K wears? My husband and I are having a hard time finding a balance between letting our (twin!) daughters wear whatever length they choose (similar to K’s length of jean skirt here) because we want them to have autonomy over their own bodies and choices, but also want to ensure it’s “long enough” if that makes sense, without deciding for them!
Mix and Match Mama says
My mama always let me be me, and so I’m trying to embrace that too. When they were little, I would share with you that my girls always wore Monkey Bar Buddies under everything (you can find their website online), and rest assured, they still do wear something similar.
Laura Holmes says
I love taking special trips with just one kid at a time. Such a fun way to celebrate them!
Deb says
What a fun birthday trip! I love the Northeast in the fall and spring!
D Jackson says
What a fun trip to celebrate her milestone birthday!! That is a trip I want to do one day too as I have an October birthday! This year was out because my son just got married this past weekend! Maybe next year! Happy Birthday to Kensington!!
Kathleen mcleod says
Heading to Newport tomorrow and o can’t waiy’
Mix and Match Mama says
Eeeeeks! Have so much fun!!
Alicia says
Hi Shay! Heading to Newport this weekend for a girls trip, any restaurant recommendations?? As always, love your daily posts!
Mix and Match Mama says
Yay!!! I’m so jealous!! I highly, highly recommend White Horse Tavern!