Acadia National Park during Fall Colors. If you go to Yellowstone go early September.

Zion National Park the middle of October for the maples at higher elevations or first week in November for the cottonwoods on the valley floor. Take Utah 12 off US 89 for viewing the cottonwoods along the the canyon bottoms while driving high above on the way towards Escalante.
Blue Ridge Parkway in late October to early November. Avoid during the weekend. There is a section of the road closed about 18 miles north of the Folk Art Center just outside Asheville requiring a lengthy bypass however.

If you would like a town to visit in the SE, then I would suggest Charleston. That will also put you in close proximity to good beaches as well as some Plantations & awesome food.

A whole week? Me = Jealous. Wannabe's suggestion of Charleston is good - you'll get the southern flavor and the beaches.

I still wouldn't rule out the NC coast - Wilmington, Wrightsville, Southport, Bald Head Island...early Autumn is a perfect time to hit those places. Good food, nice beaches and plenty of little towns to discover. Plus it's less crowded at that time of year.

Best in the south you ask?

No question about it (wannabeinamontserrat has it right):

Charleston SC. Hands-down, the best single travel destination in the South. Great beaches are nearby, but Charleston itself is a fantastic little city, with loads of preserved history (a rarity in the south) and loads of outstanding restaurants.

What does it mean when everyone says that the NE is packed in the fall? Traffic jams? We want to relax -- would it not be worth it? Spirobulldog mentioned Acadia Nat'l Park -- would we need a car for the island? Is there enough to do for an entire week?

NC beaches sound great! I've been to 42 of our great states, but never to the south. Will labor day weekend and the week following be packed? Will the water still be warm enough to swim in?

Regarding Whyoming, which would be "better" -- Jackson Hole/Tetons or Yellowstone. Or all 3? There is soooo much hype about Yellowstone, why does it over shadow the Tetons? Being from Colorado, have I basically seen the Tetons?

Anyplace where there are leaves changing color, NE, the Smokies, etc. there will be hordes of people (although more in October). The NC beaches are awesome in Sept./Oct. & the water is plenty warm into November, typically. Of the places you have mentioned, you'll need car. The only place you may not need a car would be the city. The only city that we have really mentioned is Charleston, but for a week long stay, you'd still need a car. Gekko mentioned NYC as well, no car needed there. Curious about your being to 42 states but never the South, is that even possible ?

NC beaches are perfect in September (water is definitely swimmable). Kids go back to school 8/26 in NC and while you'll find an increase in traffic for Labor Day, it won't be as crazy as the weeks leading up to it in August.

Well, I have been to Florida. But not NC, SC, Georgia, Louisiana, Alabama, Vermont, Alaska, and Hawaii. So I guess not the "deep" south.

NC sounds amazing. I am going to look into it. Michagan too.

Thanks for everyone's help! Any more suggestions are very welcome too!

San Francisco and environs in September is pretty darn hard to beat. I'd consider it.

environs??

I'm loathe to share this "secret," but September is the best month of the year to visit San Diego. All the tourists visit in the summertime, but the "June Gloom" (marine layer of clouds along the coast) has often extended into July. So with the overcast and the crowds, summer isn't a good time. In September, kids have gone back to school, so crowds have all but disappeared, but the weather is absolutely gorgeous, and the ocean water temperature is near its warmest point.

Have fun!
Mike
My travel blog: www.stricklandia.com

Are there nice beaches in San Diego? Is the population of the city overwhelming for a vacation?

Try West Virginia. It is not as far to go as New England and just as beautiful! There are B & Bs all around the State with wonderful scenery, knowledge of fairs, festivals and activities, attractions, best restaurants, and shopping. See covered bridges, arts and culture, mouth-blown and hand-blown glass, train rides for color or driving tours to see it. (Psst - don't tell anyone but the lodging rates are less in WV than NE - for highest quality lodging at inns who are members of the MountainState Association of Bed & Breakfasts.) West Virginia has just about everything except an ocean, we are a bit short of ocean this year.

Having grown up in Kalamazoo, Michigan (southwest Michigan), I can verify that the area is absolutely gorgeous in the Fall. We would always drive out in the country near PawPaw, past the wineries, apple orchards for fresh cider, and piles and piles of pumpkins. Roadside stands full of indian corn and squashes. Think canopies of maples, oaks, red sumac...pretty pretty pretty!

Why not come to New Orleans. October is pretty much past hurricane season, the humidity is down. There is so much to do here. The food is fabulous, beautiful museums, great walks. And we need the tourism!! It's much less expensive than other cities as well. We are up and running and know you would have a fabulous town. We are close to many plantations, and the some of the Mississippi Gulf coast is up and running as well. COME!

Yes, environs.

1. the surrounding parts or districts, as of a city; outskirts; suburbs.
2. surrounding objects; surroundings; environment.
3. an area or space close by; vicinity.

I think Michigan sounds really nice.

I always love Boston in October (grew up there). It's wonderful about the second week - you may be there for the leaf change and they host a really fun sculling competition on the Charles River. College sculling crews come from all over the U.S., outdoor food vendors, etc. It's also a quick drive to Vermont, Maine or New Hampshire from there!

I'll second the motion for New Orleans, too (live here now). The city is absolutely beautiful in October. We have a world class zoo and wonderful museums, incredible food and hotels and more to do than you could imagine (and I'm NOT talking about Bourbon Street!!!!)

I've gotta agree with kelliebellie's suggestions for Michigan in September. The perfect time to see the fall colors in the North. If you make it up to Mackinac Island and have the time, head a tad farther north into the Upper Peninsula and check out Tahquamenon Falls--the copper color of the water combined with the gorgeous fall colors in the trees is fabulous!