ncounty

Everywhere is nice in September, IMO. It is the one perfect month. If you want to see foliage without crowds in late September, Park City, Utah is lovely. It is quiet so the fabulous restaurants probably have great two for one specials. San Diego is lovely year round and is also great that time of year but no foliage scene.

passportprincess

We almost always vacation in early September...off season, not so crowded. We did go to the Tetons one year and had snow. The workers start heading out in October, something to keep in mind on that choice. Kelliebellie's idea of going to Mackinac Island seems like something you might enjoy. We had beautiful weather there and combined the trip with a visit to Pictured Rocks National Seashore and Sleeping Bear Dunes. We drove up from Chicago with bikes on the car (no cars allowed on the island) but you can rent them there. The boat trip at Pictured Rocks is worth every penny. Another great place to go in the fall is Door County, Wisconsin. Or, Toronto/Niagara Falls...awesome and so much to do. The weather was just beautiful that time of year. If you like to hike and don't mind driving, the Utah parks are also outstanding. We're going to Zion in October this year...no changing colors and still hot though. Have fun planning!

claire_bluesky

We went to Zion last October. If you are looking for perfect weather, Zion is a wonderful choice. Also, it is not a busy time of year since most families w/children are in school. (Our schools began a week-long Fall break about two years ago, and we completely love it.) It is a good time to hike the Narrows since the water level is lower than other times, maybe just right.

Average Weather Link: http://tinyurl.com/5nuq6o
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If you are looking for fabulous Fall foliage, you should choose elsewhere. Many posters have recommended great Fall foliage destinations. I'll offer that my idea of a perfect view (easier to find in cabins) has trees up close as well as a distant mountain view. So colorful!
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We will be in NYC this Fall break!

GenuineKiwi47

Central Park looks fantastic in the fall. You could appreciate the autumn colors and then go shopping in downtown Manhattan. I took a photo of the foliage in CP, during my autumn holiday to New York and this can be seen at
http://www.flixya.com/photo/356562/G..._Park_New_York

claire_bluesky

I agree Genuine. That's where we spent our Fall break two years ago. Lovely photo.

Rhodesone

I am a born-and-raised Oregonian. My husband and I have done a lot of traveling, but I have to say that the late summers/early falls in the NW are the best. The weather is great...still warm from the summer, and skies are clear. And many years, the leaves turn early so you get an unbelievable landscape on your drives. You could meander through the Columbia River Gorge, which had gorgeous views; the Willamette Valley with rolling farm land and autumn trees...not to mention some of the best wineries in the country! And there is always Portland...a great city with charm and personality.

LvSun

West Virginia stated "West Virginia has just about everything except an ocean, we are a bit short of ocean this year."

Ah, but we do have world-class white water rafting.
http://www.visitwv.com/
http://www.newrivercvb.com/

WV is a great outdoor playground.
http://www.wvtourism.com/default.aspx

My fav area is Canaan Valley - and it's gorgeous in the fall.
http://www.canaanvalley.org/

mysecretvermont

I would not be scared off by reports of New England being crowded. I live in Montpelier, Vermont and we are truly not bothered by the traffic. If you go off on the back roads, where you really see the foliage, you will be on your own. Fall is a special time in Vermont - many things to do. Drive or hike to the top of Mount Mansfield, our tallest mountain. Visit a cider mill or a farm stand. Pick apples. Tour a New England town. You would not be disappointed. If you'd like more information about Vermont, visit my site, www.mysecretvermont.com

rapunzll

I second northern Michigan! There is a lot to see and do and it is so beautiful. I worked at the TCCVB for many years, and usually the colors are best the second or third week in Oct. Keep in mind though, that if you are going to be there on a weekend, that you should book a month or so out to be able to find something. During the week, availability tends to be better and prices of course are less!

sarge56

All wonderful suggestions. Personally, I love Portland/NW.

BUT, since you live in Colorado, I'd think you'd want to go someplace "different". Since you've never done the "deep south", I think you will be missing a great opportunity if you don't do southern Louisiana. It is definitely different!

You could base in New Orleans and do day trips from there, including tours of some of the most beautiful southern plantations you've ever seen. Then, there is the swamps and gator tours or a riverboat ride on the Mississippi. And a really beautiful place, and interesting to boot, is Avery Island (where Tobasco sauce is made). See website:

http://tabasco.com/tabasco_history/a...sland.cfm#targ

SO much to do and see, not to mention great food! (Try Copeland's..mmm good!) Of course, you'll have to try Brennan's, too. And how can you go wrong starting your day with beignets and coffee?

There are dozens and dozens of boutique hotels in this very sexy city. So, if you are looking for cozy, search this site for those. We last stayed at the Omni Royal Orleans, and they have a fabulous heated pool on the roof! (And of course a bar to go with it, as you must have a mint julep or bloody Mary to make the scene complete!) Here is there site:

http://www.omnihotels.com/FindAHotel...ighlights.aspx

New Orleans is fabulous and so is the surrounding area. (I also think it will be less expensive!)
And talk about romantic!!! OHMY!!! You'll love it!

Paula

GoTravel

I second beachdweller's suggestion of Charleston, SC beaches or stay downtown.

September and October are still summer for us but the oppressive humidity has gone away. Water temps still in the lower 80s which makes the ocean wonderful.

I'd split the trip and rent a house on Sullivan's Island or IOP for three nights and then stay downtown for four nights.

GeorgeW

The coastal Carolina beaches. The heat and humidity is down from the summer and the crowds are much smaller. October is the best time to go and I try to take in a week each year in October.

tcreath

I agree with the coastal Carolinas. If you decide on Charleston, it's an easy drive south to Savannah, another fantastic city that I personally favor over Charleston (although both are certainly wonderful).

Good luck and happy planning!
Tracy

chewy1

Born in Mich and live in NC....Northern Mich is fantastic. Leelanau Peninsula near TC is beautiful, as is the run from Charlevoix,Petoskey, up to Harbor Springs, and then the tunnel of trees road along the Lake Michigan coast up to Mackinac....(Leggs Inn is a must stop?). Definitely a fall vacation though as you'd be lucky to get high 60's...

The NC mountains are nice as well, just stay away from the more touristy areas like Blowing Rock and parts of the parkway. Brevard is great, Asheville's art district area, the Nantahala River area if you are in to rafting, etc.

As for the SC coast, Charleston is just a fantastic place. Incredible restaurants, cobblestone streets, carriage rides, and great barrier islands 30 mins away. Historic area and homes are just really fun to tour in horse and buggy. Guides are usually great. Two Meeting St is probably one of the best B and B's in the country. Restaurants...McGrady's, Hominy Grill, High Cotton, Magnolias, Blossom Cafe...just hard to make a bad choice.

For my money, Kiawah Island is just spectacular. Whether you rent a villa on VRBO, or stay at the 5 star Sanctuary, it is just about the most relaxing place you can find. No high rises, tons of wooded bike trails (really can bike almost everywhere), and great beaches. It feels nothing like the hotel/tourist type islands along most of the east coast. Weather that time of year would likely be 70 to 80 or so, and you can ride into Charleston for dinner or a day shopping excursion. Just can't go wrong there in my opinion.

chewy1

Didn't see your part about Wilmington....its nice, just think Charleston has more to do. If you're looking for a beautiful but quiet beach, Figure 8 Island near Wilmington is very exclusive, all residential, some of the clearest water and lightest sand on the east coast, same thing for Bald Head Island south of Wilmington. Bald Head is a ferry ride, very self-contained, awesome beaches, and no cars....all golf carts. Great place if you don't need 100 things to do. There's a couple dining options, a gourment market, bar, etc.