Leaving on an overseas trip in two days. Haven't done my homework. Have 4 days in Boston from 29 October. First time to region. We are a couple, no kids. I was thinking two days in Boston then renting a car and travelling to ...not sure... then overnight at ...not sure...then late back to Boston Airport Hotel to fly out the next morning. Is there anywhere within an hour or two of Boston anyone could recommend for the "Not sures"? Interested in foliage, nice seaside locations, character towns. Would it be better to just have the four days in Boston? I am desperate for help. Thank you in advance.

Your best bet is to read past posts here on Fodors. Just search on Boston.

Oct 29 is very late for foliage, you'll have to head south, perhaps to Newport RI.

Wow, Barni, from some of your previous posts you seem to be on quite the adventure!

Yes, the leaves will be down in the Boston area, but leaves or not - Newport is gorgeous and fits the bill for seaside location with character. Be sure to walk the Cliff Walk and tour a couple mansions. This could be done as a day trip from Boston; I think it is about a 2 hour drive. Or it could be your "overnight" destination.

Another seaside location with a lot of "characters" will be Salem, MA on Halloween weekend (30&31). This is a really big deal, quite the mob scene, and a bit cheesy - BUT a rather unique American festival. There is a train that runs from Boston into Salem, but I have no idea of the schedule. Driving into to Salem on that particular weekend will be very difficult, unless you arrive early morning. Without traffic, it is less than an hour away. Be sure to visit the Witch Museum (not "House") and Hawthorne's House of 7 Gables. The Peabody Essex Museum is well worth a visit, as well.

Another option for an overnight is Portsmouth, NH. You could go up to Ogunquit or Kennebunkport, Maine on Day One, and turn around to stay overnight in New Hampshire. Then visit Newburyport, MA on your way back to Boston the second day. All these towns are quaint seaside locations with scenic points, and tons of shops. Portsmouth also has historic Strawberry Banke.

When in Boston, be sure to take the "Duck Tour." It is very entertaining, and will give you a good orientation of the city. I'd also recommend the NorthEnd (Italian) Culinery Tour and the Isabella Stuart Gardner Museum for uniqueness.

Hope this helps. Happy Trails!

Dreamer 2..thanks 2 you. Will take your advice regarding Duck tour and Newport. Decision made..Thanks and yes an adventure if I can ever get away from my work desk. Oh well have to pay for it somehow. Cheers.

hi--in the Boston area suburbs--*not* the far western areas--there will still be leaves on the trees. The reason I can say this with certainty is that several years ago, I had to be in the hospital for surgery and was released on Nov 4th. After 3 mights of this isolation, on the ride home I was overwhelmed by the colors on the tree. I am not saying every tree will be full but a very large number will still be beautiful!!

PS trees!! There *was* more than one.

I'm sure that trees have looked great on November 4 at least once, but the fact is that the foliage peak and finish vary a great deal from one year to the next, and this year is running about average, or perhaps even a little early.

dreamer2 covered all I was going to suggest except I'd add Provincetown off season is fantastic, rent a bike and go through a wonderful trail.

You might want to check out Marthis Vineyard in Cape Cod. If you enjoy seafood Cape Cod is definately a good choice. It's about an hour or so from boston. Or you might want to consider Whale watching if you've never done that type of thing or you can take the Ghost and Gravestone tour. You can go to www.ytbtravel.com/inlight and click on the sight seeing option in the extras tab to learn more about some interesting places. I was born in Boston. It's a nice place you just have to know how to find stuff. Hope I've been of some help

Salem is fun for Halloween but I wouldn't recommend an overnight- Rockport ( check in to a Bed and Breakast) gives you the beautiful Rocky Coast, great shops, or Newburyport, some great restaurants (checkwww.egullet for restaurants/ bars in New England)