In mid-September, we're in Boston on business. We're taking a Friday to pick up our daughter from the airport in Manchester, and are wondering what scenic areas we could see driving from Boston, ending up in Manchester around 9 p.m., and returning within that one day? Thanks for any advice.

I'd head up to Lake Winnepesaukee which should be beautiful that time of year. I remember a hike we took in Alton Bay, Mount Major...medium difficulty and took about an hour to get to the top and was well worth the hike for the spectacular view of the lake area.

You could definitely make a day trip of this, Alton Bay is about 35 minutes further than Manchester I think...you could circle around the lake or see some other lakes in the region as well. Should be nice to be up around the southern tip of that lakes region around sunset, and then have just the right amount of time to get to MHT for 9pm.

in the southern part of the white mountain region is the old bridal path to west rattlesnake on squam lake. rattlesnake mountain is a low, 1,200-foot mountain with wonderful sweeping views of squam lake and farther south from its two summits. a relatively short hike and a moderate elevation gain, this was the first mountain my children climbed. we return every other year or so, because it is so breathtaking. this is our year. hope to see you there!

I would head up to Portsmouth NH for an early lunch. You could map out a route that includes Rt 1B thru Newcastle and a ride along the coast to see the private mansions in the Rye area. Then head to Concord NH via rt 4. You'll cross over Great Bay and see some lovely farmland as you approach Durham. The Northwood area is called Antique Alley because of the number of shops. Then take Rt 393 to Rt 93 for a quick trip to Squam Lakes area. Even if you don't hike, this is a beautiful area. You can get off at exit 23, go thru Meredith where you will see Lake Winnipesaukee and then head to Squam/Holderness and circle thru Center Sandwich. Our favorite place for dinner is the Homestead in Bristol. You'd still have plenty of time to get to MHT by 9pm. Wolfeboro is a beautiful town if you would prefer to circle the lake. Keep in mind that although Rt 93 is an interstate, it's a nice drive.

DFrosts's itinerary is lovely. Rt. 1A through Rye and into Newcastle is very unique. The Fuller Garderns and Seacoast Science Center are nice stops. Portsmouth, Meredith, and and Wolfboro would all be wonderful destinations.

Just remember that traffic into Manchester between 4m and 7m on a Friday will be heavy. And rush hour traffic heading North on Rt. 93 between Boston and Manchester on any Friday in September will be horrific.
Luckily, all the suggestions above will have you heading South by the time you have to pick up your daughter!

My recommendation would be to head to Portsmouth, park the car, walk all over, and find a nice place for breakfast. This is a beautiful seaport town (mostly brick) with all sorts of terrific shopping and dining. Then I'd head for Alton Bay, NH, a beautiful lakeside spot, for a look. From there, drive to Wolfeboro and walk around for an hour or so. Then, head to Meredith around the northern side of Lake W. More fantastic scenery, beautiful lakeside town. Small vintage shopping "mall" next to a lovely waterfall. There are any number of places to relaxe for snacks/lunch in Wolfeboro and Meredith, which you will just stumble along by walking all over, easily done in an hour or so. For a truly elegant dinner in a positively gorgeous place, the Bedford Village Inn in Bedford, NH is stunning. (See menus at their website.) Fine dining in the main dining room, more casual food/atmosphere in their Tavern. Total about 200 miles, 4 hours with no traffic and not including stops. Even if you didn't get started until 9AM, you'd still have plenty of time to explore along the way. At the times you'll be driving, there will be no traffic. And, all around the lake will be "quieter" because the summer folks are gone.

Or, if you get an early start and get to Wolfeboro by 11:15 AM, and the weather is favorable, a cruise around the lake on the Mount Washington (www.cruisenh.com) could not be more scenic and relaxing (lunch, snacks, beverages available on board).

Thanks for so much for all the great advice! I knew we were early for the fall color, but you've given us such a range of great suggestions and detailed recommendations on beautiful drives, hikes, places to eat (and even avoiding traffic)-- just the kind of advice we were hoping for. Now I've got to print it all out and study our map! Again, thanks for your help, and reaffirming my confidence in Fodors --the only other time I posted asking for advice (on Brazil I think) I got "flamed" for some inconsequential wording, and it totally turned me off. Thanks for taking the time to really answer my question!

I mentioned the Bedford Village Inn because it's just off Route 101 (as is the airport) and only 10 minutes/5 miles from the airport. So, if you inadvertently end up with lots of time to spare, this is a very nice place to spend it. Obviously, if you're short of time, you can just skip it and head for the airport.

elizhd, there's a little bit of color already. Right now it's just an occasional tree or a section of "swamp maples". I think djbooks had a good suggestion to be in Portsmouth for breakfast!

You could also do the North Shore: Salem has lots to see and do and Gloucester to Rockport is a wonderful drive.

Portsmouth for breakfast sounds great, as do all of these ideas. I'm hoping the leaves are changing even a bit--ANYTHING'll be beautiful compared to our California non-falls! Got AAA maps today and will start highlighting...thanks again.