We'll be celebrating our 10th anniversary this October - over Columbus Day weekend. Grandma is taking care of our kids - it will also be our FIRST vacation with out the kiddos! We have 4 nights, 4 full days (leave Friday or Sat, return Tues or Wed). We'll leave from the DC area - we don't want to go too far. Up to 4 hours, flying direct.

Our thoughts - leaf peeping in New England (but too crowded), Florida? SC (can you go to the beaches in early October?), possibly the Caribbean, but only if the flights are pretty cheap and direct from IAD.

Money is almost no object (won't say NO object, but for 4 nights, we're willing to splurge).

Love to hear your ideas! THANK YOU!!!

That is the PERFECT time of year to visit Charleston. The beaches are uncrowded and the air is perfect. You can stay in the Historic District (Harbourview, Chaleston Place, Mills House and Holiday Inn HD all get good reviews) and drive a short 20 minutes to Sullivans Island. For a special celebatory dinner go to Peninsula Grill or High Cotton. Take a romantic carriage ride around the battery at night. Sweet!

It is the perfect time to come to New Mexico! Sunny blue skies with bright sunshine and cool crisp evenings just perfect for a fire to snuggle by! It is also the last weekend of the International Balloon Fiesta where there are over 700 hot air balloons. http://www.balloonfiesta.com/

Ancient cultures abound, with wonderful food.

Fly non stop from BWI to ABQ on Southwest, it is a breeze. Lot of beautiful B&B's or hotels to stay in, either in Santa Fe or Albuquerque.

Thanks for the Charleston recommendation!
What about the islands off the coast of SC or GA?
(And thanks for the NM suggestion, but I think it's just too far!)

This is pretty much the perfect time to go anywhere, including Europe.

I have been to all of the places mentioned at that time, and they are all wonderful.

Given your parameters, I would go to Charleston in a minute.

Charleston has barrier island beaches within 20 minutes of town: Sullivans, Isle of Palms, and the fun and funky Folly Beach.

FWIW - BWI to ABQ nonstop on Southwest is 4 hours.

I have to say, having been to that balloon festival, it should be considered. NM in the fall has the best smell ever-roasting chile. I am Southern born and bred, and the smell of the ocean air and marsh will never be far from me, but that chile will make you happy.

I've gone swimming in the ocean in SC as late as my birthday (the last week of Sept.) It is quite likely it will be warm enough to take off your shoes and splash around in October. There is some chance that it will be colder (but not as cool as DC.)