We are going to a wedding in Boston on Oct. 10 and we are flying into Manchester on Oct. 8. We want to enjoy some leaf viewing and New England style towns for the two days before going to the wedding. So confused after reading, any suggestions where we should go for 2 nights - up to the White Mountains (maybe Franconia) or the Peterbrough/Monadonock Region - any suggestions?

Both areas are beautiful. Peterborough is closer than Franconia from Manchester. The route to Peterborough is very nice with plenty of quaint New England fall scenes and cute towns along the way. Peterborough is a lovely area with a well established art community. By Oct 10th, the leaf colors should be very good in the Peterborough area.

I would vote for Peterborough as the drive alone makes it a more pleasant destination. Getting up the to the White Mountains is all highway.

Reply with any questions.

Jaya's suggestion also makes sense since you wouldn't have a long drive to Boston. If you choose the Monadnock area (NH's quiet corner), throw out mapquest, etc. and plot a drive from MHT west on Rt 101 to the quieter roads to Peterborough. Otherwise you will probably be directed thru Nashua.

Another idea would be to stay in Concord NH, do a day trip to the mountains. Although it is highway all the way if you take the direct route, it's actually pretty along many parts. It depends on what you want to do at night. There are usually things going on in Concord on Thurs and Fri nights (i.e. Gibson's bookstore frequently hosts authors on Thurs nights, several locations have music, and the new Red River Theater has great movies including independent films). Visit an apple orchard and/or Canterbury Shaker Village (at least drive by the village).

You could combine lake and mountains by staying in Meredith on Lake Winnipesaukee. The lake is practically in the mountains. Meredith is pretty but very busy so I would expect downtown traffic congestion on Friday night. Wolfboro would be quieter. Don't miss driving thru Center Sandwich and the Squam lakes area. Wonderful back roads. Take a boat ride on the Mt Washington or a train ride. Might be some traffic around Center Sandwich because of the Sandwich Fair but it's a small agricultural fair.

Thanks so much for your quick response. My main concern with the Peterborough area was the leaves but your saying that the leaves should be in full color alleviates my concerns.

Not the "quiet corner"...the "undiscovered corner" If you would like to stay in a B&B, check out www.nhlodging.org for options (it's the Monadnock Region's B&B association website).