My husband wants to attend a chair-making institute in Hampton next year, and there are several dates we could go. What about Oct.6. Is this a good time to see the fall foliage? Where should we stay, and what are some good restaurants?

Let him take the chair-making class in Hampton, but don't stay there. Normally October 6 would be a week early for peak foliage. I would stay in POrtsmouth.

If you want to stay at Hampton Beach, the Ashworth Hotel (ashworthhotel.com) is directly across from the ocean. In October most of the beach shops and hotels have closed for the summer. The beach becomes almost deserted. If you are staying in the town of Hampton, Lamies Inn (oldsaltnh.com) is very nice. They also have a great restaurant. The Galley Hatch is another decent restaurant. The foliage will be at peak in about a week from now. If you drive further north you can see pretty foliage now.

it would be much nicer to stay in either Portsmouth NH or Newburyport MA. Both have great restaurants and are about 15 minutes or less from Hampton. There would be more for you to do (walking around etc.) while your husband is making chairs (?). Lots of shops in either place. Portsmouth has some hotels and motels while Newburyport has a few B&Bs. Either way both are picturesque towns. You might be a bit early for peak foliage around here but if you could head up into the mountains it will be gorgeous--around here they are just starting to turn.
Either way enjoy your time in this area.

We stayed at Ashworth by the Sea a couple of nights ago - the beach was pretty empty, most shops along the waterfront closed. Not much fall color around yet (a few trees though). We thought Ashworth was way overpriced. I'd stay in Portsmouth next time.