Looking for ideas - trying to keep it to 4 days or so - from the Annapolis, MD area so we don't want to be flying all day.

Some ideas I am thinking of for places that we've never been are New Mexico area, Montreal, possibly a cruise to Bermuda out of Baltimore (we've never done a cruise).

Areas we love are low-key w/beautiful scenery - Key West, Akumal, St. John USVI, Nantucket, Kiawah S.C, Lake Tahoe....we like hiking, bike riding, snorkeling, local shops, wineries and dining. Not big on night life...just wanted to try someplace we've never been. Any ideas are welcomed!

For our 10th anniversary (10 years ago) my husband surprised me with a great trip to Santa Fe. Sounds like what you like and I think there is a hot air balloon festival there in Oct. May be more people then but how beautiful. We loved Santa Fe.
If you think about Montreal, check out the weather. We were there in Oct one year and it rained a lot. Not great when you want to walk everywhere. Congratulations!

I was thinking Santa Fe as well.

The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta that Joniellen mentioned takes place the first week in October.

Lee Ann

Have you considered Vermont and or New Hampshire? If you are thinking early October, the foliage will be at it's peak. Fly in to Manchester NH,and drive up to the White Mountains, which have some of the best hiking in the east. Or fly into Burlington and stay at a farm b&b in the Green Mountains. From here, you could even do a day trip to Montreal. If you're thinking later October, you may want to go a little further south like the Berkshires of Mass.

Montreal in the beginning of October is a good destination. I wouldn't go there after mid-October. New Mexico any time in October is a fabulous destination

Have you considered Quebec City? Gorgeous in the Fall, very romantic and European feeling.

Bermuda. You can fly USAIR from DCA and be there by noon. No major time change. You can hike or bike the Railway trail. Take a horseback ride on the shore at daybreak. No wineries, sorry, but there are good wine lists at some lovely restaurants. Four days would give you a good taste of the islands. Bermuda is another world, enjoy!

I knew cmcfong would recommend Bermuda! I would, too. I have discovered it only recently, but now I can't stay away! I think a cruise there is a waste of time that you could otherwise be enjoying the island. USA3000 is a discount airline that flies from Baltimore to Bermuda. Don't know what the fares are like, but I'm always trying to get my MD relatives to go with us.

Right you are, cantstayhome. It seems to me the perfect fit for their criteria. I never suggest it to anyone who is looking for great party scene, lots of drinking, etc. But for an active four day trip out of Baltimore, it is perfect. I didn't realize the service went out of Baltimore. Lucky you! I use Greensboro airport and the fares for my trip in Dec are sky high.

cmcfong - my airport is unfortunately Boston, so I've never actually been able to use USA3000. Hoping some of our family members who live down in MD will some day, though. Hoping JetBlue will start direct from Boston. Our only choice is Delta all year, Delta and US Air in the summer.

As a side note, would like to check out the Outer Banks at some point, so will likely be visiting the Greensboro airport at some point in the future.

GSO would be too far away. You will probably do better to fly into RDU (Raleigh-Durham) or Norfolk and drive from there. GSO is really mid state. It is a great base for seeing Old Salem, but that is about it. Very expensive airport because of the low competition. However JetBlue is coming to CLT and RDU. Oh happy day!

spent seven of the best years of my life on Newbury St. I envy you Boston.

I'd avoid planning a trip anywhere that could be hit by a hurricane in October. My husband and I had an anniversary trip to the Bahama out island in November cancelled a few years ago because of a major hurricane. Very disappointing.

If you'd fly to New Mexico, would you consider wine country in California. Seems like a long way to go for a 4 day trip though.

What about the Finger Lakes? Should be lovely there in October.

Thanks for all the ideas...Bermuda is beautiful...I've been there before w/my parents buy hubby hasn't. I think I'm leaning toward Santa Fe area...sounds nice and different!