My husband and I will be attending a wedding in Manhattan in mid-October and would like to extend our trip by a few days. Where could we drive to from the city that's scenic that time of year and is relativily close? We'll be traveling with our 8-mth old so the shorter the drive time the better!

Definitely drive up the Hudson Valley that time of the year. It's beautiful anytime of the year, but even better then with the foliage, which will almost be in full array at that time.
If you want places to visit, here are some suggetions:
*Kykuit (the Rockefeller Estate in Pocantico Hills, next to Tarrytown)
*West Point
*FDR's Home and the Vanderbilt Mansion in Hyde Park
*Storm King Art Center (featuring Calder mobiles on the many acres)
Even if you don't want to stop because of the toddler, it is still a beautiful way to spend a day or two....just driving.

You might also consider the Cloisters, right here in ole Manhattan. Great views of Palisades and the fall foliage. Also Bear Mountain State Park is around 1 hour north of the City. the drive up the Palisades Parkway is beautiful. Further north is also great, but with an eight month old closer may be better.

Chester, NJ is also beautiful at that time of year. It looks like New England, and there are antique stores and a couple of good restaurants, and all the places are decked out for Halloween. I first discovered it when I went pumpkin picking out there. It's a bit of a drive, maybe 45 minutes, but well worth it (as are the other places mentioned here.)

The mention of the Palisades Parkway is a good one - it can be reached from Fort Lee in NJ just over the George Washington Bridge. It's open to non-commercial traffic only and has several scenic overlooks with great views of the Hudson - further up where it joins Rte. 9W there are more spectacular views. If you choose to stay on the east side of the river (Kykuit or the FDR estate), consider taking the Taconic Parkway. I believe it's reached from the Saw Mill River Parkway and it's similar to the Palisades in that it's just auto traffic and is in a beautiful, woodsy environment of rolling hills. You should be there at a good time for the turning leaves and will be (hopefully!) truly spectacular scenery.

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