My wife and I are trying to generate ideas for a vacation in North America in late October. We can take about ten days. We like to ramble, that is rent a car, drive around and see places off the beaten path. Also like visiting cities, walking around, seeing the sites and interesting little known places, and eating at good restaurants or on picnics. Resort vacations and cruises are not for us. Both of us are professionals, late 30s early 40s, no kids. Budget $2,000 - $3,000

Last good long US vacation was 7 days split between Napa, Carmel and San Francisco. Also enjoyed week in Orlando for Disneyworld for our honeymoon. Have made similar trips together through Spain and Portugal, France, and Italy.

Any ideas? Thanks.

Either New England (Maine, Mass, Rhode Island) or southwest (New Mexico & Arizona) come to mind! Depends on what type of scenery and weather you're after.

Seems to me New England would start to feel a little nippy in late October. I'd suggest you drop further south...and perhaps explore Savannah and Charleston (wonderful cities, both of them), and some of the islands along the SC and Georgia coast. (assuming there are no hurricanes brewing, of course). Western North Carolina and Western Maryland are also lovely areas for a follow-your-nose-and-discover driving vacation, including the Blue Ridge Parkway. Happy travels!

I would have to second the vote for the southwest. The Grand Canyon is a breathtaking. And driving through New Mexico and smelling the roasting chili peppers is a fond memory of a previous visit. I'd also consider ending your visit with a night in Las Vegas, since it unlike anyplace else you'll ever see.

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You didn't say where you're starting from and what kind of weather you're interested in. I love So. California in the fall. It's not too cold or warm and the kids are in school so a 10 day vacation with the weekend in the middle would be a great time to visit. If you like different things try the Holocaust Museum in LA. Venice Beach, Newport Beach. Disneyland is a lot smaller than Disneyworld and a lot easier to get around and see all of in 2 days. A drive up the coast from San Diego to Monterey is one of our favorite vacations and can be done within your budget. Be sure to stop at the Madonna Inn in San Luis Obispo for lunch or breakfast. It's wonderful there. Solvang is a neat place to visit also.

Have a great trip.

Thanks for all of the suggestions so far. My wife and I are supposed to talk on Tuesday evening about ideas. Any more suggestions between now and then are greatly appreciated. I think one of the ideas she will propose is Seattle and Vancouver.

Ken, we will be travelling from Houston. As for preferred weather, no snow, with acceptable temps anywhere from high 50s to low 80s. Not many opportunities to drive in the snow here. And snow was one reason my wife's family moved to Texas from Ontario when she was five.

I have always thought a road trip in a convertible from San Diego to Settle would be fun. I remember the travel channle doing a series on great U.S. roads. Other than Hwy 1 in California, anyone remember what the others might have been. Also, what about southeastern Canada (Montreal, Toronto, and Ottawa) and northern New York (Niagara Falls).

Again, thanks for all the help.

If you're considering Canada/Niagara area, there are several options. Would you be flying in to Toronto or Niagara? I'm assuming you're not driving from TX. If starting from Canada, I would head for Niagara on the Lake and also some wineries there. By the falls there are some local attractions [butterfly conservatory, for example], and the falls are worth a visit. If you want some scenic spots in north western NY, I'd recommend Letchworth Park, the Finger Lake region, and also some old sights of the original canal system, which weave through that area. In Letchworth Park the Glen Iris Inn overlooks the falls there, and is a very peaceful place for walks or drives. Too bad you couldn't do this trip a couple weeks earlier, when the fall folliage is in full color!

TTT

If you're interested in the Pacific Northwest, with Seattle as a starting point a couple of suggestions...Whidbey Island, the Anchorage B&B is very nice,good views, good food. The island is easy to explore.
The Olympic Peninsula. If you stay at or near Port Angeles there is a ferry to Victoria, BC everyday...we went over on the 0830 trip and came back on the 3 p.m. trip and had a great time walking downtown Victoria. A outstanding B&B near Port Angeles is Colettes http://www.colettes.com
The Olympic National Park offer a lot