Please help me. I will be in Washington DC towards the end of Sept. then plan to rent a car and just drive for a through New York, Vermont, where ever it takes me. HELP.... Give me helpful hits of what to see and where to go.... Thank you....

You didn't tell us what you like to do in your travels. Overall, I'd vote for New Hampshire, VT and even parts of MA, depending upon what your wanting to see. Can give more info if you e-mail back and let me know what you enjoy touring!

Go see the historical sites of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Palmyra and Fayette (near Rochester) and then hop on over to Niagara Falls.

While I agree that New England is gorgeous that time of year, upstate NY has its charms: I would recommend the "Finger Lake" district. Beautiful scenery, some wineries etc... My favorite is Skaneateles of course, having grown up near Syracuse, NY, but the lakes extend across a large part of the state and could be combined with other sites. The section of US Rte 20 south of Syracuse is a wonderful rolling "shunpike" that we refer to as the "Cherry Valley". Ironic... all I've seen growing there are apples! OH! That's apple season then, another reason to visit! The Adirondacks will be beautiful too. If you are doing Vermont, then Lake George, Lake Placid would be accessible, s well as the Ausable Chasm. If you decide on the finger lakes then the western adirondacks is more accesible.

Wendi, Western NY is beautiful in the Fall. Drive to a quiet and beautiful area called Chautauqua County. There is a unique community, Chautauqua Institution, there. It dates back to the mid 1800's, when it was established as a summer retreat for religious leaders. Chautauqua is now a thriving summer community where people come from all over the world to hear Operas, ballet, popular music and lectures. It is beautiful in the fall, because the many summer folk have gone, and guests can enjoy the beauty of this lakeside community.Other interesting places in Western NY are, Allegheny National Forest, where you can stay in camps, canoe, or bike on the trails. There are many Amish people living in the region, and you can vist the many shops in small towns like Connewango, and Chery Creek.Very Friendly people too!

Hi Wendi -

As yet another Syracusan I can assure you that fall is the best season to visit the area. You may need a jacket occasionally but weather is generally delightful. I lived in Ithaca for 4 years (Cornell Univ. is there) and highly recommend the Finger lakes region in general. Western NY is interesting but very spread out. Ithaca has many excellent restaurants, an outstanding art musum at Cornell and is adjacent to the state park at watkins Glen. Walking through the Glen is a MUST! Also consider driving up to visit Letchworth Park which is southwest of Rochester (about 90 minutes from Ithaca. Known as the "grand canyon of the east", it's an incredible sight at any time of year. From there I would suggest heading straight to Saratoga Springs and skip most of what's in between (I live there but a tourist hotspot it ain't!). Saratoga is worth an evening or day as a stopping point on the way to Vermont (about which I know little). Eat at Bruno's for the BEST wood-fired pizza you're ever likely to have (and not expensive) or try Hattie's on Phila Street for the world's best fried chicken (I'm dead serious about this - the owners Hattie and Bill retire and I haven't eaten there since then but I understand that the food hasn't changed). Have fun!