any particular driving route from St. George to Zion to Bryce that is more scenic or interesting for first time visitor?
how is autumn color in early november? any advice or avoids for food, lodging, and gen'l travel appreciated.

There is only route to take from St. George to Zion to Bryce.

I-15 north to Rt 9 towards Zion/Hurricane.
Zion to Bryce - continue on Rt 9, to Rt 89,

At Zion, I always stay in the town of Springdale, immediately outside the entrance to the park. Lots of hotels there. My go-to is Cable Mountain Lodge which is 2min walk to the pedestrian entrance to the park. Most of the year you cannot drive into Zion Canyon unless you are staying at the Lodge, and need to take the in-park shuttle. You pick that up at that pedestrian entrance.... I don't know about November, but since Zion is popular year round you should be prepared to ride the shuttle.

At Bryce you should be prepared for deep winter cold any time in November. Daytime highs would be well above freezing, maybe even "warm", but overnight temperatures will likely be as low as the single digits (F). Zion is at a lower elevation, but the tall canyon walls block any direct sun from reaching the valley floor that time of year - prepare for deep cold there as well.

You are too late for fall colors--they will have peaked in October. You can click on my user name for trip reports to zion and Bryce. Also search here--lots of trip reports and queries where people have answered your questions.

You could have snow at Bryce . . .