So I've convince my DH to plan a trip for October 17-23 (a week). For the first time, I'm stumped as to where to go. Any ideas? We've been to NYC and Fla. alot so they are off the list. We'd like to have decent weather but beach weather isn't necessary (we're not big beach goers). Thanks in advance for your ideas...

New Orleans in Oct is nice.
Ditto San Antonio and Phoenix.

I love NO and my husband's never been there...is there enough to keep us busy for a week there or in San Antonio? I don't see us as big Phoenix people since we don't like dragging golf clubs on vacation. Am I missing something else to do there?

There is definitely enough to keep you busy in NO for a week. When my husband and I went, we spend a week and were already thinking of returning for another trip on our journey home. In addition to the things in NO itself, there are interesting side trips you can take. We took 2 organized tours - one swamp tour and one plantation tour. Next time we will likely rent a car and take a couple days to explore the countryside.

Another good option would be the California coast. Generally we have really nice weather in October and it is past the main tourist season so you don't have the crowds. You probably wont have swimming weather, but it should be really nice for sightseeing, beach combing, and hanging out.

The pacific northwest would probably be great too.

There is more to do in NOLA than drinkin' and eatin'....or so I've been told! :-"

We did Big Cedar Lodge just south of Branson MO a few years back and I'd go back there in a heartbeat. Leaves just beginning to turn when I left.

As J Corr sez, the Calif Coast in Oct, esp SF area is usually VERY nice.

We went to New Orleans late September last year, not for a full week, but I'm sure we could have kept busy for a week. We visited the D-Day Museum (highly recommend), went on a swamp tour, visited the flea market, had the requisite visit to Cafe du Monde for cafe au lait and beignets, as well as the fabulous muffuletta at the Central Grocery. Made our deposit at Harrah's. Went to a Sunday Gospel Brunch at House of Blues. Went to Mulate's for dinner and enjoyed the cajun music and dancing. Pat O'Brien's, which I enjoyed on previous visits, was too full of smoke and I had to leave. Loved our night at Snug Harbor for jazz. Didn't visit any antebellum mansions this trip, but enjoyed doing that on previous visits. Shopped, ate and enjoyed!!

We haven't been to San Antonio for a long time, but we had a great visit there. Loved the Riverwalk, rode in a barge, ate al fresco and went to The Landing for jazz. Visited the Alamo (formerly a mission) and the four other missions. Had lunch at Market Square, walked through La Villita and stopped in at the Little Church. It was a very good trip.

October is said to be the best month to visit Mendocino, California, a wonderful town in its own right, with terrific food, the ocean, wineries, fabulous scenery there and nearby.

Any flowers or gardens to see left in New Orleans in October? Here in New England about all that's left are the mums. Also, how is New Oleans for an individual woman tourist? - safe? willing to seat you in a restaurant? etc?

A road trip through New England to see the foliage, fairs, etc.

I second the suggestion for a trip to New England. There is nothing like a drive down a country road with trees ablaze with fall color..the air smells like woodsmoke, walks through leaves , good food in a nice restaurant then coming out to a brisk fall night.
Sigh, can you tell I miss that sort of thing ?

How about the Charleston SC to Savannah GA area? There is so much to see and do in either location; or stay in between somewhere and see both!!

one thing to keep in mind, october is hurricane season and sometimes new orleans gets affected. chances are not but, it is a consideration.
if you think you'd find a week too long and like to gamble, you could do 3 nights there, go to biloxi for 2 nights and return to new orleans for the final days.

Ahhhhhhhhh...California Gold (and Wine) Country!!!

Fly to Sacto drive up to Grass Valley/Nevada City then all the way down Hwy 49 to Coloma, Hangtown (Placerville), Sutter Creek, Jackson, Angels Camp, Sonora, Mariposa then cut over to Hwy 99 and scoot on back to Sactown.

Stops along the way, besides the trees turning, will be some up and coming wineries in Placer, ElDo, Amador, Calaveras Counties....If you're into "antiqueing" a LOT of little shops.

Such great suggestions. We did the Ca. Coast, Wine Country and Pac.NW a few years back -- they were great trips but DH wants to do something new before we go back. I'd love to do Savannah and Charleston but it doesn't appeal to my husband. (I've been to Savannah and loved it!) How soon would we need reservations for a New England trip?

How about Montreal/ Quebec City and
eastern Canada - different country and culture/ beautiful scenery - Oct may be too late for fall foliage- not sure-
have some relatives who did the Canadian fall foliage last year and raved about the trip - and way less traffic than the American version

You guys are the best with all these suggestions! Montreal/QC sounds great too! I've gone from no good ideas to too many! Keep 'em coming please!

October is my most favorite time to visit Santa Fe, NM. And I also agree that it is a beatuiful time to visit New England.

Swalt: if you enjoy country music how about Nashville? Then just south of the city is the Jack Daniels whiskey tour. Lots of shopping.

Santa Fe and the area around like Taos has enough to do as well as Arizona (Scottsdale, Sedona, Phoenix). October is pretty nice in both places

New England! How far ahead you will need to reserve, depends completely upon which towns you choose and what type of lodging you desire. For the romantic bed and breakfasts with fireplaces and jacuzzis, in towns that are popular in New Hampshire, Vermont, some parts of Maine, etc., it's not too early now. For less luxury lodging, or less popular towns, you've got plenty of time.

Ottawa, Ontario Canada...

I was there last year the week of October 14... what a lovely small city! Breathtaking architecture and the fall foliage was in PEAK color. Brilliant oranges and reds... just breathtaking. We drove over the bridge to Quebec and scoured Gatineau Park. You can tour the Parliment building, the art gallery, enjoy jazz at the Fairmont Chateau Laurier... or better yet stay there! Just a beautiful romantic city!