I would vote w/the Santa Fe, Taos people--altho I should disclose that I am not familiar w/NO or San Ant, but DH loves them both. Northern New England will be past peak for color at that time, altho areas closer to Boston should still be pretty close to peak, which in the Boston area usually coincides--more or less--w/Columbus Day. Now that does not mean that VT, NH and ME are not nice at those dates, just past peak for foliage.

PS to Scarlett--you sound very familiar w/these New England environs!! Did you ever live up here or just fond memories of visits??

Go to New England (I was going to suggest New York as Central Park in October is lovely, but that is out), the foliage is lovely and the air is crisp. Get a warm coat and drive to Maine and stand on the rocks and watch the sea crash onto the shore against a deep blue sky with a riot of autumn color in the background, makes you feel alive in a way little else can .... sigh ... what the hell am I doing in Chicago?

Also agree with New England, but point out that the peak leaf color north of Cape Cod (i.e. Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire) has (usually) come and gone by late October. So if the fall leaf colors are going to be a prime reason for your visit, concentrate in southern New England, there's plenty to see and do there that a week won't be enough to cover it alloston, Cape Cod, Newport, Mystic, etc.

Vittrad, you're right, Central Park is gorgeous when the leaves turn-we were there a few years back and I was pleasantly surprised. We'll I think it's NE, with Boston, if we stay stateside. All the options are so tempting though but the timing seems perfect for the fall foliage (at least it should be.) I'm definately keeping this post for future trips though. Now I just have to get my husband to decide whether we're staying in the US or going abroad. (Ever the negotiator, I have to let him know his options and then he gets to pick -- ah the joys of marriage

I know that everyone has pointed out that mid October is past peak season for New England, but it is an absolutely stunning place during that time of year. It has been more than 10 years since I have visited Boston and New Hampshire but I would love to go back. The colors are not as vibrant but the Blue Ridge Mountains are also a good place during that time of year. I like Blowing Rock North Carolina and Asheville NC. They are very quaint areas with beautiful mountains and charm. Asheville is like a small city or with many cultural things to do as well as the Biltmore House and Gardens. Blowing Rock is a small town in the mountains with parks nearby including Grandfather Mountain. It is a stunning area to visit.

HI swalter518--well if you decide to go to Europe, then a whole new array of choices present themselves!!

depends on where you are from. october - the south west is great. crowds gone from national parks, are you active meaning hiking, biking, etc.? moab, utah laid back? san diego, new england also nice. also southern utah, springville, st. george area. southern az, tucson, tombstone bisbee the outbanks of north carolina, just watch out for hurricanes. cape cod, quiet that time of year. possibilities are endless.

October is prime tourist time in NO so don't expect to find any bargains on lodging. Just an observation in case budget is a factor.

"Peak" foliage season in New England can fluctuate by a week or so, depending on weather and moisture. Obviously, the farther north, the earlier the color starts. Even if things aren't quite peak, it's still lovely. However, after the colors are gone and the leaves drop, it gets drab. For your timeframe, I would suggest southern New England if you're going for foliage and it shouldn't be as busy as earlier in the month. Rt. 2 from Boston to the western part of MA could be lovely then and you could hit all the historic sites along the way - Lexington, Concord, Minuteman Natl Park - and then out through the Mohawk Trail (foliage may be a bit past in the higher elevations) and then down through the Stockbridge area into NW CT. Have fun wherever you wind up.

a week in october - phoenix, sedona, grand canyon - sounds perfect to me.