So, we have frequent flyer miles to use, and 7 days at the end of September to use them. We can go pretty much anywhere in the U.S. or Canada. We are two adults in our later forties with no kids who enjoy a wide variety of types of vacations - from beautiful nature scenes and light hiking to exploring new cities, browsing shops, etc.

Just curious, where would you go if it were you?!

I'd pick someplace I could fly non-stop.
San Francisco/Napa?
Montreal/Quebec City?

For Great nature in the fall I'd pick Banff/Kananaskis in Alberta , Canada or out in Ontario. (Cottage country) I'm a bit biased though, I got married six years ago Sept. at Elbow Falls in Kananaskis.

I second Quebec City/Montreal. Both beautiful cities, and nice in the fall. I would also check out a Portland/Seattle double city trip.

Old Quebec City

Ashville North Carolina

Napa Valley and Sonoma County wineries

Phoenix, Sedona, Arizona and the Grand Canyon

Las Vegas

Portland Oregon and the Pacific Coast

There are so many beautiful cities and areas in the USA it is hard to choose just one.

Vancouver Canada, up to Whistler, across to Vancouver Island and then up to Tofino, one of the most beautiful places with great food!

Santa Fe

Great ideas here! I would just add that that's usually a good time of year to visit Chicago.

"It's late September and I really should be back at school..."

Sorry, I couldn't resist - if nothing else at least I topped this for you.

I would go to Hawaii - for the fodors GTG in Honolulu on the 20th.

7 days at the end of September to use them. We can go pretty much anywhere in the U.S. or Canada.

Colorado (Aspen, San Juan Mountains in SW, Crested Butte etc) and northern New Mexico (Santa Fe, Taos) for the aspens, different cultures from Philly and the east coast. Fly in to Albuquerque or Denver.

Or Banff - Jasper in Canada ... those would be my first two choices that time of year for "beautiful nature scenes and light hiking"

No sense in going to Hawaii, then, if it is too late for the GTG.