I'm looking for some travel suggestions for early October. My wife celebrated the 20th anniversary of her 30th birthday in May so we're looking for a getaway for a week. We don't really have any rules other than we want to avoid international (really overseas) travel due to her 78 yo mother staying with our 12-year old son.

We're looking for relaxation - sip coffee and read in the morning, grab lunch, do a short excursion close to where we're staying, and eat a great meal. We're not opposed to a city somewhere as long as it's easy to get out for said excursions. And we don't want to change hotels more than once.

She's also said numerous times she wants to visit a place that looks like it's from a Hallmark movie. I assume that means smallish, quaint, manicured, etc.

1. Considering another trip to the Northeast, though instead of Maine, which we've visited twice in the fall, splitting time between Cape Cod and upper Vermont, like Stowe. Any experience here? Will the Cape be shut down early October? How is Stowe vs Burlington?

2. Also considering using Seattle or Vancouver as a launching pad, though truthfully I've done very little exploring of WA outside of Seattle and none in Vancouver.

I appreciate the feedback.

MSC cruise did one in June was amazing.

My answer is always going to be Costa Rica. Assuming you're in Texas, the flight there is about 3 1/2-4 1/2 hours. October is the rainy season, but usually a great month of weather for Puerto Viejo on the Caribbean side. Beaches, excursions, nightlife, and Koki beach restaurant to celebrate that special date.

Since it is the rainy season in almost the entire country, that is the time that I have found very reasonable flights.


If you want to stay in the US, I am looking towards Lake Tahoe.

I think you're on the right track, but I'd also throw Virginia into the mix.

Cape Cod + Stowe would be a great trip. Early October is great on the Cape. It's much quieter than summer, but most restaurants and shops are still open. Between Stowe and Burlington, I'd pick Stowe if you're after that classic New England/Hallmark feel. I've sent quite a few families here and it's been nothing but high praise. Fall foliage there is hard to beat!

The Berkshires is another great option in this general region (Lenox & Stockbridge)

Middleburg, VA is worth a look. It's horse country with beautiful scenery, historic inns, wineries, and a really charming downtown. Great cafes and restaurants.

If you go the Seattle route, I'd definitely use it as a jumping-off point rather than spending the whole week there. Places like Whidbey Island, Leavenworth, or the San Juan Islands would be good for what you're looking for.

Happy to share some hotel recs if any of it stood out! Feel free to reach out with any questions.

Telluride in OCT is pretty cool.

We are headed to Sedona in October. We were supposed to go this past week, but with the wildfires we decided to postpone. This will be our 4th trip to Sedona and we definitely recommend visiting. Small town, great food, great views and awesome hiking trails. October is considered the best time to visit, but that also means it will be more crowded and expensive. We have gone over spring break twice and once last July (very hot, but mornings and evenings are very nice), not crowded at all and very affordable.

Also in the Northeast, you should consider New Hampshire. 2nd week of October is peak fall leaf viewing season. Wife and I stayed in a small Air Bnb in Bartlett. Spent several days looking at leaves, covered bridges and small little towns.

White Mountain NF is beautiful that time of year.

Sedona is just amazing. I'm fortunate to live close and it never fails to deliver.

Mackinaw Island

Ocracoke Island, NC

Mendocino, CA

I am also trying to decide on a mid-October vacation spot to celebrate a birthday…..similar criteria as OP.
We are thinking of going up to Boston/Salem for a few days.

Have you thought of Quebec City? Or staying in old town Montreal?

If stateside, look at the Omni Mt Washington in New Hampshire. It's historical, stunning, and you could take the cog to the top of Mt Washington. Lots of easy going stuff to do in the area as well.

Santa Fe, perhaps? Stay at the La Fonda on the Plaza or Inn of the Anasazi.

Walk to shops, restaurants, wine bars, galleries, museums, etc.

Hiking opportunities nearby.