I almost forgot . . . if you want to be sure you are getting foliage, make sure you don't go until at least the end of September. They have had a wet summer so the foliage might be delayed a bit this year. For amazing views, take the Kangamangus highway up in northern NH. It isn't a short drive, but it is lovely. The town of North Conway (way up at the top of the state) is a cute small town and I can highly recommend staying at Nordic Village nearby. I haven't been there in years but I remember it fondly.