Fall activities + scenic views + history + kid friendly

You might consider Asheville, North Carolina, and the Blue Ridge Parkway. The highest mountain east of the Mississippi is Mt. Mitchell, an hour from there. The largest private home in the US is Biltmore House and Estate; it's open to the public (not inexpensive, though), and it's a heck of a place. Take a look at their website. Not sure how much the kids will like the main house, but there's also a barn with animals and kid-friendly demonstrations. There are 2 hotels on the estate but they are $$$. Plenty of lodging at all price points around town, though (but prices might be elevated during "leaf-peeper" season, not sure). Asheville also has a nature center, arboretum, and science center. Probably some historic stuff too, though offhand I can't think of anything. There are probably orchards as well, but again, not sure about that. I don't know about the coffee, either, but if you go to Asheville, don't miss French Broad Chocolates. They have a shop/cafe in the middle of town, or you can go to their factory and take a tour (there's a cafe there too).

Well we have everything on your list here in the PNW! I'm not sure when you mean, by "fall", presumably mid- late October?
There is SO much to do as a family I don't know where to begin. If you can specify more about your budget and how long you have? How much time outdoors. You could have a few days in and around Seattle and then take the ferry to Friday Harbor. Another plus is the relatively short direct flight from AZ to either SEA or PDX. Our trees do change colors and I think they look amazing along with the evergreens...

I split my time between Washington and Massachusetts. Hands down the fall colors are more vibrant in New England. But that is weather dependent. drought is the biggest issue in both New England and Washington. Right now New England has been getting a fair amount of rain so things are looking good. The other downside is that New England is not budget friendly during the fall foliage. You might want to start looking at accommodations now to see what meets your budget. Consider the Berkshires in western Massachusetts. It has history, hiking and quaint villages. I’m not a fan of New England coffee, though. That’s the PNW in me.

You can’t go wrong with New England. But you will need to get reservations for a rental car and lodging asap as it is very popular at that time of year.

A vote for Oregon. I had a classmate go to the northeast last year and said the colors were much better when they got home to Oregon. It’s seasonal and no guarantee.

The coffee is much better here (but not Starbucks), there is history - Lewis and Clark, Astoria is celebrating an anniversary of the Astoria Column, and the kiddos would love the coast. And you can go up the Columbia Gorge for a view of spectacular waterfalls. Lots of wineries and cider everywhere. Several with tasting rooms. And scenery everywhere. The Hood River valley has orchards, wineries, and reasonable drive up to Mt. Hood to see a view of the Cascade Range from Timberline Lodge, which is amazing on it’s own.

Oregon has no sales tax although they have a hotel tax. Lots of family friendly accommodations.

Hope you might consider Oregon. PM if you have any questions.

Another vote for the PNW. Both Oregon and Washington have all you are looking for. Just the Oregon coast alone is worth the trip. Southeastern Washington and even as far north as Spokane, you will find great orchards. Mt. Hood, Mt. Rainier and all the Cascade range will impress you. Crater Lake National Park (the pristine deepest lake in the US), the Olympic National Park with its temperate rain forest, the Lewis and Clark trail, the Native American connections, the history of the explorers and foresters and maritime industries...even the more modern aeronautical history....all offer lots to experience. You can't go wrong in Oregon and/or Washington. (Lots of wineries also.)

New England coffee? You mean that brown stuff they sell at Dunkin’ to wash down the donuts? Actually I think you can get a decent cup in most New England towns as easily as anywhere else. You have received some good ideas but here is one more: the Finger Lakes region of upstate New York. You have been to the Hudson Valley before and are looking for something different, but this part of New York is about as different from that as I think New England would be. Beautiful fall colors usually peaking in mid to late October, lovely lakes and scenery (such as Watkins Glen), family friendly attractions such as the Corning Glass Museum, plenty of apples and wineries, nice towns such as Ithaca and Hammondsport, and while this area certainly gets visitors, I think it would be a bit more laid back and budget friendly than the prime New England spots for “leaf peeping”, other than the college towns during a football weekend (and you can run into that elsewhere too). Syracuse is the best airport to access this area.

Another vote for either OR or WA. I agree with the other locals about the coffee. Starbucks is like saying Hershey's is chocolate;) In Oregon take a look around Hood River/ Columbia River Gorge. There is the fruit loop there and you will see orchard after orchard. In WA, you get orchards all over around Yakima, but I much prefer OR, and that is based on living in both areas multiple times.

The gorge area is great as you get all that you are asking for in one area.

All good suggestions from the others.
I'd add Quebec into the mix as well. The fall colors there are quite pretty too, and the charming city is about as close as you can get to France without flying across the pond. We love it, and have been making annual trips there ourselves for the past several years.

One suggestion about New England, if you do go there avoid Boston if possible. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a great city, but hotels there are crazy expensive any time and at their worst in autumn, your kids are too young to appreciate all the art and history, and it is stressful to navigate from Boston Logan airport out of the city and back, if you rent a car there. Better to fly into an alternative airport such as Hartford/Springfield, Manchester NH or Albany NY.

Mother Duck makes a great case for Oregon. Add in a dramatic coast and if you like wine, I have ideas for you.

With kids, I would highly consider Oregon to include beach areas.

Our variety of different options is amazing, and there is always something to do.

Please reach out to Laurel or myself if you have questions.

Virginia? You’ve got Shenandoah National Park and Skyline Drive, apple orchards, historic sights (e.g., Charlottesville)

Here are some ideas from the tourist board:
https://www.virginia.org/plan-your-trip/seasons-and-climate/fall/

cjvmwood,
Are you tempted yet by any of the recommendations?

Wow, you all have given very helpful advice and great ideas! I think I’m going to have to do both trips eventually because they both sound so fun. I think I’m leaning toward the PNW… need to add wineries to the list! Sounds like it may be a bit more economical as well. Maybe when the kids are a bit older we’ll spend more time on the east coast. Thank you all so much!

If your choice is PNW, then I think you are making a great choice.

My other suggestion would have been the Canadian Maritime provinces or Quebec. Similar and different from New England.

If it's to be the PNW may I suggest the pretty little seaside town of Port Townsend. From there you're a short drive away from Olympic National Park which features some of the nicest hiking trails you'll find in the state. You'll usually find a herd of deer, and occasionally elk, hanging around the Hurricane Hill parking area. Lots of critters roaming around to entertain the kids at any rate.
From Port Townsend you could hop on one of the Puget Sound ferries for a trip over to one of the San Juan islands.
Also not far away is Port Angeles from which you can make a day trip by ferry over to Victoria - one of the prettiest cities in Canada.

Here's a random addition, Wisconsin for the cranberries harvest!! Is really cool....