What about the West Coast USA? SEA is great in October and the Autumn colours are almost as good as New England. Plenty to keep occupied for a long weekend I would have thought. Or YVR has lots of water, mountains and glorious colours and Mrs will enjoy the shopping. Or if you want to get some sun fly into LAX and explore the Inland Desert region - beautiful scenery and clear blue skies - you could hire a convertible for the weekend or even a Hummer!