Sitting in a line of cars on the highway, all seeking out the same colorful leaves that the fall season brings, is simply becoming tired. Want a new approach to fall foliage leaf-peeping? Try a fall foliage cruise.

When I refer to cruises, I’m not talking about those mega-liner ships that sail miles from shore. No, I’m talking about a small ship adventure cruise.

Yes, there is still some limited availability for 2008 cruises. But it’s now time to drop what you’re doing, do the research, and book. There’s only a few weeks to enjoy the fall foliage season. Don’t miss out!

Below are a few of the itineraries that we feature at Sunstone Tours & Cruises:

• Hudson River: The rolling hills that surround the Hudson River are majestically adorned in the brilliant colors of fall foliage in October. Roundtrip from New York City. More info…
• Autumn Sojourn in the Pacific Northwest: The Pacific Northwest is tailor made for an autumn sojourn. Navigate the flowing waters of the Columbia River, all the while kayaking, hiking or bicycling for further exploration. More info…
• California Wine Country Culture of the Vine: Save 25% Sail away on a relaxing adventure on rarely cruised waterways. Surround yourself in the oasis of the Wine Country as you sample different varieties of wine, and tour some of the Napa, Sonoma and Carneros wine districts’ favored wineries. More info…
• California Wine Country: Vintner’s Choice: Save 20% Indulge yourself in the wonderful world of California wine, on a leisurely cruise experience that takes you deep into the famed Napa and Sonoma wine valleys. More info…
• San Francisco Bay and the Napa Valley: Aboard National Geographic Sea Bird you’ll explore by ship, on foot, by kayak and Zodiac to provide a unique perspective of this well-known area that even few locals ever get. More info…

Fall Foliage trips are a great addition to a business trip or for a quick weeeknd away or even for a longer family vacation. First 10 reasons why it is great -

1. Weather has cooled off
2. Crowds are less (if you pick the destination right) – like Long Island Fall Foliage
3. Apple Cider
4. Harvest Festivals – like Pennsylvania Fall Foliage in Amish country
5. Close to East Coast population centers
6. Apple Cider
7. Can be done on a tight budget
8. Can spend lots of money (e.g. Cruise to see Maine Coast Fall Foliage)
9. New England Fall Foliage makes the quaint and historic towns even MORE quaint and historic
10. You can still do all the usual vacation stuff – golf, museums, theme parks, zoos, etc.

And, 10 destinations:

1. Vermont
2. New Hampshire
3. Upstate New York – Fall Foliage Trips, Catskills Fall Foliage , Adirondack Fall Foliage
4. Central Park, Alley Park, Prospect Park – New York City Fall Foliage
5. Massachusetts Fall Foliage in the Boston suburbs (e.g. Concord, MA)
6. DC, Virginia and Maryland Fall Foliage – its not just the Cherry Blossoms that are famous, here
7. Virginia Fall Foliage is at its best in the Shenandoah, and Blue Ridge Mountains.
8. Colorado Fall Foliage just a month or two before the skiers arrive. Enjoy the Colorado Rockies Fall colors less than an hour from Denver.
9. New Mexico Fall Foliage for a different experience
10. Fall Foliage in the Four Corners region – don’t expect crowds.

And an honorable mention for Pittsburgh for Southwest Pennsylvania Fall Foliage. Who would guess that one!

We just published a new cruise review on American Cruise Lines American Glory sailing the Hudson River Fall Foliage cruise.

Here’s an excerpt:

“No pictures could show the pallet of colors that we experienced through the leaves and foliage of this trip. Besides the fall foliage colors the trip was spectacular. I loved our cabin and the fact we had a king size bed. Enjoyed the smallness of the ship and getting to know all the passengers. By the third day all 46 of us knew each other by name or at least enough to say ‘hello’.”

Review the complete cruise review…