5 last-minute leaf-peeping deals


All across North America, shades of red, orange, yellow, and brown herald autumn's arrival. While many big, multicity fall foliage tours sold out months ago, there are still small-scale deals to be had that make for great weekend getaways. Here are five ways to peep your local leaves while they're still alight.
Boston, Bike/2 Nights, From $315
Stay for two nights at the Midtown Hotel, located in the center of Boston's Back Bay, and use it as your home base for exploring the city on two wheels during a classic New England autumn. Includes free parking, daily breakfast, and 24-hour bike access, with helmets, maps, and locks.
When: Through October 2011
Contact: Midtown Hotel, 800/343-1177, midtownhotel.com
Mackinac Island, Mich., From $159 a Night
Mission Point Resort's "Ghost Hunter" package includes accommodations for two in a standard garden room; a ghost-themed tour of the rumored-to-be-haunted hotel grounds, featured earlier this year on Syfy's Ghost Hunters; round-trip ferry tickets on Arnold Transit Co., which travels through the Straits of Mackinac; dinner for two at the resort's restaurant, Chianti; and daily breakfast; from $159 a night for a minimum two-night stay, plus taxes of 18 percent.
When: Through Oct. 23, 2011
Contact: Mission Point Resort, 800/833-7711, missionpoint.com
Mammoth, Calif., 2 Nights, From $49 a Night
Experience autumn in California's Lakes Basin with a cabin rental, complimentary bottle of wine, daily breakfast, complimentary two-hour boat rental, fishing-rod rental, and access to Tamarack Adventures' guided activities (like hikes, bike tours, and fishing clinics), from $49 per person per night (two-night minimum stay), plus taxes and fees.
When:Through November 7.
Contact: Mammoth Mountain Ski Area, 800/626-6684, mammothmountain.com
Seattle, Wash., and Victoria, British Colombia, Ferry/Hotel, From $99 a Night
Enjoy a round-trip Victoria Clipper cruise from Seattle to Victoria, Canada, and one night at the Harbor Towers hotel in Victoria, from $99 per person per night. Plus, "like" Clipper Vacations on Facebook and get a promo code good for an additional 10% off. Extend your stay to 2 nights for a discounted $123 per person per night.
When: October 1, 2011- January 2, 2012
Contact: Clipper Vacations, 800/888-2535, clippervacations.com
Virginia, Resort/Horseback Ride, From $99 a Night
Includes one night in your choice of tree house, yurt, cabin, chalet, or hotel room at the Shenandoah Crossing resort, plus one 45-minute trail ride for two people. Extend your stay from $63 per night for up to three additional nights; extra horseback rides for other members of your party can be added for a discounted rate of $18 per person.
When: Through November 18, 2011
Contact: Shenandoah Crossing, 888/760-8188, otdestinations.com
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