Leaf-Peeping on the River

For years, I've joined the mobs of cars heading up to Vermont to catch a glimpse of the yellows, reds, greens and browns of the fall trees. Beautiful to look at, right? But the traffic is killer. This year, I did it right. Classic Harbor Line offers a four-hour Fall Foliage Cruise up the Hudson River. Departing from Chelsea Piers, Pier 62, the retro schooner Adirondark travels north until the George Washington Bridge where you can view the Palisades on the left and Morningside Heights on the right, all bedecked in fall's finest. Thanksgiving/Halloween snacks and lunch are included, plus beverages like Pumpkin and Blueberry beer, or hot apple cider (with or without rum). Bundle up -- the breeze off the water can be quite intense -- even through the fleece blankets that you're given to help. Last two cruises are Saturday October 31 and Sunday November 1.