We’re a couple in our mid-30s planning a road trip to New Orleans. I’m thinking late March might be a nice time but I’m open to suggestions on other dates. We’re looking for good weather and reasonable room rates so that’s why March seemed nice.

The trip would consist of driving from Canada (near Detroit) to New Orleans, which is about 18 hours of driving over 2 days (each way) which we are fine with and have done before, plus I am strongly leaning towards 2 nights in Memphis on the way down and a brief stop/overnight in Nashville on the way home. We have never been to the Southern US before except to Florida, so we’re very interested in the food and music. That would give us 2 evenings and 1 full day in Memphis and an afternoon and evening in Nashville. Any practical trips about the route or driving would be most welcome. There is a chance we could fly, but factoring in the cost of airfares/cabs vs. driving/parking has driving looking a little better for the budget, plus we like driving and get to see more of the US that way.

Once in New Orleans is there lots to do if no festivals are on? We’d probably be there Mon-Thurs, but could adjust to spend weekend days there if there is more to do. The idea of going during a festival freaks me out a little because of the crowds, but we still want to have a good time. We are interested in food, cocktails, beer and general walking-around tourism. We’d like to do some activity on the water if possible as well, and since we’ll likely have a car, driving outside the city to see sights is a possibility.

Any suggestions on things to see and do on the road and in New Orleans would be great.

New Orleans is a smallish, compact city that is made for walking. I'm not sure you really need or even want a car while in the city. The touristy things are mostly contained within a small area and I don't remember that taxis were expensive for the short distances you would likely take them. I've taken a few tours outside the city but they were arranged through the hotel and transportation was provided as part of the tour.

There's no shortage of good food or music to be found in New Orleans. And be sure to take a swamp tour. It was lots of fun and something you don't have the opportunity to do just anywhere.

Sorry but I can't help with the driving route nor any information on Memphis or Nashville.

Memphis to New Orleans is quite straight forward--right down Interstate 55.

The direct route to Nashville is on I-59 and I-65. Birmingham, well-known for a museum and sites associated with the Civil Rights Movement, is about mid-way on this part of your road trip.

Fodor's New Orleans 2010 is an excellent guide to that city and its environs. These links will get you started on Memphis and Nashville:

http://www.frommers.com/destinations/memphis/
http://www.frommers.com/destinations/nashville/

HTTY

what a great roadtrip!! We love N'awlins (esp the music, and the architecture...and the 'characters'). I think you're wise to avoid "festivals" - we timed our visit for one (quite a while ago...15 years?...and then, we were like..."Oh wait! We hate crowds!!)

Though we've been in NOLA...3-4 times...the trip I still have on my list..is through Cajun country heading down to NO. So, if you could work that in...it might be a plus. (Beaux Bridge, Baton Rouge, etc). And working in the Civil Rights stuff through Birmingham/Montgomery is a very good suggestion as well.

We did BBQ in Memphis at Interstate BBQ (thanks to the suggestion of a janitor at the just-closed tourist office we stopped at)....wherever, you have to add barbecue to your list somewhere along the line.

FOR SURE, get in a nite of watching(/participating) in some cajun dancing. What Fun! What Music! (Others here will know if Mulate's is still a good place for that).

I'm revved up just reading of your plan....Have a great time!