We are planning a 2 week road trip to New Orleans in March. I'd like to see the Smoky Mountains, he'd like to go to Memphis. Any suggestions as to the best way to go? Not a big fan of Rt 81, but it may be our only recourse.

Welcome to Fodors. You will get more replies if you post this on the United State board.

Can you not see the Smokies on the way down, and Memphis on the way back? We lived in Houston for some years and drove home every summer, taking various routes. We covered both New Orleans and Memphis, along with lots of other cities. You can always get a Trip-it (or whatever they're called) from AAA.

Trip-tik

As suggested move your question to the US Forum.
To avoid I-81 go west on I-90 then turn south through Indianapolis on I-65 all the way to Nashville.
Head west on I-40 to Memphis.
I-55 gets you from Memphis to the New Orleans area.