Hi
We are an active retired couple from New Zealand. We have 2 weeks from mid January 2020 when we arrive in Fort Lauderdale and leave from Houston beginning of February 2020 (2 weeks). We anticipate travelling predominantly by car (a previous thread has put us off a RV!) but would also be happy to combine this with domestic flights or trains . We enjoy National Parks, birds, food, history, music (blues, country, jazz).

We would appreciate some help with the most interesting routes, accomodation and sites.
Thanks
krwicke
Thanks!

Look at Clarksdale, Mississippi, Memphis and Muscle Shoals, Alabama for music sites. My brother did a similar trip and those were his favorite stops.

Houston--For art, the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston is excellent. That area of Houston, known as the museum district, seemed like a popular area when we were there: I wished I had gotten a hotel there. The Rothko museum in Houston is supposed to be great if you like modern art. Be sure to try some Czech kolaches in Houston.

Thank you 5alive. Those are great suggestions - we are keen on art!
krwicke

We have 2 weeks from mid January 2019 when we arrive in Fort Lauderdale and leave from Houston beginning of February 2020 (2 weeks).

Might want to correct your arrival YEAR

Consider flying from Fort Lauderdale to New Orleans. Spend a day or two in New Orleans and then take the "City of New Orleans" train to Memphis. Spend a day or two in Memphis before heading to Houston with a rental car. Another option would be to take the City of New Orleans back to NOL and then take the Sunset Limited from New Orleans to Houston. The Sunset Limited only runs 3 days a week leaving NOL at 9AM and arriving in Houston about 7PM.
I'm hoping that the damage from the current flooding in New Orleans is fixed by January.

Thanks Gretchen. Can't change the original post but hopefully others will realize my mistake.
Krwicke

Fabulous suggestions. We may also have to build in some driving around Florida so we can go to the Everglades.
krwicke

Thanks, look forward to hearing more about your trip. Did you go to the Everglades, or down to Key West? Any particular recommendations about these sites?
Cheers
Kristin

krwicke, I'm writing up my report now. I'll try to post it tonight (finally, decent WiFi).

Be great to hear about your road trip around the Southern States when you manage to get it together with a decent wifi!
krwicke

Natchez in southwest mississippi is a pretty town filled with history of the South. Many nice bed and breakfasts. Lafayette is a colorful town in southern louisiana with lots of cajun music and food.

Thanks. Checked out Lafayette on line and it certainly appeals, especially the nearby wetlands, and the cajun food! So we will not be missing this town.

Be aware that Key West (the part you'd probably enjoy the most, i.e., "Old Town") can be mobbed if any cruise ships are docked when you visit. The drive down is pleasant enough ONE WAY. I live in Fort Lauderdale and other than KW and the Everglades I would fly from here on Southwest Airlines N/S to New Orleans and start out there. Or drop a rental car in Key West and fly out of there somehow.

krwicke, sorry for the delay. I've sent you a bunch of private messages. I had to break up my cut-and-paste job into multiple messages. There are 4 parts. Let me know if you're missing any.

Thanks - all that detailed information is going to come in really useful, especially the restaurant and music venue recommendations! Sounds like you are have the trip of a lifetime. Thanks so much.

Thanks Dukey1. We had reached the same conclusion re flying a leg, as we just don't have time to see everything. Can you tell me how long it takes to drive from Fort Lauderdale to Key West please?

I think it takes about 4 hours. One time when we were on the Keys some friends drove on down to Key West. There was a really bad accident and they were pretty much stranded on the road for some hours. SO I would suggest you pack some water and snacks just in case.

But I will also add that the Keys are absolutely charming and beautiful--really quite exotic.