Big Bang is fun for what it is - I just think you could find something like it in a lot of places. The piano players are talented, but most people there are there more to party than to listen to music, in my experience. So if your aim is music, there are lots of better places, is all.

Your trip sounds great - and congratulations!

Just a couple things to add. First, you have received some very good suggestions.

1. Pigeon Forge is very spread out and, IMO, just not nearly as nice as Gatlinburg. I would stay in Gatlinburg. GB is much more compact than PF, and you can walk everywhere. If you stay in PF you will have to make the drive into GB anyway if you want to see it and the Smokies, which I would not miss! GB is charming and literally at the foot of the Smokies, unlike PF, which has little personality. You can take the trolly from GB to Dollywood and it will be cheaper than taking your car and paying for parking at DW. Also, IMO, restaurant choices are generally better in GB, unless you're looking for chains.

2. I do understand budget concerns, but do try to stay in or very near the French Quarter. Keep in mind that the Saints play on Sunday! You could have difficulty on Sunday night and NO is a place for conventions. I would still suggest booking ahead with a hotel that has a good cancellation policy. As your date gets closer, you can make different arrangements if necessary or available. Most hotels have either a 24 hour or 3-day cancellation window with no penalty unless you have prepaid for a very reduced price. One place that is clean, about 10-15 min. walk from the FQ, has breakfast included in the rate, and is just around the corner from a great poboy place: http://neworleanshamptoninns.com/

3. A very accommodation in Orange Beach that is not a condo, a hotel resort (very pricey) or a spring break dump for college kids: http://hamptoninn3.hilton.com/en/hot...BHX/index.html
Do try to splurge a bit and get a Gulf view room. It make it very nice!

Check the reviews of these on Trip Advisor, you will be favorably impressed, and no, I don't work for the HI! lol

That should have said - a very good accommodation in OB.

Thanks again darlenef17, you've been really helpful. I think we will stay in Gatlinburg, it definitely looks more our style and now that we know there's a shuttle to Dollywood all the better!! I'm looking into the Florida panhandle at the moment and I think we'd prefer more of an escape than any of the more built up, busier looking places like Pensacola or Orange Beach/Gulf Shores, not that they don't look great. Would we be crazy to go further east to somewhere like Santa Rosa Beach, WaterColor or Grayton Beach, and look into nice b&bs or guesthouses in the area? These areas look more quaint and romantic (I may be wrong though! Feedback welcome). We will really want something very relaxing at this stage, no nightlife requirements, just some nice eateries and pretty beaches, and, given we'll be sharing the driving, I think we could leave NO very early and be at this area by the afternoon.

You will want the "Pink Route" http://www.gatlinburgtrolley.org/routes-and-prices/

>>>I think we'd prefer more of an escape than any of the more built up, busier looking places like Pensacola or Orange Beach/Gulf Shores<<<<

At that time of year you will have the beaches practically to yourself, so I wouldn't drive the extra distance. It will be a wonderful escape in October, and you will feel very secluded. If it were summer, I would suggest somewhere a bit more isolated, and even then, those place you mentioned are packed in high season.

Many places such as restaurants, etc. close in the low season. I still lean toward suggesting OB/GS or Pensacola. OB/GS will be the more secluded of the two areas, simply because Pensacola has more permanent residents.

Santa Rosa Island/Beach and all of the areas around Fort Walton are lovely, but not any lovelier than the OB/GS. It's your call really. You can't go wrong in the FL panhandle, although I would avoid Panama City.

We have had excellent results renting along the Gulf Coast through VRBO, and you should be able to get excellent rates that time of year.

Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are just overgrown shopping/souvenir/outlet malls. You really might like to drive through the Park (which IS beautiful) and stay over on the NC side to escape the kitsch factor.

Good to know that Orange Beach will feel quiet and secluded at that time of year. I'm SO excited! Gretchen, we will be driving through the park and hopefully taking a nice hike (nothing too taxing though) on the day we come through from Asheville. It looks so beautiful and I'm really looking forward to seeing it.

Try Le Richelieu Hotel in New Orleans. After years of trying to find a good hotel there that does not charge an arm and a leg, we found this one and stay there whenever we go to N.O. One excellent feature of this hotel is that it offers free parking. It's in the quiet part of French Quarter (where you want to be) and just a few blocks from Jackson Square and a short walk from the streetcar stop. It's an older property, but comfortable and friendly. When you book, ask for Room 410--big and comfy.

Vicksburg has a Courtyard by Marriott that's right across the expressway from the Vicksburg National Battlefield Park. We stayed there a few years ago and loved it.

P.S. Le Richelieu is also good for music as Frenchman Street and its clubs are a very short walk.

I'm planning to do a similar trip this September (next month!) and found this post so helpful. I'm also into the music, history and food of the South and so pretty much want to follow your itinerary!

How did you trip work out in the end?