journey from DC to NOLA
 

I have four days to drive from DC to New Orleans (second week of November). Other than Georgia and Florida, I've never been through that part of the country. Is 11 a better idea than 81? Are there any must see spots? Anything I should avoid? I'm not a shopper...

I assume you'll go through Birmingham on your way across Alabama. If you enjoy history, I highly recommend:

* Birmingham Civil Rights Institute
http://bcri.bham.al.us/
This museum is adjacent to the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church, where four young girls were killed in the awful 1963 bombing. Excellent exhibits.

* Sloss Furnaces.
http://www.slossfurnaces.com/index_fs.html
You can't miss this giant defunct steel mill, right in the center of town along the rail lines. Now you can tour it and learn about steelmaking. I've never seen another place like it.

Not sure what 11 you're talking about, but I happen to think the drive down I-81 is a pretty drive. We live outside Chattanooga and drive that road to visit my wife's family in WV. It can have some heavy truck traffic at times, but it seems to keep moving pretty good. As far as sights to see, Chattanooga has a very nice aquarium and some good Civil War sites. Huntsville wouldn't be to far off your path, and there is a space and rocket museum there. I haven't been there, but I think it would be fun.

Route 11 was the main highway before I-81 was built. I personally use it everytime I have to go to Northern Va because I-81 is scary. Too many trucks. It will take longer on 11, but not much longer and you can enjoy the scenery more.

Be aware that route 11 goes through many small towns where the speed limit drops to 25-35 mph, but they are quaint towns and worth seeing. Driving from Woodstock to Harrisonburg is about 45 minutes on I-81, just over an hour on rte 11. I would suggest starting on 11 in Strasburg and see how you do timewise. You can always swing over to the interstate along the way.