Okay back again. We have decided that our route will be Atlanta, Chattanooga, Nashville, Memphis, New Orleans, along the Panhandle to somewhere roughly 2 hour drive to Orlando Airport. Having looked at hiring a car and returning it and re-hiring wasn't much difference to having it all the time, albeit we will incur hotel parking charges.

Our dilemma at the moment is that the way our days are working out we will have one night after leaving Memphis before arriving at NO as we have to arrive on the Monday (after Jazz Fest). We are looking at places on this route such as Natchez, Vicksburg, Lafayette, Baton Rouge. What would be the best place to stay for one night, maybe two at a push. I know starrs you say it is only a 5 hour drive but rather than have an extra night in Memphis it would be nice to see somewhere else. Do you mean just to stop at Tupelo or to stay there?

Meant to say we have decided against the train.

Good enough reasons about the train(s).
If you have an interest in the Blues, check out Clarksdale.
http://www.visitthedelta.com/explore...on/clarksdale/
I've decided against taking the City of New Orleans to Memphis.
In March I'm taking the California Zephyr from Sacramento to Galesburg IL (43+ hours). My round trip is paid for with Amtrak Guest Reward points. 20K each way in nice roomettes.
The rental car agency is about 100 yards from the station in Galesburg.

I meant stopping at tupelo for a short visit. Hmmmm... A good overnight stop...