In a few weeks I'll be driving from Atlanta to New Orleans. My plan is to stay overnight somewhere in between. Any suggestions? I'm not looking for a clean boring hotel just off the interstate, but somewhere interesting that makes it worthwhile to stop rather than drive the whole way through.

Since it is all interstate almost all of the way between the two cities, we just drive straight through. If I remember correctly, it is only about a 6 1/2 hour drive.

Montgomery Alabama is the only city I remember being between the two.

I would rather spend the time in Atlanta or New Orleans because you will not find too much interesting stuff off the interstate.

ditto...just head to N.O...nothing in between...leave early and you could be having a late lunch in the french quarter.

It's 7-7.5 hours to NO. I'd drive the distance BUT if you do not want to - I'd consider:
Ocean Springs Ms- cute town
Biloxi-casinos
Pass Christian/Bay St Louis-really cute towns

If you're looking for a Southern experience, the little town of Eufaula has a really nice B&B and some antebellum homes to look at.

Belle

An interesting, rather scenic, and somewhat historical diversion would be to go west from Montgomery to Selma, then south on highway 22 and 43 to Mobile, then I-10 to New Orleans. The stopping point in Selma would be about the right distance and worth an overnight. The drive on the country roads is fun, and Selma is of course historic for what some folks would think are the wrong reasons. Besides, it's quite a charming Southern town. Good luck.

pine trees
lots and lots of pine trees

Fairhope,
What about Fairhope, AL?

If you are a fan of Harper Lee, maybe Monroeville, AL?

Piney woods and swamps.

Since most of the responses don't seem to address your question, I'll give you another suggestion: From Montgomery, take US231 south to Troy for an overnight. It's a nice college town and is a pleasant stopover. The Troy university campus is one of the more charming that I've seen.

From Troy, you would go south on highway 87 to Opp, then continue south to Florala, a town with a lovely lakeside location, and on to Crestview, Florida, where you'll pick up I-10 west to New Orleans.

Fairhope would be a great stop but I didn't know how far off I-65/I-10 he would want to come.
PS The City just approved a Hampton Inn right downtown with minimal change to the character of the corner so there will better acc. in future.
PPS My house downtown is almost finished--Y'all come by!

Fairhope:

Where is your house downtown? May have to swing by sometime while visiting sis!

Belle