Driving to New Orleans

My wife and I are considering the drive to New Orleans from NYC in August. This would be our first visit.

Has anyone driven to NO from NYC?

We%26#39;d like to stop after 10 hours, any recommended rest stops or places to see during the drive and while in New Orleans.

This sounds like a silly question, but how is the weather in August? Humid?

Greatly appreciate The info!

Joe

Driving to New Orleans

I%26#39;ve never done the drive, but it%26#39;s pretty ambitious. Makes for a good road trip story though.

In any case, August is peak hurricane season, so make sure to check the weather conditions before heading down here. The weather is quite hot and humid (late July/August/early September is usually the hottest part of the year). But, as long as you stay well hydrated and seek air-conditioning when possible, it%26#39;s definitely bearable.

Driving to New Orleans

You must be masochists. :-)

Seriously, I would suggest sticking to the Interstate Highways and bypassing scenic routes such as Skyline Drive and the Blue Ridge Parkway. You%26#39;ll have quite a distance to cover and the slow speed limits on the scenic drives will add many hours to your journey.

The weather in August is incredibly hot and humid. That%26#39;s why lodging rates plummet during the summer months.

That having been said, come on down. Wear light cotton clothing, stay well hydrated, and spend the hottest part of the day either resting in your hotel room or consuming cooling beverages in air-conditioned establishments.

We made the trip several times while our son was in school in NO. I agree with sticking to the interstates - and don%26#39;t speed in Virginia! - lots of traps and radar detectors are illegal.

10 hours +/- should get you to Bristol, TN. Lots of places to stay there, but watch out for events at the Speeway.

Get an early start from Bristol and stop at Bob Sykes BBQ in Bessemer, AL for lunch.

www.bobsykes.com

Check the AC in the car before you leave.

I do realize you asked about driving so I apologize for getting off-topic, but...instead of 20+ hours in a car, I highly suggest 3 hours on JetBlue! Nonstop and less than $250 most of the time. Gives you a lot more vacation time and someone else does the driving! Also, every time I decide to take a ';driving trip'; my car gets damaged with a cracked windshield OR I get a speeding ticket. The cost then ends up being more than if I flew in the first place.

Just my 2 cents!

Either way, enjoy New Orleans. August is very hot but the crowds aren%26#39;t here. And the experts are predicting a fewer-than-average hurricane season so we%26#39;ll take it!

Wow, that%26#39;s a long drive. I would rather fly down, especially with rates as low as they are right now. As for the weather, get ready for heat %26amp; humidity. While I prefer that weather to grasp the full NOLA experience, many people think it%26#39;s too hot. Just be prepared.