Road Trip, Chicago to Houston via New Orleans

[scottie]

Hi, me and a few mates are coming over to the US in Oct to run the Chicago marathon. Thought it would be wise to take the opportunity to plan a road trip to New Orleans, then fly back from Houston.
Anyone got any ideas on the best places to go for natural beauty (was thinking Chattanooga) and (more importantly) nightlife? Also where is the cheapest place to rent cars from.
Any help appreciated!

[Tyree]

Stop in and visit the French Quarter while your in New Orleans. Lots of nightlife! The drive threw Mississippi is very scenic as well!

[imported_Bob]

The Great River Road follows the Mississippi River and is very scenic, with many historical points of interest along the way. Rental car companies may all be in the same ballpark on their daily rates, but there can be big differences in "hidden" or extra charges -- be careful about companies that seem overly concerned about every little scratch on the vehicle as you pick it up -- these typically charge you for every ding and scratch upon return -- whether your fault or not (yes, this happened to me -- $335 for a 1/16 inch sized parking lot ding I KNOW didn't happen while I had the car). The larger companies like Hertz, Alamo and Budget are well worth a few extra dollars on the daily rate simply because they do NOT worry about minor scrtaches or dings as much -- and usually at least one of them will have a reasonably inexpensive rate. Another ploy is to get you to buy the tank of gasoline up front -- and then they say you can bring the car back empty -- bad deal -- there is always going to be 5 or 6 gallons left in the car when you return it -- gas that you paid for. Buy your own fuel as you go, and return the vehicle full.

[imported_Bob]

The Great River Road follows the Mississippi River and is very scenic, with many historical points of interest along the way. Rental car companies may all be in the same ballpark on their daily rates, but there can be big differences in "hidden" or extra charges -- be careful about companies that seem overly concerned about every little scratch on the vehicle as you pick it up -- these typically charge you for every ding and scratch upon return -- whether your fault or not (yes, this happened to me -- $335 for a 1/16 inch sized parking lot ding I KNOW didn't happen while I had the car). The larger companies like Hertz, Alamo and Budget are well worth a few extra dollars on the daily rate simply because they do NOT worry about minor scrtaches or dings as much -- and usually at least one of them will have a reasonably inexpensive rate. Another ploy is to get you to buy the tank of gasoline up front -- and then they say you can bring the car back empty -- bad deal -- there is always going to be 5 or 6 gallons left in the car when you return it -- gas that you paid for. Buy your own fuel as you go, and return the vehicle full.

Well said!

I don't know exactly which route you're taking, but you might want to consider Shreveport LA. It's a gambling town with the gamblings boats on the river and it has alot of shows in town, it's a great stop for a day.

[imported_Tara]

Many great towns on the way, St. Louis, MO, Memphis, TN (graceland & Beale Street). We were driving at night going through MS so we didn't see much. It is beautiful though. Take time to stop in Mandeville, LA on the north side of Lake Ponchartrain. It's a beautiful place to stop and view the lake and the 24 mile causeway crossing it to New Orleans. Also, Abita Springs, LA has the UCM roadside museum & Abita Brewing Company. If you're looking for a cheap place to stay in NO, the garden district has the parisian courtyard inn that used to be a hostel (very cheap). The St. Charles streetcar & #11 bus run directly to Canal Street for a buck eachway. Parking wasn't a problem for us even during Mardi Gras.

Have a great time!