Hi Donna and Dave,

Thank you so much for your quick replies!

To answer a few of your questions, we're planning on driving from San Diego through Tuscon to Austin and then Houston. More of a southern route than what you mentioned, Donna. From there we will continue to New Orleans. We're planning on spending 1 or 2 nights maximum in Houston and New Orleans.
I guess I was wondering for that part of the trip if there were any special sights, towns, or attractions you would recommend? (Especially in Arizona, NM, and Texas).
Once we leave New Orleans, we plan on driving north, perhaps along the Mississippi river for a while and then into TN up through the Smoky Mountains and back to NYC. We are very open for this portion of the trip so any especially scenic routes, any charming towns or attractions to visit.

Thanks again for your replies and advice thus far!