Before you bunker down for the night watch out for the dry county's(unless you don't drink of course). Nothing worst than paying for your accommodations only to find out you can't get a friken beer.
Personally I think you should just go strait towards the coast with maybe a night(or even 2) in Hattiesburg MS(it's only about 2 hours north of NO) but has great history. A place called Crescent City has awesome fresh seafood and great prime rib for beef lovers plus good times at night. I think all the local men are military and overseas because it was 2/3 hot chicks when I was there
