Nu-Shooz

We are flying to New York May 10. Staying 3 days then flying down to Memphis, staying 2 nights then driving down to New Orleans.
Provisionally booked, but i have my reservations about going to Memphis and New Orleans.
Are these two places a good place to visit (will be doing the Elvis tour) but with so many states we could visit, wasn't sure if these were worth while.

Any advice?

tonrob

I've been to New Orleans, and Memphis twice. Found them both great with plenty to do both day and night. A couple of nights in each and I don't think you'll be bored.

However it depends on what sorts of things you like to do! What attracted you to these places? Where did you cross off your list before you arrived at your current decision?

Nu-Shooz

Never been to New York but my parents have and said it is fab for short stay. My mum has cancer and both my parents are coming with us. My mum wants to visit Memphis and my dad New Orleans...so we have all decided to go together and do all 3.
I have no idea why they want to go to these places but they are all on the same side so i guess it is easier to get to them. I fancied LA but completely opposite direction.
Just remembered..my mum mentioned Mardi or something to do with New Orleans.

another bloody yank

Do they like music? Blues, Jazz? How about BBQ and Cajun food? I think you're going to miss Mardi Gras, but that might be a good thing if you're going with your parents.

Nu-Shooz

That's it..Mardi Gras.
Yes my parents love music/jazz etc,so maybe that's where New Orleans comes into it. So when is the Mardi?
OH loves abit of Elvis, i will be intrigued on the Elvis tour. As for New York, well i don't need to say any more

So basically, have we chosen good destinations? going to throw in a tour of Washington too.

another bloody yank

Mardi Gras is mid Feb this year... I think. Yep, http://www.mardigrasneworleans.com/

There's a lot of music in both places, look up Beale St. in Memphis, Sun Records, and the Elvis stuff.

another bloody yank

Wait... Washington DC?

Nu-Shooz

Yes...why should i not go there

tonrob

New Orleans is well expensive during Mardi Gras and many accommodations book up well ahead of time.

I've done the Graceland tour in Memphis twice. I'm not even an Elvis fan but I really enjoyed it - you get a little MP3 player to wear that explains everything as you walk round. It's all very well organized.

tonrob

DC's fine. OK - it may be the murder capital of the world (or something) but if you stick to the touristy bits it's great.

Nu-Shooz

I'm no Elvis fan either, but still would love to see the tour. Sounds fun anyway. Thanks for your advice.

Nu-Shooz

i'll take a chance and go.

Rete

You'll have a good time in New Orleans. Lots of jazz even if it isn't Mardi Gras. I go there often with my DD and her family as live in Mississippi and I fly into NO. Lots of great tours of the French Quarter, great food, fantastic music. May is a lovely time down there. Not super hot but comfortable and everything will be in bloom. Still a lot of areas that haven't been rebuilt after Katrina but on the whole the city proper isn't bad and the French Quarter is fine. The Garden District is coming along nicely.

Have never been to Memphis but will be spending a day there in January as I am trying a new way to get to Mississippi. NY to Memphis to MS.

Rete

Don't have a clue. It may be the murder capital of the US but you won't be going where the murders are committed. You will be touring the city proper and eating and residing in the touristy areas.

If you let that bother you, then you won't come to New York City either or New Orleans for that matter.

scrubbedexpat097

Early May is good....too early for Hurricanes