Where will we visit?

We've been busy planning our itinery and have planned out where we're going to visit. We'll be spending nearly three weeks in the States in total, and spending two to three days in each of the places we're planning to visit.

When we leave the UK, we'll be flying into New York. From here, we're going to take a flight down to Charlotte, North Carolina, and catch up on some sleep before hiring a car next day and heading for Pigeon Forge.

We want to hit Dollywood, then spend some time exploring the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Top on the list of priorities, after this, is renting an amazing cabin and staying there for at least three nights, enjoying the great outdoors.

From there, we'll be heading for Nashville. We want to visit the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Grand Ole Opry and experience the nightlife. A day trip from our time in Nashville will be to the Lost River Cave, reminds me a bit of the Blue John Mine a bit closer to home.

It seems only right to head for Memphis after Nashville, and after Dollywood, it's only fair that we pay Elvis a visit. From Memphis, our next destination will be Tupelo, birthplace of the King.

A long leisurely drive down through Mississippi will be next, calling in on antebellum houses and remnants of the historic south. This part of our trip is the least planned for the time being, and we're counting on readers to submit ideas for things to see and places to stay.

Before heading to New Orleans to 'laissez les bon temps roulez', we'll be taking a major detour to Katy, TX. Well, why not? We plan to spend three or so days in New Orleans at the end of our trip, ditch the car and enjoy everything the city has to offer. We're particularly looking forward to beignets, gumbo and the most potent cocktails I can find!

Of course, no trip to the States would be complete without a good old night out in New York, and fingers crossed, some shopping in the East Village. And then we'll be heading for home - phew!

If you have any recommendations for where to stay and what to do in Memphis, Nashville, or New Orleans, post a comment or drop us a line. We look forward to hearing from you.