Planning a Trip to Nashville, Memphis and New Orleans - any advice?

Currently in Memphis having travelled (by bus) from Nashville. Spent 3 nights in Nashville and will stay 2 nights in Memphis . Spent a couple of days in Washington before we flew to Nashville. If I was planning the trip again I would give more time to Memphis than Nashville, at least three whole days. Nashville is interesting to see but it’s mostly bars which is fine if that’s what you are into. There is a lot to see and do in Memphis, the Civil Rights museum (Lorraine Motel) , Sun Studios, Graceland, the Peabody ducks! You can also take a trip down the Mississippi on a steamboat. New Orleans was not on our itinerary for this trip. I actually posted about it last year on the travel forum as we were thinking of dividing our time between there and Washington but had read some mixed reviews about NO on other sites. Got some positive feedback from posters here but after talking to a few more people irl we decided Nashville/Memphis was a better alternative. September is an ideal time to travel. It is very hot and humid here at the moment and it can impact on your enjoyment of the sights. We couldn’t plan it for later in the year but if you have the option of booking it for late August/September then would recommend you do that.

We travelled on a Greyhound bus, not the most enjoyable experience but it got us there on time. There is another bus company called Vonlane who offer a more premium type service, larger seats, attendants on the bus who bring you snacks/drinks, newer vehicles. A little more expensive than the Greyhound option but worth the extra cost if you are looking at booking anything longer than a 3 hour trip. Had we known of its existence we would have booked with them rather than Greyhound.

Yeah did this trip in September a few years ago. You'll have a ball. Go in September rather than August. Its cooler and the kids are back in school, college etc so less busy. Its very hot and humid in the summer.

Rent a car. Nashville to Memphis is about 3 hours. Nothing really to see or do on the way. 2 days in Nashville is plenty. Mainly bars and music. Food is, ok. 2 days should do it. I was there for 4 and was well done after 3 days.

Memphis. 2-3 days. Loads to see. Graceland (go early!), Sun Studios, Beale St etc. Nice restaurants too.

I love all that old blues and they have markers all over Mississippi for famous blues places etc.

Memphis to New Orleans is about 7 or 8 hours if you take Highway 61 which I would advise. Great drive. Have a look at staying a night in each Clarksdale (Go to Reds Blues bar, stay in the Shackup Inn), Vicksburg and Natchez in the big old white country houses/hotels. Bazsinsky House or Anchuca Mansion. Take a boat down the river.

New Orleans is my favourite city I've ever been to. Been 3 times (inc this year) and can't wait to go back. Do 4 days and try make it a weekend. Thurs-Sun or something. It'll take you a day to get used to the madness and theres so much to see and do. Go to GW Fins for dinner and Commanders Palace and Arnauds for brunch. Have dinner in Peche and Sofia. You could do a swamp trip. Eat a seafood boil.