7 days in Memphis & New Orleans Itinerary

The largest city on the Mississippi River, Memphis bills itself as both the "Birthplace of Rock" and "Home of the Blues." With such a rich musical heritage, it shouldn't come as a surprise that Elvis Presley chose to live in Memphis during his later years.

For ratings, photos, other places to visit, and more tourist information, use the Memphis online journey planner.

Lexington to Memphis is an approximately 5.5-hour flight. You can also drive; or take a bus. The time zone difference moving from Eastern Standard Time to Central Standard Time is minus 1 hour. Expect a bit warmer temperatures when traveling from Lexington in October; daily highs in Memphis reach 77°F and lows reach 56°F. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 27th (Thu) to allow enough time to fly to New Orleans.

Known for its Creole cuisine, rich musical tradition, and nearby swamps and plantations, New Orleans is one of the nation's oldest cities.

Get a sense of the local culture at The National WWII Museum and St. Louis Cathedral. Museum-lovers will appreciate Cabildo and Blaine Kern's Mardi Gras World. And it doesn't end there: visit Garden District, examine the collection at Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium, get to know the fascinating history of Jackson Square, and take a stroll through Frenchmen Street.

To see where to stay, ratings, reviews, and more tourist information, read New Orleans trip planner.

Traveling by flight from Memphis to New Orleans takes 5.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of bus and train. Expect a bit cooler weather when traveling from Memphis in October: highs in New Orleans hover around 66°F, while lows dip to 66°F. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 31st (Mon) to allow enough time to fly back home.