My American South Travel Adventure?

I want to make a long trip to the USA in mid-January to February in the US. I am from Europe, Greece.
I am planning to start from Colorado since I have some friend there, spend some time there and the head south-east till Florida. I am an outdoors type, not interested in clubs, cities – I like mountains, lakes & kayaking & hiking.
1)Will the National Parks be available in Jan-Feb or it is too cold?
2) New Orleans – worth it in Jan-Feb? how is the situation now (after the Katrina)
3) Other places to see the South like you see it in the movies???

I know that is a lot to ask but..Thanks in advance!

About New Orleans:

Mardi Gras Day will be February 16th, and there are parades & celebrations for the 10+ days before MGD. The bad thing about Carnival is it tends to take over for the last 5 or 6 days: Many attractions close, restaurants go to limited menus, etc. so avoid NOLA during that time unless you want to visit for Carnival.

http://www.mardigras.com/

http://www.mardigrasguide.com/

New Orleans (and the rest of southeastern Louisiana and southern Mississippi) is still recovering from Katrina. However, there has been huge progress in the pst 4 years and most of the metro area now looks like Katrina never happened. The tourism/entertainment industry has fully recovered.

Mardi Gras and the Jazz Festival are world famous events, but New Orleans hosts many festivals and celebrations throughout the year: www.nola.com/festivals

There is always music, but the bands change: Go to www.bestofneworleans.com and click on Music then Listings or to www.offbeat.com and click on Listings, then Music.

Note that music clubs often advertise “No Cover”, meaning there is no charge for entering. However, clubs with “No Cover” often require that customers buy a beverage each for every “set” of music (which can be every 20 minutes) so KNOW THE PRICE before you sit down. Clubs do that because some people will sit in the club all evening drinking nothing (clubs only make money from the drinks they sell – not from the music). It is also a good idea to pay for each round of drinks (in clubs on Bourbon Street) as it is delivered so there can’t be any confusion at the end of the evening.

Preservation Hall has traditional live Jazz, and doesn’t serve alcohol so all ages are welcome: www.preservationhall.com

An incomplete guide to bars & clubs:

http://www.10best.com/New_Orleans,LA/Nightlife/

www.neworleanscheapdrinks.com

Louisiana is the only US state that offers tax-free shopping for international visitors, but not all merchants participate in the program: http://www.louisianataxfree.com/ Purchases of art may be tax-exempt: http://www.crt.state.la.us/culturaldistricts/DistrictMaps.aspx

Rstaurant suggestions: http://www.10best.com/New_Orleans,LA/Restaurants/

Check www.frenchquarter.com and http://www.nola.com/visitor/ for ideas about other things to do.

For places to stay:

www.frenchquarterhotels.com
www.villaconvento.com
www.indiahousehostel.com

Hope you have a great time, wherever you go!

Glenwood Springs Kayak

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