You might enjoy the Kentucky Derby Museum in Louisville. Being from Australia, I don't know if you would be interested in the Louisville Slugger (baseball bats) or the Muhammed Ali (boxing) Museums.

Driving south on I-65 in Kentucky, you will see an exit for Abraham Lincoln's Birth Place near Hodgenville, Mammoth Cave National Park near Cave City, and the Corvette Museum near Bowling Green.

Does the eight days include your time in Chicago and New Orleans, or just the road trip? Actually - are you planning to spend time in Memphis and Nashville, or is that just the route you plan to take?

An RV may be a liability if you want to stay in downtown areas. I'd stick with a car.

Thanks for those suggestions - boxing museum sounds great!

not including time in Chicago before hand but will include N.O at end (probably 9 and extra day for there too)

We love sporting stuff (bummed to be missing the actual Kentucky Derby!!)

thanks

Take the train from Chicago to Memphis. Take Highway 61 from Memphis to NOLA through the Delta. Stay downtown in Memphis and visit Beale Street and the blues clubs. Stop in Clarksdale, MS for a night at Shack Up Inn and get some good BBQ and blues. Stop in Vicksburg and visit the National Military Park and antebellum homes. Stop in Natchez for the night and head to NOLA.

VISIT THE DELTA..........

http://www.visitthedelta.com/

Take the train from Chicago to Memphis.
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I have to respectfully disagree with this. The trains take forever and you could do the drive much faster

Stay in downtown Louisville- The Galt House has lovely views of the river and is well located. Have a Kentucky Hot Brown- a local specialty- an open-face turkey sandwich in cheese sauce covered with cheese and bacon. So decadent but such a treat! Downtown Louisville is very cute and walkable.

You may want more time in New Orleans- there is so much to see and you will need time for dining at the amazing restaurants and hanging out enjoying life.

I just had a great stay in Chicago at the Hotel Burnham- great location, service, and architectural history. Join Kimpton's rewards program for deals and special treatment when you arrive. Their restaurant is also fabulous.

Thank you for all your responses it has given us plenty to think about

In Memphis, we love the Talbot Heirs Guest House--great location DT )across the street from the Peabody), and you get a beautiful apartment for the price of a hotel room.