Chuck,

East or west depends on what you really want to see.  I live in
Louisiana.  Heading east, you'd probably do the coast thing, not much
else.  Some decent beaches, some casinos, etc, Biloxi has some big boat
thing that people like to see (why people like to see big old hot boats
is beyond me - an aircraft carrier I think, but who knows - you seen one
you seen them all).  West you'd get to see some cajun country, swamps,
the Atchafalaya basin, etc.  If you choose west, be sure to take a swamp
tour, they are kinda neat to be out in the muck with the gators.  Go a
little north and you can see some wonderful plantation homes.

While in N.O., save you're money and don't take a riverboat trip - all
you see is the levee (I'm talking the 2-hour type trips).  Ya GOTTA go
to the french quarter but I guess that's a given.  There's a nice
aquarium there and there is a boat trip from the aquarium to the audubon
zoo (never taken it but its probably just as 'scenic' as the
aforementioned riverboats).

N.O. is a wonderful place - but do be careful.  Only go to the
cemetaries on a tour never solo (tombs are above ground, it is unique,
but they're a dangerous place - gotta watch out for more than just
ghosts).  Don't wear any jewelry to speak of in the french quarter and
stay on the beaten path.

Depending on when exactly you come, you might luck out and get to see
one of the many festivals.  You've missed the big one, but hey, we know
how to party and have a good time and are too good at it to limit it to
just mardi.

Personally, I'd pick west, but I'm partial.

Have fun,
Tonya
87 Vanagon GL Wolfs