Northern VA to NOLA
 

Want to ride down to New Orleans with as little Interstae as possible. Looking at winding down along I81 and I59 via 11. I have 3 days to get there which should be pretty easy, but never been on 11 that far. Is it too close to the Interstate or likely to give me a decent ride with the ability to make up time by hopping on the Interstate if I need? Other options for near parallel routes with better rides? Any areas to avoid or anything I need to know about riding down South?

The parts of 11I have been on would be a pretty solid choice. Reasonable speed with a whole lot better ride than the interstate. However you will have to contend with towns a fair amount.

11 is a great ride. You will enjoy that much more than your stay in New Orleans.

Figured that I'd lose time in the towns, and think I can just hop onto the Interstate to gain it back.