I drove this route a few years ago, pre-Katrina, and it was a nice and pleasant drive with some really beautiful scenery along the way. A good place to stop overnight is Biloxi - and I think much of the area has been re-built so it should be like going to a brand new city. There are lots of casinos and being right on the water is nice. Check it out at www.gulfcoast.org. Enjoy the ride!