I would suggest Savannah as a meeting place instead of New Orleans. I been to both places recently. Most of the lights in the New Orleans area were leveled by Katrina. The Canal Light was almost destroyed and has been take down awaiting reconstruction. Savannah has two lights in the immediate area Tybee and Cockspur. In southern South Carolina you have with in an easy drive, Harbor Town,Hunting Island,Morris Island and Charleston Lights. South towards Florida, St Simons, Amelia Island and St Johns River Lights. I have visited all these lights. Art