I would have suggested New Orleans before the hurricane. They are encouraging tourists to return, but lodging is scarce and overpriced, and the city is really not ready to accept visitors yet. Still, the plan a shortened Carnival season this year. They need to direct every dollar towards recovery, not Carnival.

If you are going around Texas, Austin is a very interesting place. Good music scene and clubs, restaurants, and the Hill Country is nearby though it is being overrun by sprawl.

Dallas and Houston are major metropolitan areas with much to offer as well.