From Hollywood to Redneckwood

So we spent all of yesterday planning out our trip which took us across 15 states and from California to Ohio by way of all the southern states plus the Carolinas. But today, we're having second thoughts on our itinerary. From Ohio, it's pretty easy to get to anywhere on the East Coast. But it's not so easy to go visit all the small places in the Southwest.

Does it make more sense to skip the Carolinas and go straight up from Ohio after New Orleans? And spend more time in the southwest, which we may never visit again?

So many decisions...and the road trip starts in 30 days!!