Thanks for all the info.
I am in Destin with the kids and we are driving to Houston on Saturday. It sounds like going south through Port Arthur (via 27) is a bad idea, and the DOT suggested route through Shreveport adds 4 hours (and 13 hours is a bit too long with little kids!)
It sounds like the route through DeRidder is an option, but I'd appreciate any further ideas or updates.
