re: Stopping point between Memphis and St. Louis

Sikeston may be a good choice, but I've never stopped there. The original Lambert's "home of the thrown roll" is there, so I would figure it's somewhat tourist friendly.

I've made that stretch before and there's not much at all. Corn fields and small interstate exits here and there.

Look for "hand pies" on interstate exits. It's like a Hubig's Pie but handmade. They seem to be popular in that area at gas stations, kind of like how boudin is popular at gas stations in Louisiana, each store makes these hand pies in store.