Stopping point between Memphis and St. Louis

Maybe Southaven ?

Because if not there then you’ll def want to get through Memphis/west Memphis bridge clusterfrick where they’re doing roadwork on

I don’t know enough about that area in Arkansas or the bootheel of Missouri to tell you if it’s best to push through Memphis and settle in somewhere up that way for your break

I would probably stop in Cape Girardeau. It's the only town with much population and is safe.

When my folks were in SE MO we would visit periodically. It actually has a fair amount of French and Civil War history

quote:

---

There is a long stretch of nothingness after you get north of Memphis

---

That's what I'm worried about

I figured it's realistic to be able to drive from Louisiana to St. Louis in 1 day, but I would really prefer not to.

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.

A few years back, I helped one of my best friends move his fiancee down from Green Bay to New Orleans (I drove the truck, they took her car). On that trip I requested we take a slightly different, easterly route rather than all interstate, mainly for the reasons listed here that there is a whole lot of nothing north of Memphis, and we stopped overnight in Paducah, Kentucky which was kind of cool.

But since you are going more westerly via St. Louis, I'd have to agree with others and say Cape Girardeau (a college town) is your best bet, with Sikeston being a secondary choice.

quote:

---

I figured it's realistic to be able to drive from Louisiana to St. Louis in 1 day, but I would really prefer not to

---

Only 9 1/2 hours or so. Not a bad day for my wife and me. Did it often when daughter was in college there.

That said, towns not named St Louis might be safer, although there are some nice areas and good hotels in St Louis.

Second this. Spent a night in CG and it was just fine. Other than that, you could look at Jonesboro, Arkansas, but it’s not directly on 55 and it was a dry county the last time I stayed there.

When are you doing this trip?

Drury has what they call a kickback too. From like 5:30-7 they have snacks and 2 beers for anyone staying at the hotel. Included in the price.

I live just across the river in Kentucky. Sikeston and Cape Girardeau are your only options. Sikeston does have Lambert’s for a good meal. Cape is a college town (SEMO) and has a nice casino on the river (Century Casino). The boot heel is a very conservative area. Cape is a growing town as more people flee Illinois, particularly Cairo.