One of the most beautiful spots in Arkansas is Petit Jean state park just 10 minutes south of I-40 exit Morrilton about 1.5 hours west of Little Rock. great views, waterfalls and hiking trails (just a few minutes, I understand) Rooms are cheap around $30-40. I would make this stop or Beale Street in Memphis. For rooms always look at biddingfortravel.com/Priceline.com in big cities.

For a rest stop try Altus another hour further west at the wineries where Paris Hilton and the Ritchey girl spent 3 months for a reality show dating the local guys.