I would suggest NWA (Fort Smith, Fayetteville, Tulsa) thru Memphis to Newark (EWR)... you have better options for public transportation once there. It's actually quicker to get into The City.
Rail station @ EWR, you can purchase tickets on NJ
Transit to get into Manhattan, or just about anywhere you need to go.
Amtrak also stops at this station.

Don't forget to grab a BBQ sandwich in Memphis!