So just as an update, we just got home today. Great trip and had excellent weather! On the way down, we left around 6pm Friday night, we headed west and took 81 but cut back over to 95 north of Richmond and ran 95 the rest of the way. I hated every minute of the 95 portion. Traffic north of Richmond was terrible and even after spending the night in that area and leaving again saturday morning we hit jam after jam on 95. Wasted a few hours easily sitting in traffic! Coming home we took the 77 through Charolette to 81 route, and while the GPS says that is 1 hr longer, that is the only way I will go from now on. I already know the mess 95 is in Philly and DC but figured it would get better south. We travelled 81 north for our stop over spot last night outside Charolette and it was a breeze, not to mention much nicer scenery and views of the mountains. Definitely the way I will go in the future. Thanks again all!