The option that takes you south on 65 through Nashville, Birmingham then to Montgomery has been my favorite. Just south of Montgomery you can get off on exit 168 go east for about a mile and then turn right/south on 331. 331 will take you all the way to hwy 98 over the non-toll bridge. This is just east of Destin where traffic isn't so crazy.
There have been some upgrades to 331 with a lot of 4 lane divided highways in places. I actually went home to Santa Rosa Beach this way when I returned from a trip up to Hibbing, MN. I'm pretty sure I took 52 out of Minneapolis to 63 then 27 through Cedar Rapids then continuing south on 61 popping out on I-70 near St Peters, MO. From there it I-64 to I-57 then I-24 through Nashville where you link up with I-65. The part from southern MN through Iowa and northern MO were very nice and relaxed.
Good luck,
Vince
2006 Keystone Outback Sydney 30 FRKS
1997 Ford F350 Auto, 4.10LS Axle, 160,000 Miles, Crew Cab with DRW.
US Army 1984-2016.