We have been travelling to TV from CT many many times, more times than I want to count, and usually take I 95. We have travelled 81/77/26 at times when we stopped in the Charlotte area to visit with friends. It's all in the timing of hitting or missing traffic in the NYC, Baltimore and DC areas. They can get clogged up if you hit them at the commuter times. Most of our commutes are during the weekends when there is less traffic on the roads.
Many times we come to TV during the winter months and I would always stay on I-95 because of a lesser chance of snow sleet or ice that may be on the roads versus the higher altitudes of 81/77. Friends of ours left for a vacation in another part of Florida 2 years ago. We took I 95 and had some light snow along the route and they took 81/77 and were in a blizzard that left them stranded in a motel and added an extra day to their travel.
I 95 can be a crazier and more stressful drive, but we are New Englanders, and tend to drive a little more aggresively (NYC survival skills) so it feels more "normal" to us
My wife did make a comment that she felt safer driving on I 95 than some of the bonehead driving we experienced here in TV with golf carts and cars
Just check the weather if driving in the winter and using I 81/77/26 for potential snow and alter your commute to TV.
I agree that the drive is more relaxing going I 81/77/26 and the views are more spectacular than the "South of the Border" billboards
Although in all fareness, my favorite South of the Border sign is "You Never Sausage A Place" Always smile when I see it