Going from Washington DC to Lake Champlain (VT) advice wanted

I'll be traveling from Northern Virginia to Colchester Vermont next week. Online mapping programs all suggest the 95/Jersey Turnpike/Garden State route. Maybe I've done 95/Jersey too many times, but the thought just depresses me.

I do have to get there, but I don't mind taking a little longer to drive on slightly more pleasant roads. On the other hand, I'd hate to come up with an alternate route and find out that it is just as bad if not worse (is that possible?).

If anyone is familiar with this trip and can offer some advice, I'm eager to receive it! Thank you!

Sure. Go up I-270 to Frederick and take US-15 to Harrisburg. Take PA-581 through town then I-83 to I-81. Take I-81 to Binghamton then I-88/I-90 to Albany, go north on I-87. There are several ways to get from I-87 into Vermont.

This is about 100 miles longer than going up I-95, but a much more pleasant drive.

You could also get I-80 in Hazelton, PA and go east to NJ through the Delaware Water Gap to I-287 in New Jersey. You could take I-287 to I-87. They connect.

You could also get take I-81 to I-84 east then head of I-87. I personally like I-84.

Once on I-87 I usually get off at exit 17s and get on US 9 to 179 to route 4 E to head into Rutland, VT. When in Rutland route 7 N will take you the rest of the way. Stop at Dakin Farm, they have some great syrup and it's on US 7. It's on your left. This is one of my favorite drives.