Dallas to Connecticut Trip Advise

[CTTraveler]

We are planning a trip from Dallas to CT. We are planning to do 10-12 hours of driving each day, with two overnight stops. We will have two drivers so we think we can rotate/rest to make these goals achievable.

We are thinking of making the first stop in Nashville or the Knoxville area and the second stop in the Virginia to PA corridor (depending on progress, fatigue, etc).

I'm looking for some advice on traveling this corridor and possible stops along the way or things to look out for. Our route will take us I-30 E, I-40E through TN, I-81N, I-78E, I-287N crossing over the Tappan Zee. I am particularly interested in the I-81 corridor as this seems like a major corridor. I've seen it described on this forum as "scenic".

Thanks in advance for your advice on this.