Have done the drive many times but not for a few years. For some reason my GPS would have me on the Merritt PKWY on the way down and keep me on 95 on the way home. Not sure if it was construction related but my advice would be to take the Merritt. And try to get through NYC at waaaay off peak hours, especially if you are trying to drive through with all the other February break travelers. BTW, lovely town you are from. I lived on George Allen Rd for year. Dad still lives there. Have fun and safe travels!