just a quick follow-up, I did the trip earlier today. I got an earlier start (around 9:30am), and here's the route I did:

* I-80 east, stopped at Denville, NJ for Starbucks and gas (there's a station that was $3.17, plus they pump for you)
* I-287 north
* I-87 south
* I 487 south
* I-95 north

then stopped at a service plaza somewhere on the 95 in CT.

there was a bit of volume on all of the 87's, and on 95 for the first 25-30 miles in CT, then it really thinned out. Providence traffic started around 15 miles before, but really wasn't too bad.

the only toll was $5 for the Tappan Zee bridge over the Hudson (it was about noon when I crossed). There were a ton of toll booths, and I pulled right up to one. I gave a $20 and got 2 x 5's and 5 x 1's back.

I could see water here/there from the 95 in CT, I'm assuming the Long Island Sound. There are beaches you can stop at, but I didn't.

overall not a bad trip. I think about 6 hours all-in, with stops.