Google Maps shows a lot of construction along the 66-81-75-59-10 route, and very little on 95-85-65-10.
I would probably take the 85 route, since I've traveled it from VA to Atlanta and the Gulf coast quite a bit. Traffic isn't awful once you get past Richmond. The other route is a lot more hilly, and more frustrating, especially through Eastern Tennessee. It's a constant battle of slow trucks trying to pass slower trucks, so you can't pay attention to the scenery.
There are some decent places to stay north of Charlotte, near the race track at Kannapolis/Concord. That should be around 6 hours depending on DC and NOVA traffic. You can get peaches in season and spicy local ginger ale at a roadside market or two in the South Carolina stretch of 85. I would start looking for oyster po' boys around Mobile.
Edit: It looks like this weekend--May 28-30--is a race weekend at Charlotte. Consider that if you're traveling soon.