Take it from a native Tar Heel...and with a grain of salt...
From North to South on the I-95 corridor...
Roanoke Rapids...can have its moments...draws a lot of problems due to it being in a low income area.
Rocky Mount...keep on moving...not worth the risk
Wilson...hotels that have been built at the OLD US 264 interchange are a good bet
Kenly...hotels are not the best quality decent stopping point
Smithfield/Selma...hotel choices limited, but decent in terms of safety...and for adult entertainment there is the Mustang Ranch
Benson...typical low price hotels in decent shape...recommend since its just over midway to SC but the streets role up at dark...except for the kids cruising NC 50/Main St. just off 95
Dunn...former stomping ground (lived there, went to college nearby) Ramada Inn a high recommend...bought a house from the manager, and all the visiting sports teams for our college stayed there) Also a nice Jameson Inn there recently....both at US 421
Fayettenam...I mean...Fayetteville...not a good choice, although "middle" exit (50 I think) just before the rest area has a decent selection...but its Fayetteville
Lumberton...get on down the road
As far as adult beverages along I-95...things have changed quite a bit. As long as you stop at one of the major interchanges/towns you wont have to worry about finding them...the more rural exits can present a problem...just remember no beer or wine sold before noon on Sunday. ABC stores sell the hard stuff. They are not too far away from I-95 either (In Dunn, its on North 421 about 7 minutes in front of the Wal-Mart)
Take all this for what its worth.
As far as getting around the major bottle necks...
DC...take 495 around the WEST side (don't follow 95) Stay away from the Wilson Bridge and road work between Silver Spring and FedEx Field. I don't know why more people WONT get off 95 there, when they can get right back on at the Mixing Bowl and have an easier merge.
Richmond...295 NO QUESTION!!!
NC...if you get in a back up on I-95...US 301 is very nearby and offers a qucik detour. Bring a map, dive off ANY exit just make sure you know which side of the road 301 (West or East side).
SC...same as above, but not too far
JAX...295 is a better bet than 95 thru downtown...esp. with bridge replacement.
NOTE...the Pepsi 400 at Daytona is the weekend AFTER July 4th. If you are headed down to O-town (or out as we are the DAY of the race) the Race is on Saturday Night, July 6th...I for on will be detouring inland. Just have to figure the best bet (thinking US 17 up to I-75)
Enjoy.