Canada?
Living in NJ, you are so right about the roads in the Northeast. Good Sam trip planner routed me from Vermont to NJ through Troy, NY. I was VERY unhappy. But to do what you want, you would have to go through Canada or by boat.
My route would be 95 south from Maine, 495 to the Mass Pike west, 84 all the way across CT and NY to 81 south. There are some rough patches, but I really don't know any other way that's better. I've never done it, but maybe take the Mass Pike to the NY Throughway (87) south to 84 west. It's a lot longer and I really don't know if going through the Albany area is a good idea.
By the way, Canada has some really beautiful rides.
Good luck!
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