Hersh
Garmin's Mapsource recommends taking I-90 to Buffalo, the NYS Tollway to Albany then I-87 and US 7. Distance about 731 miles and a little over 12 hours driving time. Tolls on the Thruway and I-90 are extra. The recommendation is based on shorter time.
By forcing a Canadian route, you save 50 miles driving and a lot of tolls but it takes about a half hour longer. You also get to drive non-Interstates which I find more scenic and interesting. The Canadian route is I-75 to Detroit, TCH 401 to Cornwall (exit 789), cross back into the US and take US 37 to 122, US 11, US 2 to Essex Junction. Luckily, this route bypasses Montreal which I prefer to avoid.
You will have to go thru customs and immigration both ways, but if you give very short answers and only to the question asked, take your sunglasses off and smile, you shouldn't have a problem. Prohibited foods vary, we had no issues coming thru Calais into Maine last month. Liquor into Canada is limited, IIRC 2 bottles per person. Of course, then you can drive over to NH and stock up at the state liquor store, great pricing.
