Just to add a note on motels. There are a lot of overlooked motels in the surrounding area. We stayed in N. Wilksboro at a Red Carpet Inn and drove about an hour. Everyday rates, they weren't crowded and a couple of good places to eat close by. Clan Home, the wife's family, puts on a great, country style, home cooked feed on Saturday night if you can get yourself invited.

Note: when I say an hour or half hour drive, I know the area very well since a lot of my family still live there and I am used to the curves. Your time may be a little longer if you don't know the roads.

Mike