Road trip... Kannapolis, Hickory, Black Mountain, Asheville? (Greenville, Concord: campground, live in)

[spark240]

Hi folks.

I'm planning a road trip for May. I haven't worked out the exact itinerary yet (except I know that I will definitely be going through Birmingham) but the towns listed below are possible stops. I'd be interested in hearing from natives or current residents of these towns about things to see, places to stay, and places to eat, in the towns mentioned or along the roads between. I like happening downtowns and I like country back roads. I might decide to tent-camp some nights. I appreciate history and local flavor. I'm not interested in anything with a national chain name on it, or anything real expensive.

Thanks for your help.

Tennessee: Sevierville, Chattanooga (I've already done the Tennessee Aquarium)
North Carolina: Kannapolis, Hickory, Black Mountain, Asheville
South Carolina: Greenville, Anderson, Aiken
Georgia: Royston, Augusta, Macon, Albany, Columbus, Rome
Alabama: Huntsville, Birmingham, Montgomery
Mississippi: Jackson

[RuralCoastalGuy]

If you are coming down from VA I imagine you will be taking the Blue Ridge Parkway (I recall they called it The Skyline Drive up there years ago) which will take you right through Boone and Asheville.

Pretty areas, nice mountain ride and almost another world!

[spark240]

Actually, I live in a mountain county which is right along the Parkway.

Skyline Drive is the same road, but further north in VA. Around here, it's the Blue Ridge Parkway, same as in NC. Skyline Drive is what it becomes when it enters Shenandoah National Park.

[NC~Mom]

Lake Lure/Chimney Rock is a beautiful area in NC.

[silverwing]

Originally Posted by UncleBatz

If you are coming down from VA I imagine you will be taking the Blue Ridge Parkway (I recall they called it The Skyline Drive up there years ago) which will take you right through Boone and Asheville.

Pretty areas, nice mountain ride and almost another world!

Blue Ridge Parkway Welcome to the Blue Ridge Parkway
Skyline Drive Shenandoah National Park (U.S. National Park Service)

I'm not sure what would justify spending time in Kannapolis. Maybe to view the Bio-research Park or Dale Earnhardt's Memorial. If you're interested in seeing a huge NASCAR site, go down to Concord and tour Lowe's Motor Speedway. Concord Mills is also in that area. It's supposed to be a huge tourist attraction.

Same with Hickory. I'm wracking my brain trying to think of something relevant about that town in a tourist way. It would probably be the province of someone who lives in that area to think of something to see.

Black Mountain/Asheville - interesting areas; certainly I would suggest to visit Biltmore, but you might want to check their website to see if you want to pay the admission. Prices vary by the time of the year, and range from $29-49 outside the Christmas season. Two campgrounds we've used and highly recommend, in the Asheville area, are French Broad River Campground and Campfire Lodgings (I hesitate to post the links for fear they would be *poofed* as commercial sites. they are easily googled). Both are located in very scenic areas and are well-run.

[spark240]

Actually, I usually try to stay away from things that are "relevant...in a tourist way."