Although I wouldn't quite label it a can't miss, if you get as far east as Shelby, NC and you're hungry, check out Bridges Barbecue Lodge for their pulled pork sandwiches, hush puppies and vinegary slaw.

My wife and I made a 100-mile detour last year while we were traveling up Hwy 26 from Charleston to Asheville and weren't disappointed (I think I originally heard of the place on Food TV.)

Although I can't find any of my credit card statements, I remember being very happy with rooms at Hampton Inns and Microtel Inns for well under $100/night. One drawback is that those places don't have restaurants. You can find out their specific locations on the web. I requested their catalogs so I'd know of any in the areas we were traveling.

Have a great trip, Al Sonoma, CA, USA