Bypassing Atlanta
Also, on US 19 in Maggie Valley, NC is Wheels Through Time museum...certainly worth a stop in you're in the area.
Last but not least, while you said you didn't really want to ride the interstate, I-81 up Virginia is really not a bad ride. And if I do that road, I always stop at Wattstull Inn. It's just north of Roanoke and a great little family-owned/operated motel sitting up on the side of the big hill (yes, it's paved all the way up) with really nice views of the mountains in the distance.
OK, I have no association with any of these places...have been at each one, had good experiences, and would visit them all again.
Hope that helps!








