Hi Buck, thanks for the quick response and info! I've had a chance to browse around the forums, and it sounds like Savannah GA is another spot we would enjoy. Revising the previous itinerary, now I'm tentatively considering:

-drive through the Smokies, night in Asheville (cheap, fun or historic hotel recs would be great!)
-drive from Asheville to Jacksonville, 2 nights camping at a state park (both listed above sound fantastic)
-drive from Jacksonville, night in Savannah (again, hotel recs appreciated)
-drive from Savannah to Chapel Hill
-home

Any thoughts on the new potential roady? This will be in mid-May, so please let me know of any festivals or points of interest that are not to be missed this time of year.

BTW, home is actually Wayne Co, OH- lots of great short road trips in the area if anyone is interested!

Thanks again! Happy travels, all!