http://www.gideonridge.com/ for Gideon's Ridge -- a really memorable dinner, great for an anniversary.

Best activity in the area is get out and drive! Grandfather Mtn and Beach Mtn. are great. Linville Gorge has good hikes from mild to wild. Mast General Store in Valle Crucis is a hoot with something for everyone. If you are a coffee drinker they have an amazing array of beans. Anyone know if the Candy Barrel just up the road from Mast is still there? It's been years since I've been there. A must stop on my to-do list.

We do plan to drive, drive, drive. We'll have the Miata and the top will be down. One thing we plan to do is seek out sites from the ET&WNC railroad that ran through the region. We've been doing a lot of research on it lately. The narrow gauge rails were taken up in 1950 but some of the grades or railbeds remain, some of it as present-day roads. The main engine house is less than a mile from our home in Tenn. and we follow the few miles of remaining rails all the time when driving around home. I guess we finally wanted to see where they ended up!

If we land in Valle Crucis I'll try to find the candy place for you. Mast General Store has a great selection of candy, maybe they ran out the competition. Been to Mast several times. The place was hopping with tourists this spring when we were over that way.

Has anyone been to Jackalope's View on Beech Mtn? It has received a Wine Spectator award for many years.

I have years ago. For a great meal, try the restaurant at the Mast Farm Inn. They've changed ownership recently so I hope it's still as good as it used to be.

Everyone has given good ideas. They have just said this week that our drought may affect the fall colors very adversely.
There is a French bistro type resto in BR where we had a nice lunch on a lovely deck over the woods.
LOTS of shops and potteries in the area to explore.
Linville Gorge for views and hiking. If you are trout fisherpeople, there are good creeks in the area.

Oh yeah, if you're going to be in the area for peak color, make your lodging reservations in advance. People have actually gotten stranded in the area w/o lodging, esp if you're up on the parkway.