Yes, Gretchen you can buy tire chains. I put a set in the trunk in early November. The mountain passes here in Oregon have signs, "Carry chains or traction tires". Traction tires have a 3 peak mountain with a snowflake on the sidewall. If you crash on the mountain and don't have your chains or traction tires you will likely be fined.
The Les Schwab tire stores here in the west have a good deal. You buy the chains and keep the receipt and if you don''t use them you can get your money back in the spring.
Just past the first sign is a wide shoulder "chain up area".
Ladies and some older people will let an able bodied person put on their chains for about $5. Taking them off is much simpler unless they were installed incorrectly and are wrapped up around the front axle.
My dad was a Rural Letter Carrier. He would put chains on the right side and drive with the right wheels on the berm on the paved part of the route rather than putting on and taking off several times.

You can buy tire chains at many auto parts stores and tire shops throughout Oklahoma and Arkansas. I contract with the Postal Service(semis)-they require that we carry chains and we run in all weather. Frankly, this is a practice that they should stop, it's dangerous.

We have been a family who ALWAYS had chains for our cars in NC. DH LOVES snow, and particularly to drive in it. We would go to the mountains and be just fine on the grades in a full conversion van. And yes, in states where there is a chain law, of course you can.
However, they are not for the faint hearted, and the knowledge of how to put them on is paramount.
For this OP's question, chains are not a part of the equation--stay off the road if they are needed in the East.

How was your trip?

Sorry it took me a few days to post back. The trip went fine. We drove to Atlanta the first day, and then to Richmond the second day. Thanks to everyone for the advice!

One question: WHY is gas so much more expensive in North Carolina than in other states?

The State tax on Gasoline in North Carolina is 35.3 /Gal . . the highest of any state you drove thru

http://www.commonsensejunction.com/n...-tax-rate.html