The Blue Ridge mountains are very picturesque. Especially when the fall colours happen. You'd never believe there are so many shades of red and orange. And, there are quaint towns with great houses to take pictures of as well. A real southern treat. Went there in the early 90's.
You might like to visit Kill Devil Hill at Kitty Hawk, NC where Wilbur and Orville Wright made history.
Cape Hatteras and the Fort Raleigh historical site are fairly close to there, too...
I also ventured up to Washington DC, just a few hours drive away by car.
And I went to an NC State vs Duke football game. Lots of great candids. I used my Program + and had a great time snapping candids of the tailgate parties and of the fans (and the cheerleaders
- hey! I was single then and my Canadian accent was something they liked to hear!) .
I think in the journey through the parkway there is Grandfather Mountain. Worth the small hike for the great vistas.