Mbo - in another month or two I will be driving a moving van from Chicago to Charleston, SC nonstop (16 hours). If I can manage to take some form of transportation with me so I don't have to take the bus back, I will drop by to see you. I'd also like to visit Spaw if that can be worked out.
I've been to Raleigh. It's big, overwhelming, but it's only streets and buildings - just like any other city or town. Don't worry about getting lost or reading a map - you can always pull over to read the map. If you get too lost, ask someone for directions.
As for the distance... How many times have you driven 15 miles? 90 miles is only six 15 miles. Drive 15 miles, pull over and take a break for 10 minutes. Drive 15 more, take a break. And no one says you have to use the interstate. Look for US or state highways and use those. It'll take a little longer, but you'll end up at the same place. I once went on a month long tour of New England - over 2200 miles of which only 200 were on the interstate.
I hope this helps. Good luck and enjoy.