I was just in this area last month while attending Merlefest (one of the best festivals I've ever been to) and it really is beautiful and wonderful. Had a friend who drove us all around Boone and Blowing Rock, as well as through a 40 mile stretch of the gorgeous Blue Ridge Parkway. Had lunch in Blowing Rock at a little sandwich shop called Kojay's which was excellent. Watch out for the desserts...

(By the way, the blickifier doesn't work. Keeps adding mudcat to the URL).