Make the drive, every minute, worth it!
We've made the trek from East Coast (Asheville) twice. First time met my wife, second time we were festivating for a month on the road...with a week in town park. Yeh, town park is the best.
Tip - reach out to some local businesses and see about some parking in town. We found a lot right by town park and had easy access to the car for the week. If you do this, definitely secure parking far in advance.
And the first time I made the trip out there solo...one of the best times of my life.
Listening to:
88.7 wncw - going across the mountain