Buckshot, if you decide that "Peaks of Otter is where you want to go, I think you & your wife will love it. The Parkway is in the mountains, so your ride should be able 10 degrees cooler that down in the flat land. The Peaks of Otter Lodge is located between Mile Marker 80 - 85 (don't recall exact #). Just remember that the speed limit is only 45 MPH. There is plenty of access to the parkway via the interstates or other major roads if you want to jump off or on to make better time. My advise would be to get a Blue Ridge Parkway map, which will show all the good attaching arteries. If I wasn't headed to Cherokee, NC this weekend, I'd be tempted to meet & ride with you some, because I'm from Roanoke, Va & ride the Parkway OFTEN. Beautiful ride & great scenery.
Ride Safe.