Boone is a real good alternative, I looked it up, and the ones who are with us for now, it is us two from Charlotte we would have about 120 miles, Bristol TN is only about 65 miles, poor Raleigh though is 190 miles. And if it is a one or two day event, is really up to you all, since we all have to travel it would be fun to stay for a couple of days, but like I said, thats up to every one here, for me it is okay either way. Any month too for that matter. And no, from the top of my head I can not come up with a place that would be good for both us and the dogs, after all I have only lived here for 5 years lol...... hubby says I could get lost in my own back yard.
I will do some research though, but for now Boone sounds real good, and dog friendly hotel is nice, it is kinda hard to "smuggel" giants in lol.....
Marit