My parents recently lived in Hendersonville (BTW, if anyone wants a house on a golf course in that town, I know of one for sale), and that's a really nice area. The Biltmore is truly a sight to behold. It's not a big city (just the right size, if you ask me), and it doesn't take too long before you feel like you're in the sticks. That's a good thing, IMHO.
Hie thee to Asheville; you won't be disappointed.