Oh boy, have fun at the Tail!! I rode it 3 years ago and loved it. It was much nicer to do on a weekday, it gets mobbed on the weekends and heavy police presence, which is a good thing, keeps the speeding to a minimum. Tell the boys that if the curve sign says 25 do 25!! Most bikers think they can take it faster and you can after you have ridden it a couple of times but many of the curves bank the opposite of what you would expect them to. There are accidents almost every week because people don't pay attention or take risks. When we were down there in just a few days time there were several accidents. The tree of shame is testimony to do that!
It is a beautiful area. When we went we stayed at the Tapoca lodge but I understand it is now closed. It is on the NC side just beyond the gift shop and tree of shame. It used to be a retreat for Alcoa. Be sure to do the Cherahola skyway too. here is a good link:
http://www.tailofthedragon.com/
Sorry didn't notice any quilt shops nearby but I am sure there must be some.