Asheville is lovely with much milder winters than other mountain areas of NC. Also, it too is within driving distance of Mary Jo's Cloth Store in Gastonia.
In fact, I recommend North Carolina in general. You can have mountains or coastline. The weather is moderate. The winters aren't terrible anywhere in state and the summers have some hot days but nothing like our neighbors to the south. There are major metropolitan areas and remote, rural areas. Hunting, fishing, golfing, racing, and more can keep DH out of your "quilting chili" as well! Medically, UNC, Baptist Hospital, and Duke are at or near the top of the food chain but good medical care is available locally as well and they don't shy about referring to the specialists.
Much quilting goes on here and we have lovely LQS's. Also, longarmers are now available lots of places instate.
Be careful of your choice. In leaving because of extreme winters, you might land where there aren't four distinct seasons. I think I'd miss the show of the season changes a bunch. It inspires me and affects my quilting!