BD, as a transplanted San Franciscan in living in NC (1.5 hr from Greensboro), DD of two Boston/NYC'ers, I have been ROFLing for five minutes!! Unfortunately, Greensboro is one of our larger, more sophisticated cities, with the most to offer along I-40! I have a friend who was transplanted to Baltimore from NC (also a former NYer), and we actually have found a "back way" between DC and NC - down Highway 77 (just in case you need to make this drive again) which will put you about 15 minutes west (as the Californian drives) of the Greensboro airport.
If your career (I haven't been on the boards long enough to know if that has been shared) doesn't pan out or bores you, you would fit right in with a select group of southern writers who I have come to appreciate in my now 16 years as a transplant. You have quite a talent and it was a pleasure to read the first chapter of your report.
Aside from all the great information on these boards, your input has been delightful and a very welcome addition.
Looking forward to reading more about your trip.