Hiya Kermit - I'd also recommend going with a spare rear wheel/cassette option and using the "not really safe enough for the road anymore" tires throughout the trainer season. I can often find used wheels and/or wheelsets (seem more common then just finding a rear wheel, for this very reason I think those get snatched up quick) with cassettes on my local Craigslist. I think a lot of people sell with cassettes because they don't know or don't have the tool to remove them. The key, of course, is making sure they're not toast --- you just have to consider the sellers honesty about mileage and the overall condition of the wheel and cassette.

Right now a LOT of LBSs and online retailers are blowing out last year's stuff, for example on performance you can get their decently reviewed Forte Titan rear wheel for $80.

Back to your tire rec question, though, I'm a big fan of the Conti Gatorskins. Very tough and comfy for all the chip seal I have to ride on these days. I've used them on the trainer, and they do wear so I'm going to the extra wheel myself, but they wore less than others.