Agree with the Lexington, KY area. This fall I think there is a big horse event that may impact your plans. DH has work there in October and had some trouble finding a hotel. Just a heads up.

Middle and east TN are beautiful with varied terrain. I grew up in middle TN and lived a total of 8 years in east TN but those were before I started road biking.

I live in western NC right now. Fantastic place for road biking if you don't mind hills. I have a book of routes in and around Boone which could easily keep you busy for a week or two (or more). Most of the routes are loops, some including the Blue Ridge Parkway. During the week the back roads are lightly traveled. I've had little trouble with local drivers. The tourists on the Parkway are another story but early mornings on the Parkway are generally low traffic so the tourists for the most part can be avoided. Gotta keep an eye out for dogs, of course. I can dig up the book name and author when I get home. It's beautiful here and if you need a break from the bike there is sooo much to see and do.