typically, where you see lots and lots of stars, you will have less stuff to do. Stuff to do usually comes with light packages from towns.
Asheville is high on my list for mountains, lots to do, outdoorsy stuff, touristy stuff. You can fly fish in mtn streams close by, explore Biltmore Estate, do the spa at Grove Park Inn, lots of art galleries downtown, and plenty of dining, all with views of mountains. Venture out of town a little bit and walk hiking trails in Pisgah, or along the Blue Ridge Pkwy. 25 miles to the east is a cute town to spend an afternoon -- Black Mountain. Its a very walkable town, only a few blocks wide, with some art galleries, a hiker store, a few restaurants, two bars, and a mile or two to the north of it is a lake with hiking trail around it, ducks and all, and just north of it, about one mile is the neatest place -- Montreat. It is at the base of some mountains, and a creek or two runs right through it. Nothing there other than some homes surrounding Montreat College, but it is neat to get out and walk around there.
If your trip is long enough, you might drive 45 minutes up to Hot Springs and float down the French Broad River, and hike on the Appalachian Trail up to Lover's Leap. The AT goes right through town!
I'm done sounding like a travel brochure, but I like that part of the world, very much.
I almost forgot, if you are going in Sept/Oct, you might also consider a short drive on the Blue Ridge Pkwy, as the leaves will be changing around that time. It is absolutely beautiful, though you can see the beauty right there in Biltmore, or climbing some small peaks in Pisgah or off the Blue Ridge Pkwy. Here is the important part. If you are going then, you better make your hotel/B&B reservations asap! I'd guess that rooms are already getting filled.
