Any Suggestions for Needlework Tour in the Southeast?

When I go on vacation, I like to keep an eye out for embroidery and needlework shops. We’re heading to the Southeast this summer on a little road trip, and I’d love to hear suggestions for stops at needlework spots along the way.

I’ll be in Chattanooga, Tennessee for a short stay, then in Atlanta, Georgia, where I’ll visit the Japanese Embroidery Center to see the place and do some shopping. Anyone know of any good needlework stops in either area?

How about in the Cocoa Beach, Florida area? I’ll be there for a couple days. Then on to Charleston, South Carolina for a few days – I have my eye on some textile exhibits at some art museums, and I’ve heard of (only) one needlework shop in Charleston so far. I’d love to know if any readers know of any out of the way places in the area, or if anyone knows of any good exhibits of textiles, needlework, quilts, or whatever at local galleries and museums.

Then – we’re headed into the Smokey Mountains (Smokey Mountain National Park, in particular), and out of the Smokeys, heading towards Louisville, Kentucky, where I’ll definitely visit the headquarters of the Embroidery Guild of America (of which I’m a member). Any ideas for needlework stops along that route? We’ll be passing through Lexington, Kentucky as well.

Then on to St. Louis, and heading towards home.

I’m all open for suggestions of any embroidery or needlework places anyone knows of in those areas, even if they’re off the beaten path – and I’m always happy to do a write up about any exceptional spot I find hither or thither around the country. So, if you’ve got any ideas for places to go and things to see in the textile world, I’m all ears!