Lots of good options. Old Fort, Marion, Black Mtn (highly recommend). Of course, in my opinion, I consider those foothill areas. So take that as you will. Although it'll certainly be snowier than Raleigh - you'll just miss out on NWFS events. Someone else might could advise better on Mars Hill, Weaverville, Marshall etc. Not sure what the elevation in those areas brings.
As someone who now lives in the foothills again, I miss the NWFS events. But it still pays off to be in the foothills during the big events coming from the Gulf.