Not even a daytrip? I understand you've seen a ton of NC already, but I think NC is great for long weekends. Like you say, it is easy to take it for granted.
You mentioned vaca AND leisure time, but i often like somewhere new for vaca. WNC is 4+ hrs from the Triangle and I could be at Rocky Mtn National Park (or somewhere else, very different from NC) in "only" double that. So if i'm seeking something new (special, unique, whatever), then i'd have a similar feeling wanting to go further afoot.
On that point, I really enjoy our national parks but never even consider Great Smoky National Park despite it being the closest option. It never pops on my radar despite being something that I want to do one day, maybe i'm just saving it since it's just a drive. Same with SC's Congaree.