How much time do you have? US-64 weat WILL be a "quick route" less boring than I-40, but...
I tend to hop on NC-147 then I-85 to Hillsbrough... north on NC-86 to US-158 to Stokesdale... pick up NC-65 to Walnut Cove, then north on NC-89/8 through Mt Airy to the parkway..... but no one ever said I take "direct routes"... LOLOL
Lunch spots?
Blue Mist in Asheboro...or the American Classic Motorcycle museum (also in Ashboro)
Blue mist has the better food... but ACMM has cool old bikes
American Classic Motorcycle Museum food's good too
Also on US-64 is Lexington BBQ....
The northern route....
Dan Family Restaurant on NC-89 Danbury NC, is a fave.... Snappy Lunch, Blue Bird Cafe, and bistro 501 all in downtown Mt Airy. Mt Airy is the home of Andy Griffth... and they play up the whole "mayberry" deal
Campground....
There are several... but.... heading in YOUR direction.... I'd say Willville on US-58 just west of Meadows of the Dan in VA
Willville Motorcycle Campground
Nice friendly place.
That oughta get you thinking....
If you're heading that way
Shatley Springs has great food, so do
Stations Inn, and/or Freeborne's both in Laurel Springs NC
While riding the BRP.... if you have time... head south on VA-43 to Bedford VA. home of the D-Day memorial. if there is a MUST-SEE... that would be the one..... of course... it's simply MY opinion.
Lots of good... better... routes.... just a matter of how much time one has.... and the sorts of roads they like..... I'm a back roads kinda guy....so I know quite a few alternatives.....
Like Raleigh to Stuart, or Roanoke.. or... Bedford... or Lynchburg... and pick up the BRP from those... and they are less than 3 hours from north Raleigh...