Rocky Mount, NC has some okay hotels and restaurants. I stayed at the Hampton Inn there not too long ago for around $74 a night.

I drive to and from the Savannah area once or twice a year---more if the airfare ex-IAD or CHO is too expensive--- and 9 1/2 hours should be about right to DC. It's really not all that bad a drive to do in one day. And this time of year, you can easily do the whole thing during daylight hours.