Me and Turtle did a section hike from Fox Creek to Burkes Garden using Rural Retreat as our mid point/parking. We stayed at the Relax Inn, which may not be the place to overnight your Mom, but had clean sheets and towels, hot showers and a super staff. Where else could you ask if they sold beer in Virginia, and the owner hands you 4 bottles left by departing hikers.
The Barn, just down the road, had great breakfasts and you just have to try the Hiker Burger yourself to understand how other burgers pale in comparison.
For shuttles, get Bubba. He knows every road in the area and has great stories too.