First cabin trip to Blue Ridge — which area should we stay in?

Depends on your crew. Downtown/walkable = you can leave the car and hit the shops, the railway, and restaurants. Aska side = quieter, closer to the trails and the lake, but you'll drive for everything.

If it's your first time, I'd stay close to downtown so you get the full Blue Ridge feel, then day-trip out to the lake and Aska. The drive from most cabins is 15-20 min anyway.

That makes sense, thanks! Is the scenic railway worth doing with younger kids?

Kids usually love it, especially the open-air car. Book ahead though, summer and fall fill up.