Yep, Chris is great, very laid back dude. Don't let the run down look of the place put you off, they're good people. They can probably give you better advice on where to eat than I can and I live 15 minutes from there

You can probably camp at CRA, or Ft Toulouse is a park with a fee camping area.

Echoing AS again on Cheaha. You can take Hwy 9 or 21 North and get very close, just follow signs once you see them (or GPS if you have it). Once there, the main trailhead is about a mile down from the park entrance, go south on the Pinhoti for about 2 miles for spectacular views. Depending on the weather it could be a bit crowded on the weekends though.

Hope you have a great trip! Post pics!