It's a GRAND idea! I travel with my job and always do a search to find LYS's either in the city/town where I'll be working or somewhere along my route when driving. I've met some totally awesome shopkeepers and knitters along the way. This actually works quite well for me as the closest LYS is 30 miles away and it's not in a spot that I need to go there for any other reason. So I am never to far from a LYS when (which is often) I need/want more yarn, books, accessories. I'm totally fine with this arrangement!
If/when you undertake this endeavor you could do some research and find out about local knitting groups/guilds and perhaps sit and knit with them at one of their meetings.