Hi Greg
Logistically Parma looks great, but also worth considering Reggio-Emilia (SS63, rather than SS62 turning at Aulla), as whilst a small city, has a more relaxed and less touristy feel than Parma, Bologna, Modena, so might fit the bill. That's not to downplay any of them (and they're not blighted by tourism) - they're all good choices. Also well worth exploring local villages nearby, and if they're on a bus route, that can allow you to leave the car parked up to head into the city - ideal on the day after you arrive to get a break from driving.
If getting all the transfer done in one go, then we've enjoyed the area around Ghemme/Gattinara.
The latter more generally interesting and easy on the eye, with very good food (especially risotto) and great wine, and very much fits the town size remit, but with options to stay in a nearby village.
We love Ghemme, but it's an odd little place, with a criss-cross of roads, but no traffic, as the bypass took that away. Not much to 'see', other than the historic centre and its church, plus some nice walking / cycle tracks nearby. 3-4 restaurants, a gelateria, a few bars, etc. plus some others restaurants in very easy driving distance (5-15 mins) However it has a lovely sociable feel to it and the place we stayed (Il Cavenago) is a lovely country estate with wonderful food (typically at weekends, but also on some weekdays subject to demand), so if at the end of a trip you might enjoy a less energetic few days, it might be ideal. It's a ~40 mins drive from the airport, so a stress-free last transfer option with the car.
Finally a more westwards option, and one we've not been to, but have been very tempted by - Tortona, home of the wonderful wine grape Timorasso, that was only recently saved from extinction, but which is really thriving now. The area looks lovely as well - or did when we watched the Giro d'Italia cycle through it a few years ago.