tkhooper,
If you don't paint the fence, you will be replacing it in a couple years. That will be alot more work, and alot more money.
If you want a cottage style garden, I would paint it white.
Buy the best outdoor paint you can afford. (then you won't have to paint it again anytime soon).
If you still want the vine after painting it white, try a honeysuckle of some sort.
They are also evergreen in the winter in zone 8.
(most of them are) If you do plant a vine, make sure you can see out your driveway pulling out onto the road.
Good Luck!

If you haven't already painted the fence then I would use marine varnish. I planted luffa vine this year and kept it watered well It has bright yellow flowers that cover the vine. I will plant them again just for the flowers. Paula