Going to Tennessee.... need suggestions

Agreed. Better would be to hit Kentucky on the way down and do the bourbon trail.

 

Smokey C's in Alabama. Not Tennessee but under 2 hours from the heart of Nashville.
Damn I wish I was that close to Casey and his goodness.

 

Drive the Tail of the Dragon. Over 100 switchback in a few miles. Don't do it if you are subject to motion sickness.
Terminates near Lake Fontana which is beautiful.

 

If you are gonna drive to Cherokee, you might as well continue another 3 hrs to Salisbury to see Whitty at USA Made Blade

 

Get to Cherokee. Yes it’s touristy but part of it. Traveling from tenn to nc, you can hit Clingmsns dome, chimney tops etc. then when you get to the occonaluftee visitor center, you can often see elk in the field or in the area. We have eaten breakfast at peters pasncskes and waffles and watched the herd walk along river right into Cherokee. Not uncommon. Then move over to Bryson city and the deep creek area of GSMNP where you can tube the creek inside GSMNP. Or just a little farther and check out rafting on Nantahala. NC side is not near as crowded but easily within reach of Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg.