It sounds like you might be following I-81, which would likely be quickest but not necessarily the most fun! You might consider taking Skyline Drive and The Blue Ridge Parkway into Western North Carolina (Cherokee Indian lands), then heading into TN through The Great Smoky Mountains. Beautiful scenery and, for me, one of the best driving experiences I've had so far! I'll never forget coming out of the Mountains straight into Gatlinburg -- it was a total shock! If you want "touristy" you won't be disappointed. Plenty of local motels in the Pigeon Forge area offer competitive pricing to the big chains.