This is the first time I've seen this thread. richr's description of the Gatlinburg-Pigeon Forge corridor brings back fond memories. My first visit to this area was in the late 50's, when I came through with my parents as a teenager and Pigeon Forge was still (relatively) a sleepy little town. I do remember bumper to bumper traffic through Gatlinburg, though, waiting to enter Smoky Mountains NP.

In the mid-90's I took my new wife on the same trip, promising her wonderful views of a picturesque and lovely rural village. She's laughed ever since over my surprise as we traversed the four-lane divided highway from light to light, with views of nothing but outlet malls and tacky tourist attractions. Only one of my "you can't go home again" experiences. Thomas Wolfe had it exactly right, even if this isn't quite what he meant.