Make sure the brakes on your car are in good condition, seriously. The long downhill stretches on the Parkway really put a strain on your brakes.
Feel free to skip Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg which are nearby, both tourist traps.
As far as Fla panhandle beaches, Mexico Beach is relatively undeveloped and the beaches are beautiful. Panama City and Destin have great beaches but the hundreds of high rise condos are just depressing.
Feel free to skip Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg which are nearby, both tourist traps.
But DO enjoy the Smokies and the start of the Parkway.
The Parkway to Asheville is stupendous!