Just off BRP is Luray Caverns, which are very interesting for the kids.

We saw a bear very near the road the last time we were there, he was flipping over rocks and eating the bugs and grubs that were under them.

Monticello (Thomas Jefferson home)
Ashlawn Highland (James Monroe home)
Montpelier (James Madison home)

Luray Caverns

Plenty of things to do in Shenandoah National Park. Perhaps have a meal a Big Meadows Lodge Dining Room

Are you starting in Great Smoky's and going all the way or what?

Plan is to start north and drive south. Also get a couple days of horseback riding.

With the present weather issues for the parkway, here is a handy website to check out road conditions and closures real time when you are there:
http://www.virtualblueridge.com/closures/

Make sure you have a back-up plan. We planned to spend two days hiking the BRP in October, but it was closed both days.

Here are other helpful links that include opening dates (the majority of NPS facilities do not open until April or May) for Skyline Drive and Blue Ridge Parkway:

http://www.virtualblueridge.com/parkway/general/opening_dates.asp

http://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/facilities-opening-schedule.htm

At this time of year, weather can change quickly, especially at those elevations. When going on hikes wear proper clothing and take the time to plan properly.
http://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/winter.htm#CP_JUMP_143421

Luray Caverns is open daily all year.

There will be a good bit of snow falling on the Skyline Drive over the next few days. Check with this website or call the number listed before driving up to find out that the highway is closed. http://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/hours.htm