Is there a scenic or leisurely way to travel from McGhee Tyson airport (near Knoxville) to Bristol TN? Route maps show interstate the fastest, but if it's congested or with a lot of truck traffic we have time to do a leisurely drive. We're considering coming into Bristol early for the weekend Nascar races (Sept 20/21st); would be traveling with bus tour for that activity so driving ourselves on racedays wouldn't be an issue until Sunday checkout. We'll be staying near Sevierville for the next week after to see Smoky Mountains, Titanic exhibit, Dollywood perhaps - plus two more days to fill before heading home. Any suggestions for small towns to explore on the way, too?

Rogersville is lovely, and there are things to see in Franklin, the unrecognized "state" in East Tennessee.

The Museum of Appalachia outside of Knoxville may be interesting to you, as might be the McAdoo Museum.

Townsend TN is the "quiet side" of the Smokies and has great places to eat.

You may want to consider a drive in Cades Cove, too.