Heading to the South! Our Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia Road Trip

We are packing up and road tripping through some of the southern states.  It will be myself, my husband, 7 year old Little Monkey, my mom (who would probably not like it if I put her age) and our 10 lb boston terrier Gus Gus.  The trip starts in Nashville, which we are familiar with, but the next part is where I am looking to you guys for help. We are heading to Pigeon Forge, Smoky Mountains National Park, and Gatlinburg area.  We are not familiar with this area at all.  I have picked out some activities we want to do like the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, zip line, mountain coaster, maybe a moonshine tasting?  I think we are going to skip Dollywood.  Maybe the waterpark there though?  Any suggestions?

Next we head to Asheville, North Carolina.  The Biltmore Estate is at the top of our list.  I also want to visit the French Broad Chocolate Lounge (for obvious reasons).  We will only be in the area for one night.  Is there anything else that is a “must-do”?

We then make our way to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.  This is our home away from home and I would totally move there if I could.  While we are in Hilton Head we will be doing a day trip to Savannah, which I have been to twice, but not as familiar with.  On my list is the Bonaventure Cemetery, Savannah Candy Company (my mom’s favorite), and the Wormsloe Plantation.  Any other Savannah recommendations?

After Hilton Head we head to Charleston.  I have never been there, but have always wanted to go.  Fort Sumter, Magnolia Plantation, and the Old Slave Mart Museum are what we have planned.  I would love some other ideas! 

From there we drive through Georgia.  We plan to stop at Augusta.  Other than the golf club is there anything in town that we should visit?  We were also thinking of going through Madison, Georgia because it is always listed on the top 1o small southern town lists.  We will be making our way up to Chattanooga.  If there is anything you recommend along that route I would love to hear about it.  

We finish up our trip in Nashville.  I know it will be hot.  I also plan on bringing bug spray.  We are looking for great places to eat, cool photos, fun shops, beautiful landscapes, funky hole in the walls, you get the idea.  We would love your input!