Speaking of roller coasters, I failed to mention the one at Dollywood the other day. So here is the rest of the Dollywood plug:

The big, bad coaster ride at Dollywood turns you downside up twice while you are plunging in and out of dark holes in the ground. I think the ride is about 45 seconds, but I have never heard anybody say it wasn't worth the wait. Go mid-week and you might not have to wait very long. Speeds are up to about 90, I guess, and there are some real G-forces, both positive and negative. Did I ride it? You know better, but I did talk to some people who had just gotten off. One was my grandniece from California who has probably ridden lots of coasters and she gave it two thumbs up.

Go all the way to the head of Craftsmen's Valley and listen for the screams.

I also recommend the hike to Clingman's Dome.* It's a half mile uphill, but not too steep. You can do it in about 15 minutes and it's faster on the way down. At the top there is a spiral walkway up to the observation tower. That puts you above the treetops and the view is great on a clear day. Take a sweater.
*Great Smoky Mountains National Park, a short drive from Dollywood.
Howard