Travel Advice - Canadian Family.

So I'm not sure how I've lived 47 years and only today heard of Gatlinburg, which led me down the rabbit hole of Dollywood, Pigeon Forge, Knoxville and Chatanooga. Admittedly I've heard of the second two - but only really for the college ball and that old song.

Eastern Tenn looks pretty fun. I've got a young family and this looks way cooler than anything Disney. 

Would trying to cover these spots mentioned above be too much to do in a week/10-days? in general are things pretty safe or do you really have to keep to a designated route? Would driving down with Canadian plates make you a target/would flying in and renting be more suitable?

Lastly my Bills have an away game in Charlotte next season, is that drive to Knoxville from there reasonably safe?

Thanks for any advice.