I'm originally from Northwest Alabama, but visited Tennessee many times throughout the year as I grew up. We went to the Smokies on our honeymoon. Tennessee is a beautiful state. We always enjoy traveling there. Now that we are in PA, we go through TN on our way home to Alabama and it is always my favorite part of the trip. All of the times I have been there, the winter has been very mild. We went to Dollywood for Christmas one year and it was beautiful weather. And the colors in the trees in the fall...gorgeous! The summer time can be a little humid to me, but not too bad. Friendly people in TN too! Good luck on your trip! You'll love living in the South! I know I sure do! Now that we live in PA, I miss that good 'ol southern hospitality! Most people in PA are so rude and not friendly at all. They look at you mean if you attempt to hold a door for them or say hello. Soooo not like that in the south! Everyone is friendly and pretty much just enjoys having a good ol' time.