Yeah, I'm leaning this way myself. All the detailed responses made me realize that attempting any kind of multi-day road trip with littles would not be fun. We're thinking of going someplace and renting a condo for a while.
Given the age of your kids and limited time, I agree with your idea to picking one place to stay instead of a long road trip.
However, I would strongly suggest using VRBO/Airbnb to rent a single family cabin/cottage instead of being stuck in a condo complex.
- This would allow your kids to play outside, run around, explore, roast smores, ect.
- Then after the kids go to bed, you and your husband can unwind by the fire, stream, hot tub, ect.
Find a place that isn't directly in the city center of wherever you plan to stay.
- If you are going to Nashville, look at Franklin / Leipers Fork
- For Smokey Mountains, try Townsend TN or Bryson City NC
- I'd also strongly suggest looking at the Asheville, NC area.