Two places I never go - Gatlinburg and Gulf Shores/Orange Beach. Why people think these are the only two places to go on a little vacation...I will never understand. I would go to Gadsden before I go to Gatlinburg.
Both places are great if you go at the correct time which is when everyone else is not going to be there. A lot of this is dependant on school calendars. Then like someone already pointed out, the SMNP is wonderful, free and has plenty of places to avoid crowds.