Where, oh where to go

I think you need to be more specific in the types of places you want to visit and your general interests. I can think of a lot of places I would like to visit or visit again. As soon as I saw Pigeon Forge I realized are interests are not at all similar.

Do a Google search for `______ tourism' and put the State, City or area in the blank space and take your pick.

I did Dodge City, KS... some say worthwhile, some say don't bother. I enjoyed it.

Went to Durange, CO... interesting. Over Wolf Creek Pass was an experience, but I enjoyed it.

Branson is among my favorites. Charleston (the Battery) is beautiful.

If you make the Springfield,MO area don't miss this. Well worth the time to stop and see!
https://wondersofwildlife.org/

“I've driven in all 50 states, but have never stopped to see the sights...”

Wow

If in the Branson area drop south by a dozen or so mile to The Top of The Rock, no camping, but an interesting place to see. Next would be Big Cedar Lodge, lodging but no camping, then comes Dogwood Canyon. Another worthwhile sight to see, but no camping. ( All three of these owned by Johnny Morris of Bass Pro. From there another interesting place is the Golden Pioneer Museum in Golden, MO. Looks like a barn/metal shed, but contains a vast collection that we found interesting. From lunchboxes to Indian artifacts, dinner ware to dolls. Well worth the free admission (donations accepted).
Down the road apiece from there is the Office Pub & Steakhouse, Eagle Rock, MO. Some of the best fried chicken ever. Not far from there is Roaring River State Park and finally a campsite! A beautiful park, especially loop 1 or 2 (our favorites). It's a trout fishing park.
Just a jump from there to Eureka Springs, AR, which is a small town worth visiting.
A little long, but hope it helps.

Check out hot springs national Park in Arkansas and don't miss a tour of heifer international in Little Rock. There is a nice RV park right on the river across from the Clinton library. These would be further west from the suggestions given earlier. You can also spend a little time in Branson Missouri because it's scenic and touristy. So, don't spend too much time! Oh and don't forget to stop in at the museum of college of the Ozarks. They don't charge any tuition and it's a fascinating model in this day.

Charleston has Fort Sumter and Patriots Point Maritime Museum with 3 WW2 vessles, the USS Yorktown, the USS Laffey and the USS Clamagore. Town has the historic market district and the historic homes and lots of great dining. Think about stopping in Savannah before you head to Charleston.

Then head on up to Asheville and go to the Biltmore Estate. Plan for all day there if you go. Take one of the add on tours like the roof top tour or the grounds tour. Look online at the options. Eat at any of their restaurants they're all execellent. The Asheville area is worth about 4 day stop to explore.

Then come over to Sevierville, Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. Yes, its "touristy" but there is lots to see and do. Depending the time of season you hit here you might see very heavy traffic and patience would be in order. Great dinner shows and Dollywood is a great theme park (they say they are NOT an amusement park!). Again there are lots of other great restaurants and there is the Great Smoky Mountain National Park with Newfound Gap and Clingmans Dome and Cades Cove. You could spend another 4-5 days here. I live in this area and can answer most questions you might have.

From there head west to Nashville and take in Broadway street with all the little honky tonks and live country music. The not to be missed is the Hermitage, Andrew Jacksons home and museum. From there Memphis might be a stop for Beal Street.