Tell her it's a perfect chance to see the beautiful leaves turning in the mountains. Women like that crap.
I was in that area 6 years ago today (According to my F.B. memories). So. Many. People. Cade's Cove was unbearably crowded. Strangely enough - we "followed" some people through there from Johnson County as well. And even had our hotel breakfast adjacent to another table full of JoCo'ers. 400 miles from home and can't get away from "neighbors". It was also on that trip that I made my most recent stop into SMKW. Didn't buy anything.
So - if y'all head down this weekend... Be prepared to A) not find a room, B) you'll pay way too much for it. It's peak leaf season right now. Crowded. Saving Grace is that the Vols have an away game this weekend.