Chilhowee is the best lake. It's a long haul to get there. Norris and Tellico Lakes are sweet. Cherokee and Douglas draw down quickly and the dams don't have navigatable locks (Norris either). Fort Loudon is the biggest party. Watts Bar connects Fort Loudon and Chattanooga. Melton Hill is small and still resembles a river the most.
Most of the national chain stores and restaurants and rich people are on the west side.
There are 3 main routes to the Smoky Mountains. I-40E/Hwy 66 takes you through tourist hell. Chapman Highway and Alcoa Highway get you there at a slower speed, but faster during busy times.