Some of my favorites for this area include:
FOOD:
Rockwood : Ivan's on Roane Street has a great chicken salad with apples and grapes. Good menu for lunch or dinner.
Harriman: You just can't go wrong with Cracker Barrel, its located off I-40 exit 347.
Off the beaten track/great places to visit:
Jack Daniels Distillery, Lynchburg TN, its free to tour, no tasting but well worth the trip.
Applebarn Cider Mill and General Store, Sevierville TN, 230 Apple Valley Road. Exit !-40 exit 407. If it has to do with an apple - they have it. Great food too.