Just for clarification, option 3 is not a legal option, but is one that some people choose. Carrying past a proper sign in TN is a no-no.
Proper signs are signs that are plainly visible and have (a ) a "gunbuster" circle-slash logo and/or (b ) wording that has 3 elements:
1) Must say that the property is posted under the authority of Tennessee law
2) Weapons/firearms are prohbited on the property or portion of the property
3) Must state that possessing a weapon in the off-limits area is a criminal offense
Mostly, proper postings use the language right out of the TN law books which is:
AS AUTHORIZED BY T.C.A. § 39-17-1359, POSSESSION OF A WEAPON ON POSTED PROPERTY OR IN A POSTED BUILDING IS PROHIBITED AND IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
Remember that a gunbuster is good enough to make it off-limits. No words are actually needed, but if they are used, they have to conform to the above. If they get either one right (verbage or gunbuster), it's properly posted.
As for police, it is a crime in TN to carry in public. The permit is just a defense to that crime. That basically means that the police have every right to detain you long enough to verify that you have a valid permit and, as stated above, may disarm you at their discretion during their investigation. If you really don't want to risk the hassle, conceal.