Knoxville, Tennessee, is a vibrant city with a rich history and a thriving arts and culture scene. With its stunning mountain views, beautiful parks, and world-class museums, Knoxville is a great place to visit any time of year. But if you’re looking for the best time to experience all that Knoxville has to offer, June is the perfect month to go.
The weather in Knoxville in June is warm and sunny, with average temperatures in the mid-80s. The days are long and the nights are mild, making it ideal for exploring the city’s many outdoor attractions. And with so many festivals and events happening in June, there’s always something to see and do.
So if you’re planning a trip to Knoxville, be sure to add these 10 best places to visit to your itinerary.
1. World’s Fair Park
World’s Fair Park is a 58-acre park located in downtown Knoxville. The park was built for the 1982 World’s Fair and is home to a variety of attractions, including the Sunsphere Tower, the Knoxville Museum of Art, and the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame. World’s Fair Park is a great place to spend a day exploring the city’s history and culture.
2. Market Square
Market Square is a historic public square located in downtown Knoxville. The square is home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and bars, as well as a number of public art installations. Market Square is a great place to people-watch, enjoy a meal, or listen to live music.
3. The Old City
The Old City is a historic district located on the north side of downtown Knoxville. The district is home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and bars, as well as a number of historic buildings. The Old City is a great place to explore Knoxville’s past and enjoy the city’s nightlife.
4. The Knoxville Zoo
The Knoxville Zoo is a 53-acre zoo located on the west side of Knoxville. The zoo is home to over 800 animals from all over the world. The Knoxville Zoo is a great place to learn about animals and see them up close.
5. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a 522,419-acre national park located in eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina. The park is home to a variety of plant and animal life, as well as a number of hiking trails and waterfalls. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy the beauty of nature.
6. Dollywood
Dollywood is a theme park located in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, just a short drive from Knoxville. The park is owned by country music legend Dolly Parton and is home to a variety of rides, shows, and attractions. Dollywood is a great place to spend a day of fun and excitement.
7. The Titanic Museum Attraction
The Titanic Museum Attraction is a museum located in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, just a short drive from Knoxville. The museum tells the story of the sinking of the RMS Titanic and features a number of artifacts from the ship. The Titanic Museum Attraction is a great place to learn about one of the most famous disasters in history.
8. The Gatlinburg Space Needle
The Gatlinburg Space Needle is a 407-foot observation tower located in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, just a short drive from Knoxville. The tower offers stunning views of the Great Smoky Mountains and is a great place to take in the beauty of the area.
9. The Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
The Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is an aquarium located in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, just a short drive from Knoxville. The aquarium is home to a variety of marine life, including sharks, penguins, and jellyfish. The Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is a great place to learn about marine life and see some of the most amazing creatures on the planet.
10. The Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway
The Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway is a 2.1-mile aerial tramway located in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, just a short drive from Knoxville. The tramway offers stunning views of the Great Smoky Mountains and is a great way to get to the top of Ober Gatlinburg, a ski resort and amusement park.
Culture
Knoxville is a city with a rich culture and heritage. The city is home to a number of museums, theaters, and art galleries. Knoxville is also home to a number of festivals and events throughout the year, including the Knoxville Film Festival, the Knoxville Jazz Festival, and the Rhythm N’ Blooms Festival.
Best Months to Visit
The best time to visit Knoxville is in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and pleasant. However, Knoxville is a great place to visit any time of year. In the summer, the city comes alive with festivals and events, and in the winter, the city is transformed into a winter wonderland.
Nearby Transportation
Knoxville is located on Interstate 40 and is easily accessible by car. The city is also served by McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS), which is located just 12 miles from downtown Knoxville. Knoxville is also served by Amtrak, which provides train service to the city from major cities across the country.
Local Food
Knoxville is home to a number of great restaurants serving a variety of cuisines. Some of the city’s most popular restaurants include The Chop House, The Orangery, and Calhoun’s. Knoxville is also home to a number of breweries and distilleries, so be sure to sample some of the local craft beer and spirits.
Best Hotels
There are a number of great hotels located in Knoxville. Some of the city’s most popular hotels include the Hilton Knoxville, the Crowne Plaza Knoxville, and the Holiday Inn Knoxville Downtown. Knoxville is also home to a number of bed and breakfasts, so be sure to check out some of the city’s charming historical accommodations.
Conclusion
Knoxville is a great city with a lot to offer visitors. With its stunning mountain views, beautiful parks, and world-class museums, Knoxville is a great place to visit any time of year. But if you’re looking for the best time to experience all that Knoxville has to offer, June is the perfect month to go.