Planning another trip to Tennessee (Knoxville, Roan Mountain: house, eat, trees)

[JoshB]

I'd like to come down to Tennessee again. I loved it so much when I visited in October I must see it again. I'm thinking about spring time. I want to see the Rhodendron-Spelling? on the mountains. I may try and check out the Knoxville area as well.

My main question, when does it start getting nice and the flowers go in swing? I don't mind a little snow. I'd just like some not so hot weather but yet not so cold?

So... When should I plan a visit?

[alleycat]

It varies from year-to-year, but it usually starts getting really nice in late March to early April (the trees will be budding and leafing out, and the early spring flowers will be in bloom). If I were you I might think about visiting from mid-April to mid-May.

[kamoshika]

Originally Posted by JoshB

I'd like to come down to Tennessee again. I loved it so much when I visited in October I must see it again. I'm thinking about spring time. I want to see the Rhodendron-Spelling? on the mountains. I may try and check out the Knoxville area as well.

We look forward to having you down again! FWIW, Catawba rhododendron is the species that Roan Mountain is famous for; it usually grows at 5000'+. It doesn't bloom till June but other species of rhododendron bloom earlier at lower elevations.

My main question, when does it start getting nice and the flowers go in swing? I don't mind a little snow. I'd just like some not so hot weather but yet not so cold?

So... When should I plan a visit?

I think mid-April through May is generally the peak period for wildflowers in NE Tennessee. Some smaller species start coming out in March or even late Feb., but the show doesn't really crank up till April.

You can click on the link below and scroll down to see a calendar view of the weather last April at Tri-Cities Regional Airport; you can expect a lot of variability in temps that time of year:
History : Weather Underground

[Pam& Bill]

Josh,
I have to agree with the others suggested time frame. But it does vary from year to year though. This year it can't come quick enough for me.....
You'll love all the Redbud trees in the spring.
Pam

[TN Tin Man]

FYI : On Roan Mountain and Rhododendrons.... Roan Mountain, Tennessee - Roan Mountain Citizens Club

Their is a link for Watauga Lake and winter photographs as of several weeks ago......

[ylisa7]

I vote for the beginning of May. The mountains can still get snow in April. Let us know when you plan on coming. Maybe this time you'll make it over to Grandfather Mountain,

[JoshB]

Thanks for the help, Gang!

Originally Posted by younglisa7

I vote for the beginning of May. The mountains can still get snow in April. Let us know when you plan on coming. Maybe this time you'll make it over to Grandfather Mountain,

Lisa, I'd love to make it over to GF Mtn. I also want to check out Mt. Mitchell. I'd really like to try and fit nine days in. I don't know if my employer will like that much...lol


Thanks again, everyone!

[callcondo]

mid-April for East and Middle Tennessee should serve you well. watch the weather channel however and if its cold in early April, put off your trip for a few weeks....the blooms get pretty awesome.

[hiknapster]

If you come to Knoxville, the Dogwood Arts Festival is great. You can drive the "trails" from April 8 to the 30th. The Fountain City one comes as close to my house as one street over, although my husband has threatened to get some pink paint and divert the trail by our house!

The dogwoods, along with the redbuds and everything else, are absolutely glorious!

The Dogwood Parade is April 24.

Dogwood Arts Festival: Calendar of events (http://www.dogwoodarts.com/calendar.htm - broken link)

And the Rossini Festival will be on the 25th! Lots of fun and good eats.

Knoxville really shines in April and this year, with the cold weather, it can't come soon enough.

[JoshB]

Thanks again everyone!