AboutJerry Yares Expertise Travel, sightseeing, dining, and sleeping here in East TN and the Great Smoky Mountains. Not a golfer, camper, boater, or fisherman.
Experience Lived here since 1998; many years of travel here before that.
Organizations belong to Local photo, nature, garden, and bird clubs
Expert: Jerry Yares Date: 12/31/2004 Subject: Your State
Question Hi Jerry,
My husband and two kids (ages 4 & 5) and I are planning a trip to your beautiful state this year. I read that you live in eastern Tennessee and was wondering if you could give me some information about the best months to travel in and the areas to go which are best suited for children? We'd like to get temperatures warm enough to swim in (like everybody else). We were kind of hoping for early April during spring break. We are from Kalamazoo, Michigan and will be driving.
Answer Tricia:
Late April is a great time to visit E TN and the Smokies. Peak of the spring wildflower season. Lots of local festival activity, too. Average Knoxville temps in April are max 70.9, min 47.8, and average 59.4.
Mountain streams are cool to cold year around, but riding down the river on truck tire inner-tubes is popular in places like Townsend. Of course, many of the lodgings in Townsend and Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg have pools (perhaps more appropriate than rivers for 4-5 year olds).
The kids should enjoy Dollywood in Pigeon Forge (go after 3 PM and your ticket is also good for the whole next day) and the aquarium in Gatlinburg. An early morning or late afternoon drive through Cades Cove should give you a look at deer, bears, and other wildlife. And Knoxville has a fine zoo with a new kids' area set to open in a couple of months. Be sure to bring your cameras.
Be aware that spring break, summer, and fall color are very popular times to visit the Smokies, so reserve your accomodations soon.
Please send me your e-mail address (to jyares@aol.com) and give me an idea of what kinds of things you like to do and what kind of accomodations you prefer, and I'll pass along more specific info.
