Athens has hot summers, so if you're looking for comfortable weather, spring and early fall are your best bets for traveling here, specifically from mid-April to the end of May and early to mid-September to the beginning of October. Average highs in summer range from 85 to 88 degrees, while April and May average highs of 71 and 78 degrees respectively. In September and October, average highs are 82 and 72 degrees respectively. Winter average highs range from 48 to 53 degrees, with average lows from 26 to 29 degrees.
June is the busiest month for tourism, followed by March and July, so book early if you're traveling in spring or summer. You could save a little by visiting in fall, but you'd save the most in winter if you don't mind cool temperatures.
Seniors and AAA members can get discounted rates at Red Roof Inn Etowah – Athens, TN. You'll be 10 minutes from Ridgewood Golf Club and Cook Park, 8 miles from Heritage Park, and 9 miles from Veterans Memorial Park. Rooms come with refrigerators, microwaves, flat-screen TVs with cable programming, desks, coffee/tea makers, and free Wi-Fi. The hotel has a complimentary breakfast, a business center, a meeting room, and fitness facilities. Upgrade to a Superior Room for upscale bedding, extra pillows, and a snack box.
Econo Lodge in Athens offers senior and AAA discounts. The hotel is less than 4 miles from the McMinn County Living Heritage Museum. Affordable rates will get you a spacious room with a refrigerator, microwave, 37-inch flat-screen TV with cable, free Wi-Fi, and a deep soaking bathtub. You'll have a desk and free bottled water in your room as well. The hotel serves a complimentary continental breakfast every morning.
Days Inn is in the heart of Athens just three minutes from Athens Regional Park and other attractions in the city. The hotel is a great accommodation for the money, offering spacious rooms with refrigerators, microwaves, flat-screen TVs with cable programming, in-room tea and coffee, and free wireless internet access. The hotel provides complimentary breakfast and newspapers. Swim some laps in the large outdoor pool or catch some rays in one of the poolside chairs.
Super 8 by Wyndham Athens is highly rated among guests, who praise the convenient location, friendly service, and comfortable beds. The rooms feature refrigerators, microwaves, flat-screen TVs with premium channels, and free high-speed internet service. You can enjoy coffee both in your room and in the lobby.
The McMinn County Living Heritage Museum is a must-see attraction. Thirty permanent exhibits contain more than 10,000 artifacts that illustrate the history and culture of Southeast Tennessee from the 1700s to the 1940s. Explore the history of Native Americans in McMinn County; in the Cherokee Indian exhibit, you'll learn more about the Cherokee Removal, known as the Trail of Tears. You'll also see exhibits on the USS Charles R. Ware, African-American history, veteran history, and the Battle of Athens, in which returning World War II veterans took over the county government. The museum also offers rotating exhibits and special events.
Try your hand at one of four area golf courses: Ridgewood Golf Club, Springbrook Golf & Country Club, White Oaks Golf Course, or Willow Springs Golf Course.
You can also take the kids on a tour of Mayfield Dairy Farm to see the process of milk being bottled and try some ice cream.
Below are reviews of the city of Athens, TN from an actual visitor's perspective.
Able to obtain decent price through 3rd party. Pet friendly is a plus.
We got carryout from Angela's. Nice, friendly staff! Very accommodating!
I just slept and had a quick dinner in Athens but it looks like a lovely small community.
Awesome nearby park!
There were shopping and food options!
This was my first stay in Athens. It was close to a lot of different places that we enjoyed. I found it easy to get around.