Athens has a population of 13,458 and is the county seat of McMinn County. The Cherokee lived in the area at the time the first European explorers arrived. In 1819, the tribe signed the Calhoun Treaty, selling land that included all of what is currently McMinn County to the United States government. The county was then organized, and Athens was founded in 1822. Athens is between Knoxville and Chattanooga, providing easy access to both metropolitan areas.
Athens is tucked in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains near lakes, streams, and parks. The city is the home of Tennessee Wesleyan University and is known for arts, cultural, and outdoor activities, including hiking. It's a welcoming place with accommodations that will make you feel like you're home.
When are the best times to visit Athens, TN?
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.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Athens, TN:
Athens by Star Rating
Below we've posted 3 graphs demonstrating mean price patterns by star rating class in Athens, TN. You can use these line graphs to determine the cheapest seasons to book in Athens for your upcoming travels.
Are luxury hotels an option in the Athens, TN area?
4 Star Average Prices: $159.00
For an upscale place with more amenities and luxurious touches, try Holiday Inn Express & Suites Sweetwater in nearby Sweetwater. Your smartly decorated room will be equipped with a refrigerator and microwave, LED television with cable channels, desk, coffee/tea maker, and free Wi-Fi. After a long day of hiking or exploring, you can relax in your deep soaking bathtub. You can also take a dip in the indoor pool and work out in the fitness center. Complimentary hot breakfast is served each morning, and free newspapers are in the lobby.
In addition to standard guest rooms, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Sweetwater offers executive rooms as well as suites with separate living quarters, sofa beds, and larger flat-screen TVs with expanded cable and HD channels. At this Holiday Inn, you'll be 15 minutes from The Lost Sea Adventure and Rock Springs Golf Course.
Comfort Inn Athens offers attractive contemporary rooms and spacious suites with pleasing amenities. All the rooms have plasma televisions with cable programming, coffee/tea makers, and free Wi-Fi. Suites are spacious and have extra amenities, such as whirlpool baths and sitting areas. The hotel has a business center, free hot breakfast, and a welcoming lobby with free newspapers. You can enjoy the indoor pool and spa tub. You'll be a few minutes from Athens Regional Park and 4 miles from the McMinn County Living Heritage Museum.
Does Athens, TN have affordable hotel options?
3 Star Average Prices: $112.75
If you'll be out most of the day exploring, a basic hotel with affordable rates might be the perfect accommodation. Scottish Inns has a seasonal outdoor pool so you can cool off after a long hike. Rooms have queen or king beds and TVs with cable and HBO. Some rooms have refrigerators so you can keep snacks and drinks on hand. Complimentary continental breakfast is served each morning. You can read a free newspaper while you eat and then head to nearby Athens Regional Park.
Motel 6 Athens is another budget choice that positions you near Athens Regional Park and the McMinn County Living Heritage Museum. Rooms feature refrigerators, microwaves, desks, LED televisions with cable programming, and free wireless internet access. Motel 6 is pet-friendly so that you can bring your dog with you on your mountain adventure in Athens.