Continuing our Summer Travel series focusing on places now open and ready for tourists, here’s another of our Places To See for those of you venturing forth whether near or far.
A sunflower field is like a sky with a thousand suns.
Corina Abdulahm-Negura
They’re back . . . and it’s once again time to view sunflowers in Knoxville! Hundreds of them, now in full bloom are ready for viewing through July at Knoxville’s Forks of the River Wildlife Management Area. And with over 60 acres of towering yellow sunflowers, you can walk the trails between fields, take pictures, and enjoy summer color — all for free!
We only get this chance to see sunflowers every other year, on odd-numbered years. Because sunflowers require a lot of nitrogen, they’re replanted every two years.
But what a reward when you arrive! Tall stalks with large yellow flowers, loved by bees and visitors alike. It’s a photographer’s paradise, so you may want to capture your kids and grandkids in one of the golden fields or just focus on close-ups. It’s all good.
So, how do you get there? Head to Forks of the River Wildlife Management Area a little past Ijams Nature Center and Mead’s Quarry, about 10 minutes from downtown Knoxville at 3140 McClure Lane, Knoxville, TN 37920. Parking is available, but no public rest rooms, so you may want to stop at the Nature Center at Ijams before you explore the fields.
Afterwards, we recommend lunch or dinner at SoKno Taco Cantina — fun, urban atmosphere with great — well, what else? — tacos, of course. It’s located at 3701 Sevierville Pike, not far from the sunflowers.
Sunflower fields at Knoxville’s Forks of the River — it’s summer travel at its finest.
Rusha & Bert
philosophy through photography
Beautiful flowers. A visual treat!
Thank you friends.
Grammy Writes
Sunflowers are a delight, as are your photos! What a sight that must have been!
Judy@NewEnglandGardenAndThread
A field of sunflowers is better than a dose of medicine for the soul. Beautiful!
Oh, the Places We See
Totally agree!
Sam Hankss
Wonderful post, I have loved reading through your travels, and I agree – you’re never too old to explore new destinations!
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks so much. We’re still going and going but a bit more slowly!!!
Amy
It must be a stunning view! So beautiful through your lens. I love these close-up images.
Oh, the Places We See
I’m going to try more close-ups next time. I, too, love the way they turned out!
bernhard1965
Like picture #3 the best
Best regards
Bernhard
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks! I like that one as well!!
Prior...
Oh how beautiful this sunflower fields must be in person – thanks for sharing them with ua
Greenglobaltrek
Absolutely magnificent! Worth waiting two years for! Great photos. So bright and cheery. Sunflowers are such unique flowers I think because of how tall they grow !!
Peta
Oh, the Places We See
I wish you could be here to see them. Thanks for the comments.
rajkkhoja
Excellent sunflower.
Wandering Dawgs
I love sunflowers! Thanks for these gorgeous images!
WanderingCanadians
Fabulous captures. Sunflowers are among some of my favourite flowers.
Oh, the Places We See
Thank you so much. I love getting up close and peering into their “faces.”
thehungrytravellers.blog
Don’t you just love sunflowers! Ours in our garden at home were just about to burst into flower when we left for Greece on Monday – they’re probably beautiful by now!
Oh, the Places We See
Hope they hold on to those blossoms ‘til you get home. What a treat!
thehungrytravellers.blog
Well if all goes according to plan we will be away until October. They will be spreading their seeds by then I suspect!
kzmcb
I would love to see it. Your first photo, of the unopened flower, is exceptional.
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks so much for that compliment on the unopened flower. I don’t know that I’ve ever looked at a “bud” that closely, but this one was fascinating. In fact, sunflower centers are as well. It was a learning trip and a fun one!
Rose
What a gorgeous quote! “A sunflower field is like a sky with a thousand suns. Corina Abdulahm-Negura”
And such pretty flowers. 🌻💛
Oh, the Places We See
Thank you so much. Wishing you a sunflower kind of day!
Toonsarah
Fabulous sunflower photos, especially the close-ups! Unfortunately not somewhere we can easily venture out to however – we’ll have to find our own summer pleasures closer to home this year 🙂
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks for your lovely comment. Yes, we’re all traveling a bit closer to home these days.
Carolyn Pearre
What a beautiful post! I did not know about planting sunflowers every 2 years.
Oh, the Places We See
The sunflowers are bit more sparse this year but nevertheless still pretty. Our bridge group took a field trip!!! Hope you’re getting excited about Maine!
Melanie Gagon
I love sunflower fields!!! This is so pretty!!!
Oh, the Places We See
Thank you so much. It’s a welcome sight every two years!!
justbluedutch
I love Sunflower fields… and you´ve got great shots here.Thanks for sharing your trip.
Oh, the Places We See
I appreciate your comment very much! The flowers are so gorgeous.