🧭 Hundred-Mile Happenings: A Cat Show With a Costume Contest, a Square Dance Convention, a Christmas Quilt Walk and a Tree Built From 223 Barrels

Or: Watch Cats Run an Agility Course in Dalton, Promenade With Georgia’s Square Dancers, Stroll Tullahoma’s Trees of Christmas, Walk Off the Turkey Early at the Wobble Gobble, Meet Mr. and Mrs. Claus in Wartrace, Ride a Sleigh With Santa in Bell Buckle and Count Down to Lynchburg’s Barrel Tree — Seven New Day Trips Within About 100 Miles of Dunlap

By Thomas Seest, Dunlap.Today · Saturday, October 17, 2026

Howdy, neighbor. Here’s batch number thirty-nine of Hundred-Mile Happenings, our running list of unusual, family-friendly outings within about 100 miles of Dunlap. Same promise as always: when, where, how far, what it costs and who’ll love it, in plain words. And no repeats. Every one of these is new to the list.

This round has a little bit of everything, from whiskers to quilts. On Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 7–8, the 88th Cotton States Cat Show comes to Dalton, Ga., with feline agility and a cat costume contest. The next weekend, Nov. 13–15, the Georgia State Square Dance Convention fills the same hall. Tullahoma opens its Trees of Christmas on Friday, Nov. 20 and runs the Wobble Gobble 5K the next morning. Tiny Wartrace holds Christmas on the Square on Small Business Saturday, Nov. 28. Bell Buckle hangs quilts all over town for A Quilted Christmas, Dec. 4–5, with a Christmas pet parade and sleigh rides with Santa. And Lynchburg lights its famous 223-barrel Christmas tree on Saturday, Dec. 5.

⏱️ Your 30-second trip list

• Sat.–Sun., Nov. 7–8, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Eastern (8 a.m.–3 p.m. our time): 88th Cotton States Cat Show, Dalton Convention Center, Dalton, Ga. Admission not yet announced — check before you go.
• Fri.–Sun., Nov. 13–15 (Eastern): Georgia State Square Dance Convention, Dalton Convention Center. Dancer registration $45.
• Fri., Nov. 20, starting at noon Central (our time): Trees of Christmas, South Jackson Performing Arts Center, Tullahoma. Reserve ahead; cost not posted.
• Sat., Nov. 21, 8 a.m. Central (our time): Wobble Gobble 5K Run & Walk, downtown Tullahoma. $35 through Oct. 31, then $40.
• Sat., Nov. 28, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Central (our time): Christmas on the Square and tree lighting, Wartrace.
• Fri.–Sat., Dec. 4–5, 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Central (our time): A Quilted Christmas quilt walk, Bell Buckle. Christmas Pet Parade Sat., Dec. 5 at noon. Sleigh rides with Santa Dec. 5, 12 and 19.
• Sat., Dec. 5 (Central — our time): Christmas in Lynchburg and the Barrel Tree Lighting. Times not posted yet.

🕰️ The one thing to remember: this time almost everything is on OUR time — Central. Tullahoma, Wartrace, Bell Buckle and Lynchburg are all Central, same as Dunlap. Only the two Dalton, Ga., events are Eastern, one hour ahead, so subtract an hour: the cat show’s 9 a.m. opening is 8 a.m. OUR time. And remember: daylight saving time ends at 2 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 1. Set the clocks back an hour Saturday night, Oct. 31. Every trip on this list comes after that, so it’ll be dark by about 5 p.m. — plan your drive home.

🐈 Watch Cats Run an Agility Course at Dalton’s 88th Cotton States Cat Show

Dog shows get all the attention, but cat folks have been gathering in this corner of the South for 88 years. The Cotton States Cat Club brings its yearly championship show to the Dalton Convention Center, with up to 350 cats and eight judges from the Cat Fanciers’ Association, the big national cat registry. Walk the rows and see breeds you’ve only read about in books. The special attractions are pure fun: feline agility (yes, cats running an obstacle course, when they feel like it), an exhibitor cat costume contest and Spectator’s Choice awards, where visitors get a say.

Why it’s worth the drive:

• When: Sat., Nov. 7 and Sun., Nov. 8, 2026, visitor hours 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Eastern (8 a.m.–3 p.m. our time) both days.
• Where: Dalton Convention Center, 2211 Tony Ingle Pkwy., Dalton, Ga.
• How far: About 75–80 miles, roughly 1½ hours, by way of Chattanooga and I-75 south. Approximate; check your map app.
• Cost: The CFA listing says admission is “to be announced” — check before you go.
• Who’ll love it: Cat lovers of every age, kids who want to see an “obstacle course for kitties,” and anybody thinking about which breed might suit them.
• Good to know: Eastern Time — subtract an hour. Show cats are working, so always ask the owner before you pet, and keep little hands to themselves unless invited. Questions go to show contact Cynthia Lewis at calcatpurr@aol.com.

👉 Read more (Cotton States Cat Club show — Cat Fanciers’ Association) · Visit Dalton listing

💃 Promenade Home at the Georgia State Square Dance Convention

If you grew up hearing “allemande left” and “do-si-do” in a school gym, this one’s for you. The Georgia State Square Dance Association holds its 2026 state convention in Dalton, with the cheerful theme “Magic Carpet Ride”. Expect hall after hall of swirling skirts, callers calling and dancers from all over. The association also lists a fashion show, a Georgia Caller School, tours and education seminars.

Why it’s worth the drive:

• When: The association lists Fri., Nov. 13, 2 p.m. through Sun., Nov. 15, 2026. Visit Dalton lists Nov. 13–14, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. The listings don’t match exactly, so check before you go. All times are Eastern — subtract an hour.
• Where: Dalton Convention Center, 2211 Tony Ingle Pkwy., Dalton, GA 30720.
• How far: About 75–80 miles, roughly 1½ hours, by way of Chattanooga and I-75 south. Approximate; check your map app.
• Cost: General admission registration is $45 (plus a $1.13 ticket fee) after the Sept. 1 price increase. Special events may need separate registration.
• Who’ll love it: Square dancers and round dancers, folks who used to dance and miss it, and anybody looking for a friendly hobby that keeps you moving.
• Good to know: This is mainly a weekend for dancers. The pages we found don’t say whether non-dancers can just come watch, so email president@gssda.org before you drive down.

👉 Read more (2026 Georgia State Square Dance Convention — GSSDA) · Dalton Convention Center calendar

🎄 Stroll a Room Full of Decorated Trees at Tullahoma’s Trees of Christmas

Every year, folks in Tullahoma decorate their own personalized Christmas trees and set them up inside the South Jackson Performing Arts Center, a handsome community arts building downtown. Then the doors open so everybody can stroll among the creations. Organizers say visitors come “from all over” each year. It’s a fine way to pick up decorating ideas before you haul out your own boxes.

Why it’s worth the drive:

• When: Opens Fri., Nov. 20, 2026, at noon Central (our time). How many days it stays open isn’t posted on the page we found — check before you go.
• Where: South Jackson Performing Arts Center, 404 S. Jackson St., Tullahoma, TN 37388.
• How far: About 70–80 miles, roughly 1½ hours, by way of I-24 and Manchester. Approximate; check your map app.
• Cost: The ticket page has a “Reserve” button but no price posted — check before you go.
• Who’ll love it: Christmas decorators, craft-club ladies, and grandparents with a grandchild who loves twinkle lights.
• Good to know: Central Time — same as us. Pair it with the Wobble Gobble 5K the next morning and make a Tullahoma weekend of it.

👉 Read more (Trees of Christmas — South Jackson Performing Arts Center)

🦃 Walk Off the Turkey Early at Tullahoma’s Wobble Gobble 5K

Here’s a head start on Thanksgiving. The 7th annual Wobble Gobble 5K Run & Walk closes part of Tullahoma’s Jackson and Atlantic streets so runners and walkers can see the town’s history up close. Atlantic Street is billed as one of the widest streets in America, and the route passes historic downtown churches and History Park, where a 1964 L&N caboose marks the spot of the old railroad depot. Walkers are welcome, and so are the little ones.

Why it’s worth the drive:

• When: Sat., Nov. 21, 2026. Registration starts at 7 a.m., and the race starts at 8 a.m. Central (our time).
• Where: Starts at the Tullahoma Area Chamber of Commerce, 135 W. Lincoln St., Tullahoma. Chamber phone: (931) 455-5497.
• How far: About 70–80 miles, roughly 1½ hours. Approximate; check your map app.
• Cost: $35 early registration through Oct. 31 (T-shirt guaranteed); $40 from Nov. 1 through race day. Kids 6–17: $20. “Lil’ Turkeys” 5 and under: free, but they still need to register.
• Who’ll love it: Families who walk together, runners chasing a fall race, and anybody who likes a little railroad history with their exercise.
• Good to know: Central Time. An 8 a.m. start means leaving the Valley around 6 a.m. — or stay over after Friday’s Trees of Christmas. Sign up by Oct. 31 to save $5 and lock in a shirt.

👉 Read more (Wobble Gobble 5K — Tullahoma Area Chamber) · Register on RunSignup

⭐ Shop Small and Light the Tree at Wartrace’s Christmas on the Square

Wartrace is a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it small town in Bedford County. On Small Business Saturday, the town turns its historic downtown into a holiday marketplace with handmade gifts, holiday treats and local vendors. Stay until the end: the town lights the Wartrace Christmas tree, pours hot cocoa and lets you take a photo with Mr. and Mrs. Claus.

Why it’s worth the drive:

• When: Sat., Nov. 28, 2026, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Central (our time), with the tree lighting at the end.
• Where: Historic downtown Wartrace, 29 Main St. E., Wartrace, TN 37183.
• How far: About 80–90 miles, roughly 1¾ hours, by way of I-24 and Manchester. Approximate; check your map app.
• Cost: No admission is mentioned. Bring money for the vendors.
• Who’ll love it: Shop-local folks, families wanting a Santa photo without mall lines, and anybody who loves a tiny town at Christmas.
• Good to know: Central Time. The tree lighting comes as it’s getting dark, so plan on a nighttime drive home. That same evening, Pikeville holds its 30th Christmas Parade at 5 p.m. (on an earlier list), so pick one.

👉 Read more (Christmas on the Square — Bedford County Chamber)

🧵 Walk Among the Quilts, Then Ride a Sleigh With Santa in Bell Buckle

Little Bell Buckle, built around its Railroad Square, goes all-out for Christmas. First comes A Quilted Christmas: grab a map at the downtown pavilion and wander through town looking at quilts old and new, all made locally, from a Victorian crazy quilt to a classic log cabin. On Saturday, Dec. 5, the Christmas Pet Parade struts down Main Street, with pets and owners in holiday outfits and ribbons awarded. On three Saturdays, the town’s Old Fashioned Christmas brings sleigh rides with Santa, carolers and a s’mores pit.

Why it’s worth the drive:

• When: A Quilted Christmas: Fri.–Sat., Dec. 4–5, 2026, 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Christmas Pet Parade: Sat., Dec. 5, noon–1 p.m. Old Fashioned Christmas (sleigh rides, carolers, s’mores): Sat., Dec. 5, 12 and 19, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. There’s also a Holiday Night Market Sat., Dec. 5, 5–8 p.m. All Central — our time.
• Where: Quilt walk starts at the Downtown Pavilion, 26 Railroad Square, Bell Buckle, TN. Chamber: (931) 808-7640.
• How far: About 85–95 miles, roughly 1¾ hours, by way of I-24 west. Approximate; check your map app.
• Cost: The pet parade has no entry fee. Costs for the quilt walk and sleigh rides aren’t posted — check before you go.
• Who’ll love it: Quilters and quilt admirers, pet owners with a dog who looks good in a Santa hat, and kids who’ve never ridden in a sleigh.
• Good to know: Central Time. Dec. 5 is the big day: quilts, the pet parade and Santa all at once. Lynchburg’s barrel tree lights that same evening, roughly 30 miles south, if you want to make a long day of it.

👉 Read more (Bell Buckle Chamber of Commerce events)

🛢️ Count Down to the 223-Barrel Christmas Tree in Lynchburg

Lynchburg, population about 361, throws one of the most famous small-town Christmas days in Tennessee. The big finish is the lighting of a 30-foot Christmas tree built from 223 white-oak barrels at the distillery visitor center, a tradition that started in 2011. Hundreds of people gather and count down together, “Ten, nine, eight…” until the whole tree glows gold. There’s a sweet side, too: after the holidays, the barrels are sold, and all of the money goes to Operation Ride Home, which helps young service members get home to their families for the holidays.

Last year’s Christmas in Lynchburg also had a Christmas cookie sale by the Moore County FCE Club (it sells out fast), a community ornament exchange, cloggers, a bell choir, breakfast with Santa, s’mores for kids and an evening Christmas parade just before the tree lighting.

Why it’s worth the drive:

• When: Sat., Dec. 5, 2026, per the Lynchburg Chamber’s 2026 calendar. 2026 times aren’t posted yet. Last year, the cookie sale started at 9 a.m., the parade at 5 p.m., and the tree was lit around 6:15 p.m. — check before you go. All Central — our time.
• Where: Downtown Lynchburg and the Jack Daniel’s Visitor Center, Lynchburg, TN.
• How far: About 75–85 miles, roughly 1¾ hours, by way of Monteagle and Winchester. Approximate; check your map app.
• Cost: No admission is mentioned for the town festivities or the tree lighting. Bring money for cookies and crafts.
• Who’ll love it: Families starting a Christmas tradition, parade lovers, and anybody who wants to support military families.
• Good to know: Central Time. The tree lights after dark on a winding drive home, so bring a co-pilot and a warm coat. Bell Buckle’s pet parade and quilt walk are the same day, roughly 30 miles north.

👉 Read more (Christmas in Lynchburg — The Lynchburg Times, 2025) · Lynchburg Chamber 2026 calendar · The barrel tree story

✅ Remember These Dates

• Sat.–Sun., Nov. 7–8, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. (Eastern — 8 a.m.–3 p.m. our time): 88th Cotton States Cat Show, Dalton, Ga. Admission TBA.
• Fri.–Sun., Nov. 13–15 (Eastern — subtract an hour): Georgia State Square Dance Convention, Dalton. $45 registration.
• Sat., Oct. 31: Last day for the $35 early price on the Wobble Gobble 5K.
• Fri., Nov. 20, from noon (Central — our time): Trees of Christmas opens, Tullahoma. Reserve ahead.
• Sat., Nov. 21, 8 a.m. (Central — our time): Wobble Gobble 5K, Tullahoma. $40 from Nov. 1; kids $20.
• Sat., Nov. 28, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. (Central — our time): Christmas on the Square and tree lighting, Wartrace.
• Fri.–Sat., Dec. 4–5, 11 a.m.–5 p.m. (Central — our time): A Quilted Christmas, Bell Buckle.
• Sat., Dec. 5, noon (Central — our time): Christmas Pet Parade, Bell Buckle. No entry fee.
• Sat., Dec. 5, 12 & 19, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. (Central — our time): Old Fashioned Christmas sleigh rides with Santa, Bell Buckle.
• Sat., Dec. 5 (Central — our time; times TBA): Christmas in Lynchburg and Barrel Tree Lighting.

✅ Trip-planning checklist

• ✅ Write the time zone on the fridge note: Tullahoma, Wartrace, Bell Buckle and Lynchburg are Central — our time. Only Dalton, Ga., is Eastern — subtract an hour.
• ✅ Fall back Saturday night, Oct. 31 — daylight saving time ends at 2 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 1. After that, it’s dark around 5 p.m.
• ✅ Sign up early: Wobble Gobble by Oct. 31 for the $35 price, Trees of Christmas reservations, and square dance registration.
• ✅ At the cat show: ask before you pet any cat.
• ✅ For the Bell Buckle pet parade: dress up your pet, keep it on a leash, and bring water.
• ✅ For evening trips (Wartrace, Lynchburg): bring a co-pilot, a warm coat and a flashlight, and take the mountain roads slow after dark.
• ✅ Fill up and grab a snack before you leave the Valley. Find local stops on Dunlap.Directory.

Remember: check the clock, check the weather, and pick the outing that fits your crew. A good day trip gets you home tired and happy, not worn out.

— Dunlap.Today

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Are these events already on earlier Hundred-Mile Happenings lists?

No. We keep a covered-events list and skip anything we’ve already featured. All seven are new for article #39. We’ve featured Bell Buckle’s Webb School Art & Craft Show and Lynchburg’s Halloween in the Hollow before, but the Christmas events in those towns are separate. Pikeville’s Christmas Parade, mentioned under Wartrace, was on an earlier list.

Which ones are free?

Bell Buckle’s pet parade has no entry fee, and no admission is mentioned for Wartrace’s Christmas on the Square or Lynchburg’s tree lighting. The Wobble Gobble costs $35–$40 for adults and $20 for kids, and the square dance convention is $45. The cat show, Trees of Christmas, the quilt walk and the sleigh rides haven’t posted prices. Check first.

Which ones are best for young kids?

The cat show (agility and costumes), Bell Buckle’s sleigh rides and pet parade, Wartrace’s Mr. and Mrs. Claus and Lynchburg’s parade are all great with little ones. Kids 5 and under walk the Wobble Gobble free once they’re registered.

Eastern or Central: which clock do I set?

Dunlap and Sequatchie County are on Central. Tullahoma, Wartrace, Bell Buckle and Lynchburg are Central too, same as us. Dalton, Ga., is Eastern, one hour ahead — subtract an hour.

Can I bring my own cat or dog?

Cat shows are for cats entered ahead of time, so leave yours at home unless you’ve entered it; the show contact can answer questions. Your dog is welcome to march in Bell Buckle’s Christmas Pet Parade, and the chamber says everyone is invited. For the other events, check each organizer’s pet rules before you go.

How do you pick these events?

We look for one-of-a-kind, family-friendly outings within about 100 miles of Dunlap, and we check each one against the organizer’s own page or a trusted listing whenever we can. We keep a list so we never repeat an event. If you know a hidden gem, tell us at Dunlap.Today.

🔗 Other Resources

• Cat Fanciers’ Association — Cotton States Cat Club show
• Visit Dalton — 88th Cotton State Cat Show
• Georgia State Square Dance Association — 2026 Convention
• Visit Dalton — Dalton Convention Center calendar
• South Jackson Performing Arts Center — Trees of Christmas
• Tullahoma Area Chamber — Wobble Gobble 5K
• Bedford County Chamber — Wartrace Christmas on the Square
• Bell Buckle Chamber of Commerce — Events
• Lynchburg Chamber — 2026 Community Calendar
• The Lynchburg Times — Christmas in Lynchburg
• National Weather Service Morristown: Valley forecast
• Dunlap.Directory: Local businesses for gas, food and supplies

🍂 Slow Down and Go See Something

You don’t need a big vacation to make a memory. A cat in a costume in Dalton, a square dance in full swing, a room of decorated trees in Tullahoma, an early-morning turkey trot, a tree lighting in Wartrace, a quilt on a Bell Buckle porch and a tree made of barrels in Lynchburg are all within a drive of the Valley. Grab a buddy, check the clock and the weather, and go.

Keep exploring, keep it easy and keep reading. Read Dunlap.Today for more Hundred-Mile Happenings, and find the Valley businesses that’ll fuel your trip on Dunlap.Directory.