🧭 Hundred-Mile Happenings: A Veterans Concert in Crossville, Living History in Huntsville, Art in an Old Cleveland Depot, a Museum Holiday Auction, a Trolley to Santa in Dalton, the Fiery Gizzard Trail Run and a Depot Tree Lighting in Tunnel Hill

Or: Hear the 1812 Overture for Veterans, Meet Reenactors Beside the World’s Oldest Jeep, Wander an Old Freight Depot Full of Art, Bid on Holiday Treasures, Ride a Trolley to Santa and Cheer the Runners on the Fiery Gizzard — Seven New Day Trips Within About 100 Miles of Dunlap

By Thomas Seest, Dunlap.Today · Tuesday, October 20, 2026

Good morning, neighbor. Here’s batch number fifty-one 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 leans toward veterans, history and old train depots. On Thursday night, Nov. 5, the Cumberland County Community Band plays its free Veterans Benefit Concert in Crossville, 1812 Overture and all. On Saturday, Nov. 7, reenactors fill the U.S. Veterans Memorial Museum in Huntsville for Living History Day. On Thursday, Nov. 12, Cleveland opens its abandoned historic freight depot for Creative Spark: Destination Unknown, a free walk-through of art, music and theater. Athens’ Living Heritage Museum holds its Holiday House auction and dinner on Thursday, Nov. 19. The night after Thanksgiving, Friday, Nov. 27, Dalton lights its Christmas tree and runs a Polar Express Trolley to Santa. That Saturday, Nov. 28, runners tackle the Fiery Gizzard Trail just up the mountain from us. And on Sunday, Dec. 6, little Tunnel Hill, Ga., lights its tree at the old depot.

⏱️ Your 30-second trip list

• Thu., Nov. 5, 7 p.m. (Central — our time): Veterans Benefit Concert, Cumberland County Community Band, Cumberland County High School’s Jets Auditorium, Crossville. Free; donations go to veterans groups.
• Sat., Nov. 7, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. (Central — our time): Living History Day, U.S. Veterans Memorial Museum, Huntsville, Ala. Regular museum admission ($5 adults, $4 seniors).
• Thu., Nov. 12, 5–9 p.m. Eastern (4–8 p.m. our time): Creative Spark: Destination Unknown, historic freight depot, Cleveland. Free. Check before you go.
• Thu., Nov. 19, 5 p.m. Eastern (4 p.m. our time): Holiday House auction, dinner and bake sale, Living Heritage Museum, Athens. Tickets, cash or check only.
• Fri., Nov. 27, 5:30 p.m. Eastern (4:30 p.m. our time): Downtown Dalton Christmas Tree Lighting and Polar Express Trolley, Burr Park, Dalton, Ga.
• Sat., Nov. 28, 8 and 9:30 a.m. (Central — our time): Fiery Gizzard Run, Grundy Forest to Foster Falls. Runners register ahead; field capped at 175.
• Sun., Dec. 6, 4–8 p.m. Eastern (3–7 p.m. our time): Tunnel Hill Tree Lighting, Tunnel Hill Depot, Tunnel Hill, Ga. Free.

🕰️ The one thing to remember: Cleveland, Athens, Dalton and Tunnel Hill are on Eastern time. They’re one hour ahead, so subtract an hour: Dalton’s 6 p.m. tree lighting is 5 p.m. OUR time. Crossville, Huntsville and the Fiery Gizzard Trail are Central, same as Dunlap, so their times are our times. And remember: daylight saving time ends at 2 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 1. Set the clocks back an hour Saturday night, Oct. 31. Every outing on this list comes after that, when it’s dark by about 5 p.m., so the evening events mean a night drive home. Bring a driver who’s comfortable after dark.

🎺 Hear the 1812 Overture for Our Veterans at the Free Cumberland County Community Band Concert in Crossville

Here’s a fine way to start Veterans Day week. The Cumberland County Community Band opens its 2026–27 season with its annual Veterans Benefit Concert, a night of patriotic music and classics. The band says it will honor all branches of military service during the program, and the Cumberland County Community Chorus joins in, so you may be asked to sing along on a familiar tune. Guest conductor Harold Ford takes the podium for Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture, the one the Boston Pops made famous on the Fourth of July.

Why it’s worth the drive:

• When: Thu., Nov. 5, 2026, 7 p.m. Central Time — our time.
• Where: Jets Auditorium, Cumberland County High School, Crossville, TN. The street address wasn’t in the announcement; check your map before you go.
• How far: About 55–65 miles, roughly 1¼ hours, by way of Pikeville and U.S. 127 north. Approximate; check your map app.
• Cost: Free. Donations collected at the concert go to local veterans organizations.
• Who’ll love it: Veterans and their families, band and choir folks, grandparents, and anybody whose heart beats a little faster when the cannons come in on the 1812.
• Good to know: The band includes Crossville-area residents and 19 high school band students. It’s a weeknight with a night drive home on U.S. 127, so bring a co-pilot.

👉 Read more (Crossville Chronicle — Community Band sets Veterans Benefit Concert)

🪖 Meet Reenactors Beside the World’s Oldest Jeep at Living History Day in Huntsville

The U.S. Veterans Memorial Museum in Huntsville already has more than 30 rare military vehicles and aircraft, from the Revolutionary War to today, including the Ford “Pygmy” GP-No. 1, the oldest known surviving utility Jeep prototype in the world. For one Saturday, the museum is adding people. For Living History Day, reenactors will be stationed throughout the museum, talking with visitors and bringing America’s history to life. It’s part of the celebration of America’s 250th anniversary and the museum’s own 25th, and the museum says it has never done this before.

Why it’s worth the drive:

• When: Sat., Nov. 7, 2026, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Central Time — our time.
• Where: U.S. Veterans Memorial Museum, John Hunt Park, 2060-A Airport Road SW, Huntsville, AL 35801. Museum: (256) 883-3737.
• How far: About 100–110 miles, roughly 2 hours, by way of Jasper, South Pittsburg, Scottsboro and U.S. 72 west. That’s right at our 100-mile line. Approximate; check your map app.
• Cost: Regular museum admission: $5 adults, $4 seniors 65 and up, $3 students 18 and under. Free parking.
• Who’ll love it: Veterans, history buffs, grandkids who like tanks and airplanes, and anybody who’d rather hear history from a person than read it off a sign.
• Good to know: Museum hours are 10 to 4, so leave the Valley by about 8 a.m. to get a full visit and still be home before dark.

👉 Read more (Eventbrite — Living History Day at the U.S. Veterans Memorial Museum)

🚂 Wander an Old Freight Depot Turned Art Show at Creative Spark: Destination Unknown in Cleveland

Here’s something brand new. The City of Cleveland is opening its abandoned historic Norfolk Southern freight depot for one evening of Creative Spark: Destination Unknown, a free walk-through adventure that mixes live music, theater, visual art, a speakeasy-style room and a little “urban exploring.” Local artists are transforming the old building, and you follow your curiosity from room to room. Performers include Good Soil Theatre, Jermaine Purifory, Adam Romano and Isbill Floral Gallery, among others.

Why it’s worth the drive:

• When: Thu., Nov. 12, 2026, 5–9 p.m. Eastern Time, so subtract an hour: that’s 4–8 p.m. OUR time. The Eventbrite page now shows “multiple dates,” so there may be more than one night; check before you go.
• Where: 225 Edwards St. SE, Cleveland, TN 37311.
• How far: About 60–70 miles, roughly 1¼–1½ hours, by way of Hwy 111 south, Hwy 153 and I-75 north. Approximate; check your map app.
• Cost: Free, with free parking. The listing is on Eventbrite, so you may want to grab a free ticket ahead.
• Who’ll love it: Train buffs, art lovers, curious teenagers and anybody who’s ever wondered what’s inside an old depot.
• Good to know: It’s billed for all ages. Since it’s an old, abandoned building, wear sturdy shoes, and if stairs or uneven floors are a worry, call Cleveland’s city offices ahead to ask about access.

👉 Read more (Eventbrite — Creative Spark: Destination Unknown)

🎁 Bid on Holiday Treasures and Stay for Supper at Holiday House in Athens

The McMinn County Living Heritage Museum in Athens is a treasure chest of local history, and every November it throws its Holiday House fundraiser. It’s a live and silent auction with a buffet dinner and a bake sale, and every dollar goes to keeping the museum running. It’s the kind of small-town evening where you’ll go home with a pie, a story and maybe a one-of-a-kind Christmas gift.

Why it’s worth the drive:

• When: Thu., Nov. 19, 2026, 5 p.m. Eastern Time, so subtract an hour: that’s 4 p.m. OUR time.
• Where: McMinn County Living Heritage Museum, 522 W. Madison Ave., Athens, TN 37303. Museum: (423) 745-0329.
• How far: About 85–95 miles, roughly 1¾ hours, by way of Hwy 111, Hwy 153 and I-75 north. Approximate; check your map app.
• Cost: Tickets are on sale, cash or check only. The ticket price wasn’t posted, so call the museum and check before you go.
• Who’ll love it: Auction lovers, bakers, history fans and folks who like supporting a small museum.
• Good to know: This one ends after dark with a long drive home, so bring a co-pilot. If you’d rather go in daylight, the museum’s “History for Lunch: Railroading in the Overhill” talk is listed for Sat., Nov. 21, at 11 a.m. Eastern.

👉 Read more (Living Heritage Museum — Holiday House 2026)

🎄 Watch the Tree Light Up, Then Ride the Polar Express Trolley to Santa in Downtown Dalton

Got a houseful of Thanksgiving company and need something to do with the kids on Friday night? Downtown Dalton kicks off the season at Burr Performing Arts Park. Kids’ activities come first, then the Christmas tree lighting. After the tree is lit, families can hop aboard the Polar Express Trolley for a festive ride through downtown to the old Freight Depot to visit Santa.

Why it’s worth the drive:

• When: Fri., Nov. 27, 2026. Kids’ activities at 5:30 p.m., tree lighting at 6 p.m., trolley rides 6:15–7:15 p.m., all Eastern Time. Subtract an hour: the tree lights at 5 p.m. OUR time.
• Where: Burr Performing Arts Park, 101 S. Hamilton St., Dalton, GA 30720. Downtown Dalton Development Authority: (706) 278-3332.
• How far: About 70–80 miles, roughly 1½ hours, by way of Chattanooga and I-75 south. Approximate; check your map app.
• Cost: The listing didn’t post a price. Check before you go, especially for the trolley.
• Who’ll love it: Little ones who want to see Santa, families with holiday visitors, and anybody who loves a trolley ride.
• Good to know: Black Friday traffic on I-75 can be heavy, so give yourself extra time. Dress warm; it’s outdoors after sundown.

👉 Read more (Visit Dalton — Downtown Christmas Tree Lighting)

🥾 Cheer the Runners (or Join Them) at the Fiery Gizzard Run, Grundy Forest to Foster Falls

This one’s practically in our back yard. The Fiery Gizzard Trail got its name from an experimental iron furnace built at Tracy City in 1873 that ran so hot it wrecked itself in three days. Today the trail, which Backpacker Magazine ranked among the top 25 hiking trails in the country, winds past waterfalls, house-sized boulders and old hemlocks. On Thanksgiving weekend, the Fiery Gizzard Run sends runners and ruckers the whole way from Grundy Forest to Foster Falls, and the marathoners do it twice.

Why it’s worth the drive:

• When: Sat., Nov. 28, 2026. The marathon starts at 8 a.m.; the half marathon and 13-mile ruck start at 9:30 a.m. Central Time — our time.
• Where: Foster Falls and Grundy Forest, South Cumberland, in Fiery Gizzard State Park. The marathon runs Foster Falls to Grundy and back; the half runs one way, Grundy to Foster Falls. Fiery Gizzard State Park visitor center: (931) 924-2980.
• How far: About 35–40 miles, roughly 45 minutes to 1 hour, by way of Jasper and U.S. 41. Approximate; check your map app.
• Cost: To run: $100.25 for the marathon and $89.62 for the half or the ruck, with fees, and prices can change. Shirts are extra. The field is capped at 175, so register early on UltraSignup. Race proceeds help maintain the park.
• Who’ll love it: Trail runners, hikers who want to cheer at the finish, and families looking to walk off the turkey.
• Good to know: Leashed dogs are welcome on the course. This is a rugged trail with steep, rocky drops; the organizers say marathoners climb about 3,800 feet. If you’re coming to watch, ask the park where spectators can safely stand.

👉 Read more (UltraSignup — Fiery Gizzard Run)

✨ Light Up the Season at the Old Railroad Depot in Tunnel Hill, Georgia

Tunnel Hill is a little railroad town just past Ringgold, famous for its Civil War-era railroad tunnel. For the 6th annual Tree Lighting at the Tunnel Hill Depot, the City of Tunnel Hill gathers folks at the old depot on Main Street to light the town tree and welcome the Christmas season. It’s small, friendly and free, just right for a Sunday afternoon outing.

Why it’s worth the drive:

• When: Sun., Dec. 6, 2026, 4–8 p.m. Eastern Time, so subtract an hour: that’s 3–7 p.m. OUR time.
• Where: Tunnel Hill Depot, 128 Main St., Tunnel Hill, GA 30755. City of Tunnel Hill: (706) 673-2355.
• How far: About 60–70 miles, roughly 1¼–1½ hours, by way of Chattanooga and I-75 south to Ringgold. Approximate; check your map app.
• Cost: Free admission.
• Who’ll love it: Train and Civil War buffs, small-town Christmas lovers, and families who want an early evening out.
• Good to know: The listing didn’t give the time of the actual lighting, so check before you go if that’s the part you don’t want to miss. Arrive early to get a parking spot near the depot.

👉 Read more (Visit Dalton — Tunnel Hill Tree Lighting)

✅ Remember These Dates

• Sat. night, Oct. 31: Set the clocks back one hour. Daylight saving time ends at 2 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 1.
• Thu., Nov. 5, 7 p.m. (Central — our time): Veterans Benefit Concert, Crossville. Free.
• Sat., Nov. 7, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. (Central — our time): Living History Day, U.S. Veterans Memorial Museum, Huntsville.
• Thu., Nov. 12, 4–8 p.m. our time (5–9 Eastern): Creative Spark: Destination Unknown, Cleveland. Free.
• Thu., Nov. 19, 4 p.m. our time (5 Eastern): Holiday House, Living Heritage Museum, Athens. Bring cash or a checkbook.
• Fri., Nov. 27, 5 p.m. our time (6 Eastern): Dalton tree lighting, then the Polar Express Trolley to Santa.
• Sat., Nov. 28, 8 and 9:30 a.m. (Central — our time): Fiery Gizzard Run starts.
• Sun., Dec. 6, 3–7 p.m. our time (4–8 Eastern): Tunnel Hill Depot Tree Lighting. Free.

✅ Trip-planning checklist

• ✅ Write the time zone on the fridge note: Cleveland, Athens, Dalton and Tunnel Hill are Eastern — subtract an hour. Crossville, Huntsville and the Fiery Gizzard are Central — our time.
• ✅ Fall back Saturday night, Oct. 31. After that, it’s dark around 5 p.m.
• ✅ Veterans: the Crossville concert and Huntsville’s Living History Day make a fine Veterans Day week pair.
• ✅ Call ahead on details that weren’t posted: Holiday House ticket price, Dalton trolley cost, Creative Spark’s other dates, and the time of Tunnel Hill’s lighting.
• ✅ For Holiday House, bring cash or a checkbook. No cards.
• ✅ For the old Cleveland depot and the Fiery Gizzard, wear sturdy shoes.
• ✅ For night drives, bring a co-pilot and a full tank.
• ✅ 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 #51. We’ve featured other events at some of the same places, like Overnight on the Fiery Gizzard, Christmas on the Square in Cleveland and Christmas with the Austin Family in Tunnel Hill, but these are separate events.

Which ones are free?

The Crossville Veterans Benefit Concert (donations welcome), Creative Spark in Cleveland and the Tunnel Hill Tree Lighting. Living History Day costs regular museum admission, $3 to $5. Holiday House tickets, Dalton’s tree lighting and trolley, and Fiery Gizzard spectating didn’t list a price on the pages we checked, so check before you go.

Which ones are best for young kids?

Dalton’s tree lighting, with kids’ activities, a trolley ride and Santa; the Tunnel Hill Tree Lighting; and Living History Day, where kids can see tanks, airplanes and reenactors up close.

Which ones are easiest if I don’t walk far?

The Crossville concert is a sit-down evening in an auditorium. Holiday House is an indoor dinner and auction. The Huntsville museum is indoors, though you’ll be on your feet looking at exhibits. Creative Spark means walking through an old building, and the Fiery Gizzard is rugged trail country, so ask the park where spectators can stand.

Eastern or Central: which clock do I set?

Dunlap and Sequatchie County are on Central. Crossville, Huntsville and the Fiery Gizzard Trail are Central too. Cleveland, Athens, Dalton and Tunnel Hill are Eastern, one hour ahead, so subtract an hour from their posted times.

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. When a detail isn’t posted, we say so. We keep a list so we never repeat an event. If you know a hidden gem, tell us at Dunlap.Today.

🔗 Other Resources

• Crossville Chronicle — Community Band sets Veterans Benefit Concert
• Eventbrite — Living History Day
• U.S. Veterans Memorial Museum — hours and admission
• Eventbrite — Creative Spark: Destination Unknown
• Living Heritage Museum — Holiday House 2026
• Living Heritage Museum — Annual events
• Visit Dalton — Downtown Christmas Tree Lighting
• UltraSignup — Fiery Gizzard Run
• Visit Dalton — Tunnel Hill Tree Lighting
• 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 band playing for veterans, a reenactor beside an old Jeep, an art show in a forgotten depot, a pie from a museum bake sale, a trolley ride to Santa and a waterfall at the end of a long trail 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.