🧭 Hundred-Mile Happenings: One-Night Tent Camping at Cummins Falls, Birds of Prey at Reflection Riding, a Patsy Cline Tribute in Scottsboro, the Tweed Ride in Huntsville, Venardos Circus "Alice," a Woodland Walk, the St. Jude Craft Fair & Hobby Show and Madisonville's Lighting of the Square

Or: Sleep Under the Stars by a Waterfall, Meet a Hawk Up Close, Sing Along to “Crazy” on a Courthouse Square, Watch Folks Pedal by in Tweed, See Alice Under a Big Top, Learn Your Trees, Browse a Hobby Show and Count Down to the First Christmas Lights — Eight New Day Trips Within About 100 Miles of Dunlap

By Thomas Seest, Dunlap.Today · Thursday, October 22, 2026

Good evening, neighbor. Put the kettle on and grab a pencil. Here’s batch number sixty-two 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 batch runs from campfire smoke to Christmas lights. On Saturday, Oct. 24, Cummins Falls State Park opens for one night of tent camping, and Reflection Riding in Chattanooga brings out the birds of prey (again on Oct. 31). On Friday, Oct. 30, Scottsboro’s Two Sisters Square hosts a free-will Patsy Cline Tribute Concert. On Saturday, Nov. 7, Huntsville’s Tweed Ride rolls out in vintage dress. Venardos Circus raises its big top with “Alice” in Huntsville Nov. 12–22. Reflection Riding leads a Woodland Walk on Nov. 14 and 21, the St. Jude Craft Fair & Hobby Show fills a Chattanooga parish hall on Nov. 21, and Madisonville flips on its courthouse lights the night after Thanksgiving, Friday, Nov. 27.

⏱️ Your 30-second trip list

• Sat., Oct. 24 (check-in 11 a.m.) to Sun., Oct. 25 (out by 4 p.m.), Central — our time: One Night Tent Camping, Cummins Falls State Park, near Cookeville. $25 a site, up to 6 people.
• Sat., Oct. 24 and Sat., Oct. 31, 9–10 a.m. Eastern (8–9 a.m. OUR time): Winged Wisdom: Understanding Birds of Prey, Reflection Riding, Chattanooga. Sign up; price: check before you go.
• Fri., Oct. 30, 6:30–8 p.m. (Central — our time): Patsy Cline Tribute Concert, Two Sisters Square, Scottsboro, Ala. Donations; bring a lawn chair.
• Sat., Nov. 7, gather 10 a.m., roll at 10:30 a.m. (Central — our time): Tweed Ride Huntsville, Big Spring Park West. Free sign-up on Eventbrite; waiver required.
• Nov. 12–15 and Nov. 18–22 (Central — our time): Venardos Circus “Alice,” MidCity District, Huntsville. Tickets and showtimes: check before you go.
• Sat., Nov. 14 and Sat., Nov. 21, 2–3:30 p.m. Eastern (1–2:30 p.m. OUR time): Woodland Walk, Reflection Riding, Chattanooga. Price: check before you go.
• Sat., Nov. 21, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Eastern (8 a.m.–3 p.m. OUR time): St. Jude Craft Fair & Hobby Show, Chattanooga. Admission: check before you go.
• Fri., Nov. 27, 7 p.m. Eastern (6 p.m. OUR time): Christmas Lighting of the Square, Monroe County Courthouse, Madisonville. Free; bring a lawn chair.

🕰️ The one thing to remember: Chattanooga (Reflection Riding and St. Jude) and Madisonville are on EASTERN time. Cummins Falls, Scottsboro and Huntsville are CENTRAL, same as us. For the Eastern ones, subtract an hour: the 9 a.m. bird program is 8 a.m. our time, and Madisonville’s 7 p.m. lighting is 6 p.m. our time. Daylight saving time ends at 2 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 1 — set the clocks back Saturday night after Halloween. The one-hour difference between Eastern and Central stays the same after the change.

⛺ Sleep One Night by the Waterfall at Cummins Falls

Cummins Falls is a day-use park most of the year, known for its big swimming-hole waterfall. For one night only, Saturday, Oct. 24, the park opens tent sites for One Night Tent Camping. Pitch a tent, sit by the fire and hear the creek after the day crowds go home.

Why it’s worth the drive:

• When: Check in Sat., Oct. 24, 2026, at 11 a.m.; pack out by 4 p.m. Sun., Oct. 25. Central Time — our time.
• Where: Cummins Falls State Park, 390 Cummins Falls Lane, Cookeville, TN 38501. Park phone: 931-268-7223.
• How far: About 73 miles, roughly 1 hour 50 minutes. Approximate; check your map app.
• Cost: $25 per site, up to 6 people.
• Who’ll love it: First-time campers, scout families, grandparents teaching the grandkids to build a fire, and anybody who wants the park to themselves after dark.
• Good to know: ⚠️ This is rough camping. No bathhouses, but restrooms and a water fountain are open. The park lists firewood only and no alcohol. There is no river access after 5 p.m., and the gate closes at 6 p.m., so get in early. Bonus: the park’s Dutch oven cobbler class from our last list is that same evening, 5–6 p.m.

👉 Read more (Tennessee State Parks — One Night Tent Camping, Cummins Falls)

🦅 Meet a Hawk Eye to Eye at Reflection Riding

Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center sits at the foot of Lookout Mountain and cares for birds that can’t go back to the wild. At Winged Wisdom: Understanding Birds of Prey, you get close to hawks, owls and their kin and learn how they hunt, see and survive. It’s a Saturday-morning program, and it runs twice: Oct. 24 and Oct. 31.

Why it’s worth the drive:

• When: Sat., Oct. 24, and Sat., Oct. 31, 2026, 9–10 a.m. Eastern — that’s 8–9 a.m. OUR time.
• Where: Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center, 400 Garden Road, Chattanooga, TN 37419.
• How far: About 35 miles, roughly 1 hour. Approximate; check your map app.
• Cost: Sign-up is through the event page; the price isn’t shown there. Check before you go.
• Who’ll love it: Bird watchers, kids who love owls, and early risers who’d be up anyway.
• Good to know: Leave the Valley by about 6:45 a.m. our time to get settled. Mornings are cool at the foot of the mountain; bring a jacket.

👉 Read more (Reflection Riding — Winged Wisdom, Oct. 24)

🎤 Sing Along to “Crazy” at a Patsy Cline Tribute in Scottsboro

Scottsboro’s Two Sisters Square is a little outdoor gathering spot downtown. On Friday evening, Oct. 30, the NACC Theatre brings a Patsy Cline Tribute Concert to the square: the songs your mama played on the radio, sung under the evening sky.

Why it’s worth the drive:

• When: Fri., Oct. 30, 2026, 6:30–8 p.m. Central Time — our time.
• Where: Two Sisters Square, 116 E. Peachtree St., Scottsboro, AL.
• How far: About 64 miles, roughly 1 hour 25 minutes. Approximate; check your map app.
• Cost: Donations welcome. Check before you go if you want to know more.
• Who’ll love it: Classic country fans, couples looking for a date night and anybody who knows every word to “Walkin’ After Midnight.”
• Good to know: It’s outdoors, so bring a lawn chair and a blanket. If the weather turns, check the square’s calendar that afternoon. It’s a dark drive home; bring a co-pilot.

👉 Read more (Two Sisters Square — Calendar)

🚲 Watch Huntsville Pedal by in Tweed and Bow Ties

The Tweed Ride Huntsville is a slow, dressed-up bike ride through the historic downtown. Riders wear their smartest old-timey clothes, vintage bicycles are encouraged (modern ones are fine), and the route stops for local history, art, small shops and a visit to a patisserie where prizes are handed out. Even if you don’t ride, it’s a fine sight from the sidewalk.

Why it’s worth the drive:

• When: Sat., Nov. 7, 2026. Gather at 10 a.m.; the ride leaves promptly at 10:30 a.m. Central Time — our time.
• Where: The “Whalebones” sculpture in Big Spring Park West, 435 Williams Ave. SW, Huntsville, AL 35801.
• How far: About 104 miles, roughly 2 hours 15 minutes. Approximate; check your map app.
• Cost: Free sign-up on Eventbrite. A raffle for two vintage Raleigh bicycles is $1 a ticket, cash only. Parking nearby is paid.
• Who’ll love it: Bike riders, history buffs, folks who love a good hat and anyone who enjoys people-watching.
• Good to know: ⚠️ Every rider signs a waiver. Sunset Bicycles provides repair help along the way. It’s a long drive, so leave the Valley by about 7:30 a.m.

👉 Read more (Tweed Ride Huntsville)

🎪 Follow Alice Down the Rabbit Hole at Venardos Circus

Venardos Circus is a traveling, animal-free, Broadway-style circus that performs under its own big-top tent. This fall’s show is “Alice”, and it sets up at Huntsville’s MidCity District for two long weekends in November: acrobats, clowns and music, close enough to see the sweat.

Why it’s worth the drive:

• When: Nov. 12–15 and Nov. 18–22, 2026. Central Time — our time. Ticket listings show opening night Thursday, Nov. 12, at 7 p.m.; check the official site for every showtime.
• Where: MidCity District, 5901 University Drive NW, Huntsville, AL.
• How far: About 108 miles, roughly 2 hours 20 minutes. Approximate; check your map app.
• Cost: Check before you go. Buy from the official Venardos Circus website. Resale sites were listing seats for much more.
• Who’ll love it: Kids of every age, grandparents who remember the circus coming to town, and anybody who loves a good story told with tumbling.
• Good to know: A weekend matinee means less driving after dark. The tent is set up on a lot, so wear comfortable shoes.

👉 Read more (Venardos Circus — tour and tickets)

🍂 Learn Your Trees on a Woodland Walk at Reflection Riding

By mid-November the leaves are mostly down, which is a good time to learn trees by their bark, buds and shape. On Reflection Riding’s Woodland Walk, a guide (the Nov. 14 walk lists Paul Earle) takes a small group through the forest to name the trees and tell their stories.

Why it’s worth the drive:

• When: Sat., Nov. 14, and Sat., Nov. 21, 2026, 2–3:30 p.m. Eastern — that’s 1–2:30 p.m. OUR time.
• Where: Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center, 400 Garden Road, Chattanooga, TN 37419.
• How far: About 35 miles, roughly 1 hour. Approximate; check your map app.
• Cost: Not shown on the event page. Check before you go.
• Who’ll love it: Gardeners, hikers, homeschoolers and anybody who’s ever wondered, “What kind of tree is that?”
• Good to know: ⚠️ A waiver is required. It’s an hour and a half on foot on woodland trails, so wear sturdy shoes and bring water.

👉 Read more (Reflection Riding — Woodland Walk, Nov. 14)

🧶 Browse Handmade Gifts and Old Collections at the St. Jude Craft Fair & Hobby Show

For the 13th year, St. Jude Catholic Church in Chattanooga fills up with more than 45 crafters plus a hobby show, where folks set out their collections and hobbies for neighbors to admire. The Knights of Columbus serve lunch. It’s a good place to start Christmas shopping without a mall.

Why it’s worth the drive:

• When: Sat., Nov. 21, 2026, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Eastern — that’s 8 a.m.–3 p.m. OUR time.
• Where: St. Jude Catholic Church, 930 Ashland Terrace, Chattanooga, TN 37415.
• How far: About 35 miles, roughly 55 minutes. Approximate; check your map app.
• Cost: Admission isn’t stated on the flyer. Check before you go. Bring cash for crafts and lunch.
• Who’ll love it: Gift shoppers, collectors, crafters and anybody who likes a church-hall lunch.
• Good to know: It’s indoors and easy walking. Go early for the best pick of handmade gifts.

👉 Read more (St. Jude Chattanooga — Craft Fair & Hobby Show flyer)

🎄 Watch Madisonville Light Up the Courthouse Square

The night after Thanksgiving, downtown Madisonville gathers on the Monroe County Courthouse lawn for its Christmas Lighting of the Square. There’s live music, a countdown and the big moment when the lights come on, with hot cocoa, cider and kettle corn to keep your hands warm.

Why it’s worth the drive:

• When: Fri., Nov. 27, 2026, 7 p.m. Eastern — that’s 6 p.m. OUR time.
• Where: Monroe County Courthouse square, downtown Madisonville, TN. Questions: (423) 442-9416, ext. 210.
• How far: About 80 miles, roughly 1 hour 55 minutes. Approximate; check your map app.
• Cost: Free. Reserved VIP seats are sold for a fee, starting at 6:30 p.m. Eastern.
• Who’ll love it: Families starting the Christmas season, small-town-square lovers and anybody who needs a little cheer after the turkey.
• Good to know: ⚠️ Bring a lawn chair and a warm coat. Sources list different performers, so check the lineup before you go. It’s a long, dark drive home; bring a co-pilot.

👉 Read more (Visit Madisonville — Lighting of the Square)

✅ Remember These Dates

• Sat., Oct. 24, check-in 11 a.m. (Central — our time), gate closes 6 p.m.: One Night Tent Camping, Cummins Falls. $25 a site. Out by 4 p.m. Sunday.
• Sat., Oct. 24 and Oct. 31, 8–9 a.m. OUR time (9–10 Eastern): Winged Wisdom: Birds of Prey, Reflection Riding, Chattanooga.
• Fri., Oct. 30, 6:30–8 p.m. (Central — our time): Patsy Cline Tribute Concert, Two Sisters Square, Scottsboro. Donations; lawn chair.
• Sat. night, Oct. 31: Set the clocks back one hour. Daylight saving time ends at 2 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 1.
• Sat., Nov. 7, 10 a.m. gather, 10:30 a.m. ride (Central — our time): Tweed Ride Huntsville, Big Spring Park West. Free sign-up.
• Nov. 12–15 and 18–22 (Central — our time): Venardos Circus “Alice,” MidCity District, Huntsville.
• Sat., Nov. 14 and Nov. 21, 1–2:30 p.m. OUR time (2–3:30 Eastern): Woodland Walk, Reflection Riding.
• Sat., Nov. 21, 8 a.m.–3 p.m. OUR time (9–4 Eastern): St. Jude Craft Fair & Hobby Show, Chattanooga.
• Fri., Nov. 27, 6 p.m. OUR time (7 Eastern): Christmas Lighting of the Square, Madisonville. Free.

✅ Trip-planning checklist

• ✅ Write the time zone on the fridge note: Chattanooga and Madisonville are Eastern — subtract an hour. Cummins Falls, Scottsboro and Huntsville are Central — our time.
• ✅ Sign up for the camping, the bird program, the Woodland Walk and the Tweed Ride (if you’ll ride).
• ✅ Call ahead on details that weren’t posted: Reflection Riding program prices, Venardos ticket prices and showtimes, St. Jude admission and the Madisonville performer lineup.
• ✅ Huntsville and Madisonville are long drives, and the Scottsboro and Madisonville events end after dark. Bring a co-pilot and a flashlight.
• ✅ Pack lawn chairs, warm layers and water. For the Woodland Walk, wear sturdy shoes.
• ✅ Outdoor events can be canceled for weather. Check the event page the morning you go.
• ✅ Fill up and grab a biscuit 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 of these outings are new for article #62. We’ve featured other programs at some of the same places, like Cummins Falls’ Dutch oven class and Cumberland Mountain’s Birds of Prey, but these are separate events.

Which ones are free?

The Madisonville Lighting of the Square is free (VIP seats cost extra). The Tweed Ride has free sign-up. The Patsy Cline concert asks for donations. Cummins Falls camping is $25 a site. Reflection Riding’s programs, Venardos Circus and the St. Jude fair don’t post a price where we looked, so check before you go.

Which ones are best for young kids?

The circus is made for families. Kids love the birds of prey, and the camping night is a great first campout. The lighting of the square has cocoa and kettle corn. The Woodland Walk suits kids who can walk an hour and a half.

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

The St. Jude fair is indoors. The Patsy Cline concert and the Madisonville lighting are sit-in-your-lawn-chair events. The circus is a seated show. You can watch the Tweed Ride from the park without riding. The Woodland Walk is the most walking on this list.

Eastern or Central: which clock do I set?

Dunlap and Sequatchie County are on Central. So are Cummins Falls (near Cookeville), Scottsboro, Ala., and Huntsville, Ala. Chattanooga (Reflection Riding and St. Jude) and Madisonville are on Eastern time, one hour ahead.

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 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

• Tennessee State Parks — One Night Tent Camping, Cummins Falls
• Reflection Riding — Winged Wisdom, Oct. 24
• Reflection Riding — Winged Wisdom, Oct. 31
• Two Sisters Square — Calendar
• Tweed Ride Huntsville
• Eventbrite — Tweed Ride Huntsville 2026 sign-up
• Venardos Circus — tour and tickets
• Reflection Riding — Woodland Walk, Nov. 14
• Reflection Riding — Woodland Walk, Nov. 21
• St. Jude Chattanooga — Craft Fair & Hobby Show flyer
• Visit Madisonville — Lighting of the Square
• 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 trip to make a good memory. A campfire by a waterfall, a hawk looking right back at you, an old Patsy Cline song on a town square, a parade of bow ties on bicycles, a circus tent full of laughter, a walk among the bare November trees, a handmade gift and the first Christmas lights of the year 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.