🧭 Hundred-Mile Happenings: Trick-or-Treat Among the Airplanes, a Free Record Market, a 150-Table Coin Show and a Drive-Thru Light Tunnel in Rome

Or: Take the Grandkids Trick-or-Treating at an Airport, Dig Through Old LPs in Huntsville, Hunt for a Silver Dollar in East Ridge, Watch Model Builders Show Off in Murfreesboro, Drive Through a 300-Foot Tunnel of Lights in Rome, Shop Small in Crossville and Meet Santa in Scottsboro — 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 forty 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 is for the collectors, the hobby folks and the kids. Next Saturday, Oct. 24, the Cleveland Regional Jetport holds Hallowings, a trick-or-treat afternoon with airplanes. On Sunday, Nov. 8, Huntsville’s Records & Retro market fills the Orion Amphitheater with LPs, 45s, cassettes and video games, free to get in. The Tennessee State Numismatic Society Fall Coin Show brings 150 dealer tables to East Ridge, Nov. 13–15. On Saturday, Nov. 14, model builders gather for Middle Tennessee ModelCon in Murfreesboro. Starting Nov. 27, Holiday Lights of Rome lets you drive through a 300-foot light tunnel. Crossville’s free Holly Jolly Market lands on Small Business Saturday, Nov. 28. And Scottsboro’s Jingle Bell Square brings Santa downtown on Saturday, Dec. 5.

⏱️ Your 30-second trip list

• Sat., Oct. 24, 2–5 p.m. Eastern (1–4 p.m. our time): Hallowings, Cleveland Regional Jetport, Cleveland, Tenn. Cost not posted.
• Sun., Nov. 8, 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Central (our time): Records & Retro, The Orion Amphitheater, Huntsville. Free.
• Fri.–Sun., Nov. 13–15 (Eastern): TSNS Fall Coin Show, Camp Jordan Arena, East Ridge. Listed as free — check before you go.
• Sat., Nov. 14, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Central (our time): Middle Tennessee ModelCon, Lane Agri-Park, Murfreesboro. Admission not posted.
• Nov. 27–Dec. 31, evenings (Eastern): Holiday Lights of Rome, Coosa Valley Fairgrounds, Rome, Ga. $20 per car.
• Sat., Nov. 28, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Central (our time): Holly Jolly Market, Cumberland County Community Complex, Crossville. Free.
• Sat., Dec. 5, starting 9 a.m. Central (our time): Jingle Bell Square, downtown Scottsboro, Ala.

🕰️ The one thing to remember: three of these are on Eastern time. Cleveland, East Ridge and Rome, Ga., are Eastern, one hour ahead of us, so subtract an hour: Hallowings’ 2 p.m. start is 1 p.m. OUR time. Huntsville, Murfreesboro, Crossville and Scottsboro are Central, same as Dunlap. And remember: daylight saving time ends at 2 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 1. Set the clocks back an hour Saturday night, Oct. 31. After that, it’s dark by about 5 p.m. — plan your drive home.

✈️ Trick-or-Treat Among the Airplanes at Cleveland’s Hallowings

Here’s a Halloween outing you won’t find anywhere else around here. The Cleveland Regional Jetport holds its 2nd annual Hallowings, which Visit Cleveland calls a “unique trick-or-treat experience” that combines candy, costumes and airplanes. Kids put on their costumes, grab a candy bucket and trick-or-treat at an airport instead of a parking lot. For a little one who points at every plane in the sky, that’s a big day.

Why it’s worth the drive:

• When: Sat., Oct. 24, 2026, 2–5 p.m. Eastern (1–4 p.m. our time).
• Where: Cleveland Regional Jetport, Cleveland, Tenn. The event listing gives 251 Dry Valley Road NE in its description but 1235 NE Tasso Lane in its venue box — check before you go, and follow the signs once you’re close.
• How far: About 70–80 miles, roughly 1½ hours, by way of Chattanooga and I-75 north. Approximate; check your map app.
• Cost: No price is posted — check before you go. Visit Cleveland’s number is (423) 472-6587.
• Who’ll love it: Costumed kids, airplane-crazy grandkids and parents who want a safe, daytime trick-or-treat.
• Good to know: Eastern Time — subtract an hour. It’s an airport, so hold little hands tight and stay where the volunteers point you.

👉 Read more (Hallowings — Visit Cleveland)

💿 Dig Through Crates of Old LPs at Huntsville’s Free Records & Retro Market

Remember flipping through records at the five-and-dime? Records & Retro, presented by Vertical House Records, returns to The Orion Amphitheater for its fourth year. Vendors bring LPs, 45s, cassettes, CDs, VHS tapes, retro music equipment, video games, books, clothing, furniture and tchotchkes — the knickknacks your grandmother kept on the shelf. There’s also live music, DJs and food trucks.

Why it’s worth the drive:

• When: Sun., Nov. 8, 2026, 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Central (our time). The Orion marks this as a “new date,” so if you saw an older listing, this is the one to trust.
• Where: The Orion Amphitheater, 701 Amphitheater Drive NW, Huntsville, Ala. Phone: (256) 964-9556.
• How far: About 100–110 miles, roughly 2 hours, by way of Jasper, Scottsboro and U.S. 72. Approximate; check your map app.
• Cost: Free market, with free parking for community events at The Orion. Bring cash for the vendors.
• Who’ll love it: Vinyl collectors, folks hunting the album they wore out in high school, and teens who think cassettes are “vintage.”
• Good to know: Central Time — same as us. It’s on the far edge of our 100 miles, so make a day of it.

👉 Read more (Records & Retro — The Orion Amphitheater)

🪙 Hunt for a Silver Dollar at the TSNS Fall Coin Show in East Ridge

If you’ve got a jar of old coins in the closet, or a grandchild who just started a state-quarter map, this is your weekend. The Tennessee State Numismatic Society (“numismatic” just means coin collecting) says its fall show tables are sold out, with 150 dealer tables of coins, currency, jewelry and other collectibles under one roof. Collectors and dealers come to buy, sell and trade, and it’s a fine place to just look and learn.

Why it’s worth the drive:

• When: Fri., Nov. 13 and Sat., Nov. 14, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sun., Nov. 15, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. All Eastern (9 a.m.–5 p.m. and 9 a.m.–2 p.m. our time).
• Where: Camp Jordan Arena, 323 Camp Jordan Pkwy., East Ridge, TN 37412, just off I-75.
• How far: About 45–55 miles, roughly 1 hour, by way of Chattanooga. Approximate; check your map app.
• Cost: A coin-show directory lists admission as free, but the society’s own page doesn’t say — check before you go. Serious buyers can pay $50 for an Early Bird badge to get in at 8 a.m. Eastern during dealer hours.
• Who’ll love it: Coin collectors young and old, history buffs and anybody curious what Grandpa’s old half-dollars might be worth.
• Good to know: Eastern Time — subtract an hour. Before you sell anything, get a second opinion from another dealer.

👉 Read more (Fall 2026 Show — Tennessee State Numismatic Society) · Show details and Early Bird badges

✂️ See Tiny Tanks, Planes and Hot Rods Judged at Middle Tennessee ModelCon

Remember gluing together a model airplane at the kitchen table? Some folks never stopped, and their work is amazing. Middle Tennessee ModelCon 2026, hosted by the IPMS Middle Tennessee model club, fills the Lane Agri-Park with scale models that get judged for gold, silver and bronze, each on its own merit. There’s also a large number of vendors selling model kits, tools, prints and publications, a raffle starting at noon while judging goes on, and a food truck on site.

Why it’s worth the drive:

• When: Sat., Nov. 14, 2026, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Central (our time). Doors open to the public at 9.
• Where: Lane Agri-Park, 315 John R. Rice Blvd., Murfreesboro, TN 37128.
• How far: About 95–105 miles, roughly 1¾–2 hours, by way of Monteagle and I-24 west. Approximate; check your map app.
• Cost: Spectator admission isn’t posted on the listing we found — check before you go. Contest chair Bill Langlitz is listed at (615) 829-1762.
• Who’ll love it: Model builders, veterans who’d like to see their old aircraft or tank in miniature, and kids who need a screen-free hobby.
• Good to know: Central Time. The coin show in East Ridge is the same Saturday, so pick one or plan a long day.

👉 Read more (Middle Tennessee ModelCon 2026 — IPMS/USA)

🎆 Drive Through a 300-Foot Tunnel of Lights at Holiday Lights of Rome

You don’t even have to get out of the car for this one. Holiday Lights of Rome is a drive-thru Christmas light show at the Coosa Valley Fairgrounds, with animated light displays, lights synchronized to music and a 300-foot drive-thru tunnel. Georgia’s Rome says there are new displays every year, and a percentage of the proceeds benefits local charities.

Why it’s worth the drive:

• When: Nov. 27–Dec. 31, 2026. Sunday–Thursday 6–9 p.m.; Friday–Saturday 6–10 p.m. All Eastern (5–8 p.m. and 5–9 p.m. our time).
• Where: Coosa Valley Fairgrounds, Rome, Ga. Rome’s visitor line: 800-444-1834.
• How far: About 105–115 miles, roughly 2 hours, by way of Chattanooga and U.S. 27 south. That’s a little past our usual 100 miles. Approximate; check your map app.
• Cost: $20 per car, and that lets you drive through as many times as you’d like in one evening.
• Who’ll love it: Families in pajamas, grandparents who’d rather stay warm and anybody who loves a good light show.
• Good to know: Eastern Time — subtract an hour. This is a long nighttime drive home, so bring a co-pilot and fill up before you head back.

👉 Read more (Holiday Lights of Rome — Georgia’s Rome)

🎁 Knock Out the Christmas List at Crossville’s Free Holly Jolly Market

Small Business Saturday is the day to shop local, and Crossville makes it easy. The 3rd annual Holly Jolly Market, hosted by The Eventful Three, fills the Cumberland County Community Complex with local vendors selling handmade gifts, boutique finds and holiday goods. Organizers call it free to attend and family-friendly.

Why it’s worth the drive:

• When: Sat., Nov. 28, 2026, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Central (our time). One copy of the organizer’s post says “Saturday, November 27th,” but Nov. 27 is a Friday. The listings say Saturday, Nov. 28 — check before you go.
• Where: Cumberland County Community Complex, 1398 Livingston Road, Crossville, TN 38571.
• 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 to attend. Bring money for the vendors.
• Who’ll love it: Shop-local folks, crafters and anybody who wants to get Christmas shopping done in one stop.
• Good to know: Central Time — same as us. It’s one of the closer trips on this list, and you’ll be home before dark.

👉 Read more (3rd Annual Holly Jolly Market listing) · Market details

🔔 Meet Santa and Shop the Square at Scottsboro’s Jingle Bell Square

Downtown Scottsboro is already famous for its First Monday trade day, and in December the courthouse square turns festive. The City of Scottsboro’s Jingle Bell Square brings decorated streets and holiday lights, Christmas vendors with gifts and treats, food trucks with warm drinks and snacks, and a chance for kids to meet Santa Claus and share their wishes.

Why it’s worth the drive:

• When: Sat., Dec. 5, 2026, starting at 9 a.m. Central (our time). The city doesn’t post an ending time — check before you go.
• Where: Downtown Scottsboro, Ala. City Hall is at 316 S. Broad St.; phone (256) 574-3100.
• How far: About 65–75 miles, roughly 1½ hours, by way of Jasper, South Pittsburg and U.S. 72. Approximate; check your map app.
• Cost: No admission is mentioned. Bring money for the vendors and food trucks.
• Who’ll love it: Families wanting a Santa photo without mall lines, and anybody who loves a small-town square at Christmas.
• Good to know: Central Time — same as us. Dec. 5 is a busy Saturday, with several Christmas events from earlier lists the same day, so pick the one that fits your crew.

👉 Read more (Jingle Bell Square — City of Scottsboro)

✅ Remember These Dates

• Sat., Oct. 24, 2–5 p.m. (Eastern — 1–4 p.m. our time): Hallowings, Cleveland Regional Jetport. Cost not posted.
• Sat. night, Oct. 31: Set the clocks back one hour. Daylight saving time ends at 2 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 1.
• Sun., Nov. 8, 11 a.m.–5 p.m. (Central — our time): Records & Retro, Huntsville. Free.
• Fri.–Sun., Nov. 13–15 (Eastern — subtract an hour): TSNS Fall Coin Show, East Ridge. Listed as free.
• Sat., Nov. 14, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. (Central — our time): Middle Tennessee ModelCon, Murfreesboro.
• Nov. 27–Dec. 31, from 6 p.m. (Eastern — 5 p.m. our time): Holiday Lights of Rome. $20 per car.
• Sat., Nov. 28, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. (Central — our time): Holly Jolly Market, Crossville. Free.
• Sat., Dec. 5, from 9 a.m. (Central — our time): Jingle Bell Square, Scottsboro.

✅ Trip-planning checklist

• ✅ Write the time zone on the fridge note: Cleveland, East Ridge and Rome are Eastern — subtract an hour. Huntsville, Murfreesboro, Crossville and Scottsboro are Central — our time.
• ✅ Fall back Saturday night, Oct. 31. After that, it’s dark around 5 p.m.
• ✅ Bring cash for the record, coin and craft vendors. Some small sellers don’t take cards.
• ✅ For Hallowings: costumes on, candy bucket in hand, and hold little hands around the airplanes.
• ✅ At the coin show: get a second opinion before you sell anything.
• ✅ For Rome’s lights: bring a co-pilot, a full tank and a thermos of cocoa for the long ride home.
• ✅ 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 #40. We’ve featured other events in Cleveland, Crossville, Huntsville, Murfreesboro, Rome and Scottsboro before, but these are separate events.

Which ones are free?

Records & Retro and the Holly Jolly Market are free to attend. A coin-show directory lists the TSNS show as free, but check first. Holiday Lights of Rome is $20 per car. Hallowings, ModelCon and Jingle Bell Square haven’t posted prices.

Which ones are best for young kids?

Hallowings is made for costumed kids, Jingle Bell Square has Santa, and Rome’s drive-thru lights work great for little ones who fall asleep in the car seat. Older kids who like building things will enjoy ModelCon.

Eastern or Central: which clock do I set?

Dunlap and Sequatchie County are on Central. Huntsville, Murfreesboro, Crossville and Scottsboro are Central too. Cleveland, East Ridge and Rome, Ga., are Eastern, one hour ahead — subtract an hour.

I have old coins at home. Should I bring them to the coin show?

You can. Dealers there buy, sell and trade. Keep your coins in a folder or envelope, don’t clean them (cleaning can lower their value), and show them to more than one dealer before you decide anything.

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

• Visit Cleveland — Hallowings at Cleveland Regional Jetport
• The Orion Amphitheater — Records & Retro
• Tennessee State Numismatic Society — Fall 2026 Show
• US Coin Shows — TSNS Fall Coin and Currency Convention listing
• IPMS/USA — Middle Tennessee ModelCon 2026
• Georgia’s Rome — Holiday Lights of Rome
• 3rd Annual Holly Jolly Market — Crossville listing
• City of Scottsboro — Jingle Bell 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 vacation to make a memory. A trick-or-treat bag at an airport, a stack of old records in Huntsville, a shiny silver dollar in East Ridge, a tiny model tank in Murfreesboro, a tunnel of lights in Rome, a handmade gift in Crossville and a visit with Santa in Scottsboro 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.