Members of the Union cavalry charge Confederate soldiers during a previous reenactment of the Battle of Tunnel Hill.The first weekend of the fall festival season offers nine day trips to venues within two hours of Chattanooga.
Top picks this weekend:
• Yellow Daisy Festival at Stone Mountain in Atlanta, a great show for the diversity of its 400 crafters. Lots of walking involved. The up side? That funnel cake won’t cause calorie anxiety.
• The Battle of Tunnel Hill, a Civil War reenactment in North Georgia, is marking its 150th anniversary. If you’ve never witnessed a re-enactment, this anniversary trip is worth the drive.
• Railfest at Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum is a must-see for train lovers of all ages. There are trains at the TVRM as well as the nearby Norfolk Southern line. You can ride a train (Missionary Ridge Local), or watch a train at the model railroad display. For the kids there are magic shows, a moon walk, coloring pages, petting zoo and a blacksmith demonstration. A special Railfest excursion on the Chickamauga Turn will be offered Saturday to Chickamauga, Ga., and back. Tickets for this 6-hour train ride include admission to Railfest.