A few weeks ago, I was feeling a little tired, stressed, and overwhelmed about everything going on in the month of April. Three media trips, two major home decor projects, and dozens of other things to do for work. I was getting to the point where I desperately needed to get away from work and the city, and relax. You can imagine how excited I was when the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development asked me if I wanted to grab a girlfriend and head to Linden, TN for a relaxing weekend!
Linden Tennessee is a short 1 hour and 30-minute drive outside of Nashville. As you head out of the city, I could feel things slowing down and the tension in my shoulders ease. As you turn off the highway and onto the one-lane road, the buildings become scarce but the scenery gets more and more beautiful.
I brought my friend Amanda with me to Linden and as soon as we pulled into town, we were greeted by everyone who walked by. Everyone was so warm and friendly, we even had one lady come up and hug us to welcome us into town!
Things to Do in Linden Tennessee – Where to Stay
The Commodore Hotel & Cafe
The owners of The Commodore, Michael, and Kathy Dumont are originally from Rhode Island and bought a farm in Linden as a vacation home. The Dumont’s quickly fell in love with the town of Linden and decided to name this town their home. The Commodore Hotel was built in 1939 and lovingly restored by the Dumont’s in 2007. This once forgotten landmark was resurrected as an intimate, 20-room retreat, brimming with a rustic yet refined character. Each room is tastefully decorated with period antiques, luxury linens, and furnishings handcrafted by local artisans. All rooms have a private bathroom and select suites have oversized jacuzzi tubs. Guests will enjoy complimentary wi-fi, free parking, and a continental breakfast.
The Commodore has grown over the years, expanding down the road into Miss Berdie’s Boarding House and turning an old bank building into part of the hotel. The Commodore is currently expanding into a bed and breakfast in Clifton, TN, that will open in June of 2018.
The room I stayed in at The Commodore was in Miss Berdie’s Boarding House and was the room Dr. Jill Biden stayed in when she visited. I loved the exposed brick on the wall, mini kitchen, and amazing king-sized bed!
The Commodore was also where we ate all weekend. In the morning they have breakfast in their café and lunch and dinner are open to the public. See their lunch and dinner menus! They’re open every day for lunch but dinner is only available Friday & Saturday 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. If you stop by for dinner they have the best live music!
Another spot to sit and enjoy at The Commodore is the Speakeasy that’s open Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, & Saturday 4 p.m. – 9 p.m. They have a fun cocktail and specialty drinks and the atmosphere is so cozy and intimate!
Things to Do in Linden Tennessee – What to Do
Once you’ve checked into The Commodore, put on your walking shoes and go enjoy this town!
Walk Around the Town
Start with coffee at Dimples, look at local art in Buffalo River Artisans, shop at Sparky & Ringo’s, look at the arrangements in O’Bryan’s Flowers & Gifts, try on beautiful jewelry at Custom Creations and antique at Miss Mary Pauline’s.
Spa Day
If you need a little R&R, spend some time with Ms. Poochie at Spalon. Here you can have a massage, facial, pedicure, manicure, cut, color, you name it! Poochie uses Monat products that make your hair feel amazing! It’s a great way to unwind and treat yourself.
Enjoy the Great Outdoors
Linden has some amazing scenery that you have to get out and enjoy for yourself. Some options are:
Canoeing/Kayaking: Crazy Horse Canoe Rental, Buffalo Bud’s Canoe, Billy’s Kayak Adventures.
Hiking: Mousetail Landing State Park and Lady’s Bluff Nature Trail. (We hiked Lady’s Bluff and it was a pretty easy hike with a beautiful overlook.)
You can also go fishing, boating, and camping in the area.
Appreciate the Arts
The town of Linden is covered with beautiful murals. Even their trash cans have beautiful art on them! Linden Tennessee hosts the Blooming Arts festival every March, a writer’s conference in April, music workshops you name it! It’s such a creative town and everyone seems to have a side business in the arts. If you fancy yourself an artist, the Commodore Hotel has a painting class on Saturdays that is so fun!
Few Things You Need to Know about Linden Tennessee
Carry Cash
A few places in town don’t accept cards so either carry some cash with you or make a trip to the ATM at the town bank.
This City is So Safe
With a very low crime rate, this is one of the safest towns I have ever been in! Multiple people said they leave their keys in the car all the time and the people are so kind.
Take the Time to Stop and Chat
In every store we went into, we probably stayed a good 30 minutes extra just talking with the owners. It was so interesting to hear their stories and learn how they came to live in Linden.
Do you leave the city when you’re feeling stressed and overwhelmed? Where do you like to go? Share with me in a comment below!
This Linden Tennessee post is sponsored by the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Looks like you ladies had a great weekend! I’m loving all the brick and your paintings turned out so nice.
xo, Laura
This looks like such a quaint area & a great trip! Love the hotel!