Looking for a fun-filled weekend trip from Nashville? Well, whether you want to escape the big-city hustle and bustle, experience the joy of small-town living, explore a new part of the state, or celebrate a special occasion, we know the perfect place – Linden, Tennessee. Or, to be more precise, the Commodore Hotel in Linden TN.
With its rich history, boutique stores, and prime location on the banks of the Buffalo River, this area now known as Nashville’s Big Back Yard, has a lot to offer. And, trust us, there’s no better base from which to experience Nashville’s Big Back Yard than the much-loved hotel in Linden Tennessee, the inimitable Commodore Hotel.
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About Linden TN
Linden, the county seat of Perry County, has fewer than 1200 residents, and is described by its official website as a “small town, [with] big heart, and open arms”. But where exactly is it? And how long’s the journey from Nashville? Let’s find out.
Where is Linden TN?
Linden is in Middle Tennessee, next to the beautiful Buffalo River – at the intersection of route 13 and 412. The mighty Tennessee River is just 10 miles away to the west and Perry County Airport is around 3.5 miles southwest.
Artwork in Linden Tennessee is part of the artsy revitalization of the town.
How far is Linden Tennessee from Nashville Tennessee?
Linden TN is 88 miles from Nashville by car. The quickest route takes approximately 1.5 hours via I-40 W. The drive via TN-100 W is 96 miles and takes just under 2 hours.
Linden Tennesee’s convenient location and beautiful natural setting makes it one of the best weekend trips from Nashville. Road trips from Nashville will show you a side of Tennessee that is very different from the honky tonk bars of Broadway.
Commodore Hotel Linden Tennessee
The Commodore Hotel Linden TN is located in a 1939 building that takes pride of place in Linden. The hotel is well-located and is a hive of activity at all times.
Hotel
While the hotel was first built in 1939, there were four hotels in the little town of Linden! As the town’s fortunes diminished, the only hotel left standing is the Commodore Hotel in Linden TN.
We can thank Michael and Kathy Dumont for saving it from demolition in 2007. This intrepid entrepreneurial couple from Rhode Island decided to restore the Commodore to its former glory.
The Commodore Hotel in Linden TN led the way in revitalising this small town.
These days, it’s blossomed into a boutique hotel with hardwood floors, high ceilings, brick walls, and art décor door hardware. An “oasis of Southern Hospitality”, it’s been named one of “Six Great Places to Stay in Tennessee”.
Some even credit the refurbished Commodore for giving the entire downtown area a new lease of life. Nashville’s Big Back Yard website explains that “once the Commodore opened its doors, Linden’s revitalization was unstoppable.”
The 21 guest rooms are comfortable and charming.
Restaurant
The Commodore Hotel is more than just a place to rest your head. Among other amenities, it boasts a cool “Music Café” that serves beautiful locally-sourced food and fresh weekly specialties.
Good comfort food, well done, at the Commodore Hotel restaurant
This is dining with a difference. It’s called the “Music Café” for the live music that takes place every Friday night.
Come for a delicious dinner and friendly service; stay for the talented musicians which is an easy detour for them from nearby Nashville.
The Music Cafe entertain guests with everything from rock and country to blues and gospel.
The Commodore Hotel offers live entertainment on Friday nights in a cozy intimate setting.
Speakeasy Bar
If you don’t fancy dinner but do like the sound of a drink, then check out the hotel’s Speakeasy Lounge. It’s another go-to source of entertainment in Linden TN where locals and visitors alike come to relax, catch up, and have fun.
The venue and décor are speakeasy by name and by nature too. You feel as if you’ve stepped back in time to a prohibition-era hangout! Get ready for a winning combination of a lively atmosphere, low lighting, and hearty cocktails.
Glow in the Dark Kayaking
With the Buffalo River on its doorstep, Linden’s an ideal location to get out onto the water and go for a paddle.
The Commodore Hotel offers guided kayaking tours as well as river tubing near Nashville Tennessee.
Kayaking Buffalo River TN
Hiring a single-person kayak for 3 to 5 hours costs $40; pay an additional $9 and you can it for the whole day!
The view from a sunset Kayak on the Buffalo River
Another option is to bring your own kayak and pay $20 for the hotel’s shuttle service.
If you’re a complete beginner, don’t worry. For $40, you can enjoy a Buffalo River kayaking trip and lesson.
Want our advice, though? Do what we did and wait for the sun to go down on a Thursday or Saturday. You can then experience a magical night-time kayaking adventure – complete with dinner and s’mores! It’s an unforgettable part of any trip to Linden TN.
Kayaking Buffalo River TN is extra special when you take a moonlight paddle.
Things to Do on a Weekend Trip from Nashville
What else should you do on your weekend trip from Nashville? Here are 5 possible ideas to include on your itinerary while staying at the Commodore Hotel Linden TN:
Nashville’s Big Back Yard
Nashville’s Big Back Yard is a huge watershed region between Nashville and Muscle Shoals, Alabama.
Comprising 12 connected communities with fewer than 5,000 people, it’s anchored by 100 miles of the Natchez Trace Parkway and is a veritable oasis for anybody seeking a slower pace of life.
Get ready for picture-perfect villages, creative communities, scenic rural living, and endless small-town charm.
Leiper’s Fork
Leiper’s Fork is a prime example of a picturesque town that packs a punch in terms of its charm. Located in Williamson County, it offers stunning scenery, historic homesteads, and endless shopping and dining opportunities.
On the subject of food, don’t miss the Fox & Locke country-store-turned-music-venue! The finger-licking meals and acclaimed musicians there make for a memorable evening.
Amber Falls Winery
Wine connoisseurs should visit the excellent Amber Falls Winery & Cellars.
Located in the gorgeous rolling hills of Hampshire, you can taste their award-winning wines, and/or attend one of the unique events regularly held there.
The winery even has a 1940s guest cottage available to anyone who wants to stay a little longer.
One of the wines available at Amber Falls Vineyard
Loretta Lynn Ranch
Want to experience the beautiful hills of rural Tennessee? Well, there’s no better place to do it than at the Loretta Lynn Ranch in Hurricane Mills.
This top tourist attraction combines camping facilities and a full-service RV Park with live music events, a museum, and a swimming pool, as well as kayaking and fishing opportunities.
All told, you’ll struggle to find a more family-friendly weekend trip from Nashville.
Loretta Lynns’ Hurricane Mills plantation house.
Natchez Trace
The “Old Natchez Trace” was an age-old travel corridor used by everyone from American Indians and European Settlers to slave traders and soldiers. These days, you can retrace those historic steps via the Natchez Trace Parkway.
A monument to historic explorer Meriwether Lewis
This 444-mile scenic drive and recreational road passes through 3 states and is guaranteed to be an adventure! There are lots of beautiful hikes and drives you can do.
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Looking for a fun weekend getaway from Nashville? Check out The Commodore Hotel, a historic boutique hotel in Linden Tennessee that offers glow in the dark kayaking.
We were guests of the Commodore Hotel Linden TN which in no way influenced our content or opinions herein.
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