12 Best Things To Do In Linden, Tennessee

Located along the Buffalo River and a short drive off the Natchez Trace Parkway, Linden, Tennessee is a welcoming retreat 90 miles southwest of Nashville for visitors looking for small-town hospitality. Just 1,000 people call Linden home. The tight-knit community is one of twelve small towns along the watershed region known as "Nashville's Big Backyard." But nothing about this quaint town feels big, and that's the appeal.

Upon arriving in Linden, you can’t help but feel at home. Local shopping, dining, and history along revitalized Main Street give this community the right amount of charm and activity while remaining tucked away. Here are the best 13 things to do in Linden, Tennessee on your next trip. 

Things to Do

Blooming Arts Festival

An annual event, Blooming Arts Festival brings local artisans, quilters, and musicians into the spotlight each March. Along with the festival’s quilt show and sale, the event brings in close to 10,000 attendees each year. Don’t miss live musicians playing on multiple stages—many of them hail from nearby music scenes in Nashville and Memphis.

bloomingartsfestival.com, 200 E. Main St, Linden, TN 37096

Buffalo River Artisans Cooperative

Shop from a variety of local artisans’ works at the Buffalo River Artisans Cooperative. With an ‘artist on duty’ during store hours, the shop serves as a studio home for twelve working artists. Browse home goods, clothing, fine art, woven rugs, and more all made locally in Perry County. Artists often host hands-on classes at the store on topics like dying with natural materials and weaving.

facebook.com/p/Buffalo-River-Artisans-Cooperative-100063487662795/, 110 E. Main St, Linden, TN 37906

Custom Creations

Just down the block, jewelry owner and designer Terry Klein’s online search of a small town with the “most trees and least roads” led him to Linden in 2012. His shop on Main Street, Custom Creations, features rings, necklaces, earrings, watches, and more all handcrafted by Klein and his sharp attention to detail. 

facebook.com/CustomCreationsOlean/, 94 E. Main St., Linden, TN 37906

Night Kayaking

A short walk from downtown, the Buffalo River is a popular spot for kayaking with guided tours and solo excursions available along a five- and ten-mile route. Linden’s Commodore Hotel provides kayak rentals and arranges nighttime kayak adventures. Their ‘Glow with Flow Show" features landscapes and trees along the riverbanks decorated in colorful lights. 

commodorehotellinden.com/nighttimekayaking, 114 E Main St., Linden, TN 37906

Natchez Trace Parkway

Go for a ride on the nearby Natchez Trace Parkway, a 444-mile parkway that winds from Natchez, Mississippi through Alabama and ends just outside of Nashville. Run by the National Park Service, this leisurely scenic route is a popular ride for cyclists and motorcyclists, so stay alert during this 55-mph drive. 

Local Shopping

Family-owned Shades of Vintage shop sells refinished and repurposed gifts and housewares. Every item is one of a kind. Don’t miss their collection of vintage signs and hand-cut and painted wooden pieces turned into Southern works of art. 

On Main Street, Tamara’s Gifts is your place to shop for gifts, souvenirs, and clothing. The store is housed in what used to be the first bank in Linden. Local customers love that they can fill out wish lists so friends can stop by to purchase items from the list for birthdays, graduations, and showers.

facebook.com/shadesofvintage, 106 S. Mill St., Linden, TN 37096

facebook.com/theframeshoplinden, 200 E Main St., Linden, TN 37096

Remembering WWII

Every September, spend a weekend in Linden remembering the veterans of World War II. During Remembering WWII, volunteers and veterans come together to share stories and recognize retired service members. The weekend serves as a living history experience with two WWII re-enactments, an army encampment, an authentic recreation of the French Cafe de Normandie, and vintage vehicles on display.

rememberingwwii.com, 121 E Main St., Linden, TN 37096

Where to Eat

Live Music, Dining, and Drinks 

Lunch at the Commodore Hotel’s Music Café features locally sourced ingredients and Southern favorites, like Nashville hot chicken. On weekend evenings, make your way to the adjacent Speakeasy to enjoy Nashville musicians, fried green tomatoes, and tasty cocktails.

commodorehotellinden.com/music-cafe, 114 E. Main St., Linden, TN 37096

Comfort Food

For a laidback breakfast or lunch, stop in at Mayberry’s Deli & Café. This property was once the town’s grocery and general store owned by the Mayberry family. Today, the name continues with a menu of comfort food and daily lunch specials. Don’t forget to sign your name to the restaurant’s ‘Visitor’s Board’ to let them know your hometown!

facebook.com/mayberrys, 107 W Main St., Linden, TN 37096

A Cup of Joe

Located in the heart of downtown, the Pumphrey and Beard Coffee Company is the perfect place for a pick-me-up. Grab a cup of your favorite coffee and relax with a book, catch up on e-mails, or get to know the locals. Stop by for events like paint night, bingo, and pottery night.

pumphreyandbeardcoffeecompany.com, 111 E. Main St., Linden, TN 37096

Where to Stay

Stay in a Historic Hotel

Stop in for a night of rest in Downtown Linden at the historic Commodore Inn. Built in 1939 and restored in 2007 by locals Kathy and Michael Dumont, this historic property is also home to the Commodore Music Café. Each space in the twenty-room hotel is decorated with unique period antiques and furnishings.

commodorehotellinden.com, 114 E. Main St., Linden, TN 37096

Mousetail Landing State Park

With 1,247 acres of land, Mousetail Landing State Park is home to overnight camping with 21 primitive sites at Spring Creek along the banks of the Tennessee River. The park’s main campground offers electric and water hookups as well as bath facilities. Stay the night and wake up early to fish the rivers and streams for bass, bream, crappie, and catfish. 

tnstateparks.com/parks/mousetail-landing, 3 Campground Rd., Linden, TN 37096