Have you ever drifted lazily down a river on a warm afternoon laughing at the cares you left upstream? Or bitten into a juicy heirloom tomato at a rural roadside farmstand? Have you ever toasted the day with friends in a 1930s speakeasy? If so, you’ve likely followed the Buffalo River as it courses through the westernmost part of Middle Tennessee over a textured landscape of ridges, deep hollows and tributary creeks.
A State Scenic River, the Buffalo is much more than a scenic waterway. The longest free-flowing river in Tennessee is also a living narrative of history, geological diversity and natural wonders. In Perry County, the Buffalo is the cornerstone of outdoor water recreation and the connecting thread between the area’s natural and cultural heritage. Access can be found at different spots along the river, with Buffalo River Resort being the most popular place for kayaking, canoeing, tubing, fishing or simply hanging out for the day on the beach. After a day on the water, evenings naturally unwind at campsites, cabins, or in the inviting small towns of Lobelville and Linden, where stops like Bold Winds Roastery, Cane Creek Market, the restored Commodore Hotel and downtown Linden offer fresh coffee, farmstand goods, local flavor, music, history and a slower, simpler way of life.
A few miles further west, running parallel to the Buffalo, lies the Tennessee River, where hiking, fishing and riverside camping in scenic Mousetail Landing State Park attract visitors year-round. Seventy-five miles and what feels like a hundred or so years from Nashville lies Tennessee’s least densely populated county, yet with some of the state’s most populated wildlife habitats and diverse natural terrain, Perry County is teeming with rich outdoor and cultural experiences. If you want to leave the city behind, spend a little time here in Tennessee’s Buffalo River Country.
guide is developed in partnership with the South Central Tennessee Tourism Association and Experience Tennessee. To learn more, visit SCTTA.org or ExperienceTN.com.
Don’t just Travel Tennessee, Experience Tennessee!
TNBUFFALORIVERCOUNTRY.COM
RECOMMENDED EXPERIENCES
DINING OPTIONS
B&H Dairy Bar
A retro diner serving burgers and steaks, along with frozen custard and ice cream.
Birdie’s Cafe
Cafe next to a historic hotel serving Southern specialties straight from the garden.
Bold Wind Coffee Bar
Cane Creek Market
114 E Main St, Linden
118 S Main St, Lobelville
A casual restaurant serving BBQ pork, chicken, and other comfort foods.
A casual restaurant serving BBQ pork, chicken, and other comfort foods.
Kellie Ann’s BBQ
837 Squirrel Hollow Dr, Linden
A casual restaurant serving BBQ pork, chicken, and other comfort foods.
TAVO’s Mexican Restaurant
130 Lobelville Hwy, Linden
Casual eatery serving Mexican dishes including enchiladas, fajitas, and margaritas.
The Commodore Music Cafe
114 E Main St, Linden
A cafe with friendly service, locally-sourced food, and live music. Open on Fridays.
The Video Corner Cafe
169 Hill St, Linden
A casual restaurant offering classic Southern comfort fare, including a salad bar.
LODGING OPTIONS
Blue Heron Landing
11738 Crooked Creek Rd, Lobelville
Primitive camping 10 miles west of Lobelville and right on the Tennessee River.
Buffalo River Resort
3520 North Highway 13, Lobelville
A restored 1939 hotel with 12 unique rooms on the square in Linden.
Buffalo River Trail Ride
5929 Bromley Cemetery Rd, Waynesboro
A premier equestrian camping and riding facility operating from April to November.
The Commodore Hotel
114 & 120 E Main St, Linden
A restored 1939 hotel with 12 unique rooms on the square in Linden.
Deer Point Resort
109 Deer Pointe Dr, Lobelville
A beautiful campground with full RV hookups on the banks of the Tennessee River.
Harmony Ridge RV Park
2850 McGee Rd, Linden
Offering secluded full hookup RV sites with high-speed internet.
Hidden Oasis at White Oak Landing
194 Duck Blind Rd, Clifton
Private, full hook up RV sites in a gated community with a dock and boat launch.
Mousetail Landing State Park
3 Campground Rd, Linden
1200 acre State Park offering primitive camping and RV spots near the TN River.
THINGS TO DO & OUTDOOR ADVENTURE
Buffalo River Country Club
125 Country Club Dr, Lobelville
A 9-hole golf course in Lobelville with scenic views and friendly staff.
Clearwater Kayak Rental
158 Clearwater Dr, Linden
Offering kayak rentals and primitive camping on the Buffalo River, open May - Sept.
Lady’s Bluff
398 Lady’s Bluff Rd, Linden
A small wild area featuring a moderate 2.1 mile hike to a scenic overlook.
Main Street Marketplace
109 E Main St, Linden
A gift shop with homemade crafts, furniture, jewelry, confections, and more.
Mousetail
Landing Bike TN Loop
1215 State Park Rd, Linden
A 40-mile bike loop with short, steep climbs that launches from Mousetail Landing.
Mousetail Landing State Park
3 Campground Rd, Linden
A 1,200-acre state park on the banks of the Tennessee River, with hiking and camping.
Red Farmhouse Antiques
Antique store carrying unique collectibles and jewelry.
Sparkey & Ringo’s
2960 TN-13, Lobelville
107 E Main St, Linden
A boutique offering clothing for men, women, and kids with affordable prices.
Strength & Dignity Boutique
72 South Main St, Lobelville
Boutique offering a variety of gifts, clothing, cards, toys, as well as a deli.
Tamara’s Gifts
200 E Main St, Linden
Gift shop offering brand like Lulu Mac, SWIG, Simply Southern, Teleties, and more.
The Vinyl and Vintage Emporium
100 E Main St, Linden
Thoughtfully curated vintage and vinyl selected for quality, condition, and uniqueness.
BUFFALO RIVER RESORT
LOBELVILLE
THE BUFFALO RIVER LINDEN
TWO RIVERS, ONE DESTINATION
With both the Buffalo River and the Tennessee River running through the region, visitors have two very different but equally rewarding ways to explore the outdoors. Whether you are paddling a quiet stream or casting a line along a wide riverbank, this is a place where the pace naturally slows down.
The Buffalo River is often the starting point for visitors. As the longest unimpounded river in Middle Tennessee, it flows freely for about 120 miles, with a scenic stretch running right through Perry County. Its gentle current and clear water make it ideal for kayaking, canoeing, and tubing, especially for beginners or those looking for a relaxed float.
Local outfitters make getting on the water easy. Buffalo River Resort in Lobelville offers rentals along with camping and cabins, while Crazy Horse Canoe Rental and Bones Canoe & Campground provide equipment and shuttle services for a range of trip lengths. For those bringing their own gear, multiple public access points along the river allow for flexible planning.
Floating the Buffalo is not just about the ride, it is about what you see along the way. The river is home to dozens of fish species and a variety of wildlife. It is common to spot herons along the banks, ducks gliding across the water, or deer stepping quietly down to the shoreline. The calm pace gives you time to take it all in, making it as much about the experience as the destination.
On the western edge of the county, the Tennessee River offers a different setting. Wider and more expansive, it is known as one of the top fishing destinations in the state. Anglers come for bass, catfish, crappie, and striped bass, often finding both steady action and the chance for a memorable catch. Beyond fishing, the river is perfect for boating, with plenty of space to cruise, explore coves, or simply relax on the water.
One of the best places to experience the Tennessee River is Mousetail Landing State Park. Stretching across more than 1,200 acres along the river’s east bank, the park offers a mix of recreation and quiet natural beauty Visitors can hike wooded trails, camp under the stars, or launch a kayak into the calm waters of the Spring Creek embayment.
The park also features designated paddling routes, including the Mousetail Water Trail, where you can explore backwaters, sloughs, and quiet inlets. A sandy swim beach provides a place to cool off in warmer months, while anglers can fish from the shoreline for a variety of species. For those who want to stay longer, campsites, backcountry shelters, and picnic areas make it easy to turn a day trip into a weekend escape.
Together, the Buffalo River and the Tennessee River create a wellrounded outdoor experience in Perry County. One offers a peaceful float through wooded landscapes, while the other delivers big water views and top-tier fishing. Both invite you to slow down, get outside, and enjoy this stretch of Tennessee from a different perspective.
MOUSETAIL LANDING STATE PARK LINDEN
LADY’S BLUFF LINDEN
LIVE MUSIC IN BUFFALO RIVER COUNTRY
In Perry County, music is not confined to one stage or one style. It shows up in historic spaces, along the river, and out in the open air, creating a scene that feels both laid-back and deeply connected to the community. Whether you are settling in for an intimate performance or catching a show under the stars, this is a place where live music is part of the experience.
In downtown Linden, the Historic Commodore Hotel & Music Café serves as the heart of the local music scene. Just off the main lobby, the café offers a warm, inviting space where low lighting and historic details set the tone for an evening that feels both relaxed and memorable. Live music is a regular feature, with performances that range from country and blues to rock and occasional gospel. Thanks to its proximity to Nashville, the venue often attracts touring musicians alongside regional talent, giving visitors a chance to hear high-quality performances in an intimate setting. It is the kind of place where people gather not just for the music, but for the atmosphere, the food, and the sense of connection.
A short drive away in Lobelville, Buffalo River Resort offers a completely different take on live entertainment. Open year-round for floating, camping, and cabin stays, the resort has also become known as a destination for music and events. Throughout the year, it hosts a mix of concerts, themed weekends, and large-scale gatherings that bring energy to the riverfront. From country shows and benefit concerts to high-energy festivals, the setting adds something special. Music here is paired with open space, fresh air, and the natural beauty of the Buffalo River, creating an experience that feels both lively and relaxed at the same time.
For those who enjoy a more casual, community-centered setting, Perry County’s Music on Main series offers another way to experience live music. Held outdoors during the warmer months, these free concerts bring people together in a simple and welcoming environment. Local and regional artists take the stage, while visitors and residents gather with lawn chairs, food, and friends. The focus is less on production and more on the shared experience, making it an easy and enjoyable way to spend an evening.
Together, these venues and events highlight the range of music experiences found across Perry County. From the cozy atmosphere of the Commodore to the open-air energy of the river and community concerts, there is always an opportunity to listen, relax, and be part of the moment.
DIMPLES
DOWNTOWN MURAL
TAMARA’S GIFTS LINDEN
BLOOMING ARTS FESTIVAL
Each spring, the quiet town of Linden comes to life in a big way. Streets fill with color, music drifts through the air, and visitors from across the region gather for one of the most anticipated events in Tennessee’s Buffalo River Country. The Blooming Arts Festival is more than just a weekend event. It is a celebration of creativity, resilience, and the spirit of a small town that chose to grow through the arts.
Launched in 2009, the festival began during a challenging time for Perry County Facing economic hardship and national attention for high unemployment, local leaders and volunteers came together with a simple but powerful idea: bring people to Linden through art, music, and community. What started as a grassroots effort has since grown into a signature event that draws thousands of visitors each year.
Today, the Blooming Arts Festival takes over downtown Linden for two full days each spring. The setting itself plays a major role in the experience. With its wide sidewalks, historic storefronts, and landscaped streets, the downtown square provides a welcoming backdrop for the hundreds of artists, makers, and performers who fill the area.
Visitors can expect a wide range of artwork and handcrafted goods, from fine art like paintings and photography to woodworking, jewelry, leather goods, and textiles. Many of the vendors are local or regional artists, giving the festival a strong sense of place while still offering variety. Demonstrations are often part of the experience as well, allowing visitors to see the creative process firsthand.
Music is another key part of the festival. Multiple stages feature live performances throughout the weekend, with a mix of genres that often includes bluegrass, country, blues, and rock. It is the kind of setting where you can pause, listen for a while, and then continue exploring at your own pace.
The festival is designed to be family-friendly, with a dedicated Kids Zone that includes activities, games, and creative projects for younger visitors. Throughout the weekend, you will also find contests, themed events, and interactive experiences that add a sense of fun and unpredictability. From lighthearted competitions to community traditions, there is always something happening beyond the booths and stages.
Food vendors round out the experience, offering everything from festival favorites to local specialties. It is easy to spend the entire day moving between art displays, live music, and food stands without ever feeling rushed.
What makes the Blooming Arts Festival stand out is not just its size or variety, but the story behind it. It represents a community that chose to invest in itself, using creativity as a way to bring people together and build something lasting. That spirit is still present today, felt in the energy of the crowd and the pride of the people who make it happen.
For visitors, it is a chance to experience Linden at its most vibrant, and to see firsthand how a small town can create something truly memorable.
PHOTOGRAPHER: CHARLES VERNIER LINDEN
PHOTOGRAPHER: CHARLES VERNIER LINDEN
PHOTOGRAPHER: CHARLES VERNIER LINDEN
PHOTOGRAPHER: CHARLES VERNIER LINDEN
REMEMBERING WWII: A LIVING HISTORY EXPERIENCE
Each year, downtown Linden steps back in time. Streets fill with the sights and sounds of the 1940s, vintage uniforms replace modern clothing, and the stories of a generation come to life in a way that feels both personal and powerful. The Remembering WWII Living History Event is one of Perry County’s most meaningful traditions, offering a hands-on experience that honors those who served while educating visitors of all ages.
What began as a small gathering has grown into an award-winning event with deep roots in the community. In 2012, the Anthony Courter family organized an evening to honor local World War II veteran Richard Coburn, bringing together music, storytelling, and history. The response was overwhelming. A second event followed in 2013, featuring USS Indianapolis survivor Edgar Harrell, and by 2014, the idea had expanded into a full-scale reenactment. Today, Remembering WWII stands as a large, immersive event that continues to grow while staying true to its original purpose.
The experience is designed to be interactive from start to finish. Visitors can walk through a recreated military encampment, where reenactors demonstrate daily life during the war. Tents, gear, and equipment are set up with careful attention to detail, giving a realistic glimpse into the conditions soldiers faced. Throughout the day, two major battle reenactments take place, drawing crowds as history unfolds in real time with dramatic and carefully choreographed scenes.
Music adds another layer to the atmosphere. Live big band performances echo through the streets, capturing the sound of the era and inviting visitors to pause, listen, and imagine life on the home front. Nearby, the Café de Normandie offers a recreation of a French wartime setting, adding an international touch and another place to step into the past.
Vintage vehicles line the streets, antiques vendors offer period-inspired items, and the entire square takes on the feel of a living museum. What sets this event apart, though, is the opportunity for personal connection. Whenever possible, veterans are present, giving attendees the rare chance to hear firsthand accounts, ask questions, and express their appreciation directly. These moments often leave the strongest impression.
The event is intentionally family-friendly, with activities and displays designed to be both engaging and educational. Children and adults alike can interact with history rather than simply observe it, making the experience memorable for visitors of all backgrounds.
Held each fall, Remembering WWII transforms Linden into something truly unique. It is more than a reenactment. It is a tribute, a history lesson, and a community effort to ensure that the stories of the past are not forgotten.
