As published in The Florida Villager.
The Joy of Missing Out at Linden Row Inn
Say good-bye to FOMO (fear of missing out) and embrace the travel trend for 2025, JOMO (joy of missing out). Before you wave this concept aside, I want you to think about it. How many times have you come back from a vacation exhausted and talking about the things you wished you had done but the clock ran out? It seems over the years vacations have gone from a time to relax and regenerate to cramming as many activities into your week as you can.
Exit stage left FOMO because the pendulum has swung to vacations that aren’t so frenetic. As someone who has an itinerary for even a quick weekend jaunt, this posed a bit of a challenge when I checked into Linden Row Inn in Richmond, Virginia. Before arriving I promised myself I was only going to do two things, explore bookstores and go to the Poe Museum. The rest of the time I envisioned myself sitting in my parlor suite and reading the three books I brought. Before I divulge how successful I was at JOMO, let me tell you about this gem named Linden Row.
In 1844, a row of five houses were built and called Linden Square. In 1853, five more houses were built, and it is these five that are now Linden Row Inn. An interesting fact is that Edgar Alan Poe courted the love of his life in the garden which is now Linden Row Inn. The four-story inn was restored in 1988 and consists of 70 guest rooms, 7 Parlour Suites with the Garden Rooms located in the carriage house buildings. The suites are named after prominent Richmond people from the past and have antiques original to the inn.
When I stepped into the inn I was met by the resident cat, Annabelle. Later that day, she kept me company in the parlor while I read. The brick floors, quaint courtyard, the fountain in the garden area and the rocking chairs on the porch outside the suites only added to the historic elegance of the inn. My suite did not disappoint. From the fireplace, exquisite chandelier adorned with tiny horses and the tallest most stunning gold mirror I’ve ever seen, the parlor made for the perfect place to sit and plan my bookstore exploration. I entered the bedroom through two massive pocket doors and found the most inviting king size bed. I have to admit I took a nap or two over my weekend stay.
If you have a fur baby, the inn has dedicated rooms to keep Buster cozy. There is a special rate which includes a welcome amenity for your dog (sorry, no cats). The inn also has packages like the Poe Experience, along with seasonal rates so make sure to check the website. I was treated to the Poe Experience which included passes to the museum, a book on Linden Row, a bookbag and a mug filled with delicious chocolates.
So how did I make out with FOMO you ask? Quite well actually. I did have a moment (or two) when I was tempted to deviate from my original plan since there is so much to see and do in Richmond but at those times, I grabbed my book and made my way to one of the rocking chairs. I must admit, it was a very freeing feeling not to feel compelled to do everything. I suggest you try it and try it at Linden Row Inn.