I was born and raised in a tiny, rural town in Indiana. Yeah, yeah. You’re probably saying, “so was I, there were only 50,000 people in my town.” Nope… think one stoplight in the county small. Think more cows than people.
Being from a small town, you get accustomed to a certain level of small-town charm. I figured I knew small-town charm when I moved to Tennessee. But then I met Leiper’s Fork – A.K.A., the most charming tiny town there ever was.
If you haven’t been, picture this: A quaint little village nestled off the Natchez Trace Parkway, featuring rolling hills and fire pits.
There are art galleries where you can sit and chat with artists for hours on end, sweet tea in hand. You can dine at the iconic “Table of Wisdom,” home to locals who have been in this village for as long as anyone can remember.
Most importantly, you’ll experience the kind of southern hospitality you thought was long lost.
Next time you’re in Franklin, Tennessee, take a short drive (or a bike ride with Pedego Electric Bikes!) to Leiper’s Fork, and be sure to experience these 10 things while you’re there!
Eat breakfast at Country Boy
Remember when I said restaurants in Leiper’s Fork are known to have a Table of Wisdom? Well, Country Boy Restaurant is home to said table.
Head in for (the best ever) biscuits & gravy on any given morning, and you’ll see a group of gentlemen crowded around ‘The Table of Wisdom,’ catching up on the local gossip and greeting each and every person who walks through the door.
If the biscuits and gravy are too heavy for your early morning tastes, find a spot at the counter, and start your day with a classic cup of coffee inside this country diner that is the epitome of everything you would want and expect from a place that has been around since 1968.
Sip by the River at Wines in the Fork
You wouldn’t be surprsed a tiny village like Leiper’s Fork would be home to legendary whiskey, but did you know wine lovers can also sip away the day? Wines in the Fork is the creekside tasting room for wine lovers that features opportunities to imbibe from wineries across Middle Tennessee.
Owner James Evans provides wine from his Pullen Mill Farm in nearby Culleoka, along with selecting several varieties from The Crown Winery in Humboldt. You can enjoy samples from four special edition Leiper’s Fork flavors, along with names like Tiara Sparking Wine, Farmstead Red, and others inside their historic home turned tasting bar.
If you prefer to take your wine by the water, step out back where you can relax by the creek that plays natures soothing tunes, or stop by on a weekend for live music with your wine too.
Pick at the Pickin’ Corner
A trip to Leiper’s Fork isn’t complete without a stop at Serenite Maison! It features hand-selected antiques, and one-of-a-kind items like jewelry, furniture, and textiles that have been hand-picked by the shop’s owner.
What you’ll be most impressed by is an iconic Pickin’ Corner (as seen in a Garden & Gun spread featuring Jason Isbell), that sits just inside the front door.
Iconic instruments like a 1944 D-28 Martin guitar, a 1934 A-4 Gibson Mandolin, and even an 1863 Everly Brothers guitar, among others hang on the wall just waiting to be played. These icons of the musical world are not for sale, despite the best efforts to buy them by some of the biggest names in music.
They are just there for everyone to play! When you walk into Serenite Maison you could see a Grammy winner strumming on a guitar, or you could see a young kid playing for the very first time.
Take a tour of Leiper’s Fork Distillery
Back in the day, Leiper’s Fork (and much of Williamson County!) was home to Moonshiners. Lucky for us, distilling is legal now, and Leiper’s Fork Distillery is bringing the art of distilling delicious spirits back to Williamson County.
From grain to glass, Leiper’s Fork Distillery makes their bourbon right here in Tennessee! You can take a tour of the distillery, shop the gift shop, and of course grab a taste of these fine spirits.
On a special night once a month you can also go on a musical journey during the Stillhouse Sessions where the gorgeous still house at the distillery is turned into a singer & songwriter showcase all in the shadow of the custom copper gooseneck still that produces each drop of bourbon.
Peruse fine art at Leiper’s Creek Gallery
Right in the middle of Leiper’s Fork sits Leiper’s Creek Gallery. The gallery, formerly home to a gas station, features an eclectic range of art from paintings to abstract expressionism and sculpture.
Owner Lisa Fox has done an incredible job of making the gallery feel like home to all who step through the doors. BONUS: More often than not, the fire pit outside is stocked with marshmallows, chocolate, and of course graham crackers. So pull up a seat and get to roasting!
Stop for Gas & Surprises at Leiper’s Fork Market
It’s not often we suggest a stop at the gas station as a “must-see,” but it’s not often you find a gas station like Leiper’s Fork Market.
The chandelier that sits over a community dining table as soon as you walk in the door is clue No. 1 that this isn’t your average market.
While you can grab staples like a soft drink and a Grab the Gold protein bar (proudly made right here in Franklin!), you’ll also find a robust lunch counter and selection of local beers from Mill Creek Brewing Co., and breweries across the Southeast.
What makes the Leiper’s Fork Market even more unique is the Red Bird Coffee House that sits outside, in a literal tiny house, plus once a month the Leiper’s Fork Farmers Market takes over the open field next door with local goods, old-fashion country games, and of course live music!
Enjoy local art at Copper Fox Gallery
Looking for local art while you’re here? Look no further than Copper Fox Gallery! This gallery features a diverse selection of handmade goods like pottery, jewelry, textiles, leather, glass, and more.
Even if you don’t leave the gallery with a purchase, take the time to soak in your surroundings – The Copper Fox is located in a beautifully restored 1860’s home, which lends itself perfectly to each carefully curated piece of art.
Fuel your creative spirit at David Arms Gallery
David Arms is an artist. He’s a painter but isn’t limited by a palette knife or brush. This is apparent in his gallery, located right on the edge of this little village.
Arms has curated this space with things he loves, like bow ties, paintings, books, and cards. When you enter the gallery, you’ll be greeted by your new best friend (possibly David Arms himself) and feel welcomed immediately.
I could seriously spend hours in this space – listening to classical music, taking in the signature scent of the gallery, and fueling my creative spirit.
Hear live music at Fox & Locke
After you’ve shopped, toured, and selfied, you’re going to want to sit a spell and relax! Enter Fox & Locke (formerly Puckett’s Grocery of Leiper’s Fork) in the heart of this Tennessee village.
Grab a plate of ribs, a burger, or maybe just a few sides, crack open a beer, and pull up a seat to take in the tunes of The Fork! Fox & Locke hosts live music throughout the week. Don’t miss Open Mic Night on Thursday nights—you never know who you’ll see! We’re serious about this: Grammy award-winning artists have been known to pop in to play a few songs or just scope out the latest talent.
Rest your head at Pot N’ Kettle Cottages
After a long day of exploring, you’ll need a place to rest your head. All Pot N’ Kettle Cottage properties are just a leap from The Fork!
From a cute and cozy cottage-like Coda Cottage (which sleeps five) to a large, historic home like Leiper’s Fork Inn (which sleeps nine), Pot N’ Kettle Cottages are sure to please and leave you well-rested for the rest of your visit!