Leiper’s Fork

TENNESSEE’S BEST KEPT SECRET

If you want a truly unique Tennessee experience, add the charming village of Leiper’s Fork to your bucket list. This come-as-you-are treasure just outside downtown Franklin is a homegrown mix of picturesque surroundings and unique finds, and music permeates it all. While not large - it has a population of only 650 - the village is packed with world-class talent, food, and of course, Southern charm. Here are five things sure to make you fall in love with this quaint village.

THE CREATIVE CLIMATE

The prolific creative scene of Leiper’s Fork is thanks to a quiet, distinguished force of local artists. Galleries such as The Copper Fox, Leiper’s Creek Gallery, and David Arms draw visitors from around

the world. The Fork’s curious mix

of swanky yet laid back charm is contagious and echoes in boutiques like Serenite Maison. There, you can settle into the pickin’ corner and strum on more than a few world-

famous instruments like many of your favorite artists have in that same spot.

MAGAZINE-WORTHY ACCOMMODATIONS

Once you fall in love with Leiper’s Fork and the village community of friendly characters, you might decide to stay a few days. You’ll find fantastic cottages, houses, and more that each feel like you’ve walked into the pages of your favorite design magazine. From the stylings of Holly Williams’ Sweeney Cottage to the idyllic offerings of the various Pot N’ Kettle Cottages dotting Leiper’s Fork, you’ll find the vacation accommodations you never want to leave behind.

WORLD-CLASS WHISKEY

Known for their grain-to-glass spirits, Leiper’s Fork Distillery brings the lost history of smallbatch whiskey back to Tennessee. Take a tour, sample local spirits, and take in the beautiful Tennessee

countryside from their distillery. You can also experience incredible live music throughout the year when the distillery is converted into a listening room for the Still House Sessions.

Flip to pages 16 and 17 for more information on Pot N’ Kettle Cottages and Leiper’s Fork Distillery.

Go ahead - lick your plate - we won’t judge! Enjoy a meat and three country fare, including BBQ smoked right in front of you at the original Puckett’s Grocery. Be sure to stick around for the live music, too, especially the famed Thursday night open mic sessions where many hitmakers on the radio today have been discovered or pop up on stage unannounced! For breakfast, taste the best biscuits and gravy of your life and enjoy a cup of hot coffee at The Country Boy. If you’re craving upscale farm-to-table Southern cuisine for dinner, look no further than 1892. Protected lands surround the village of Leiper’s Fork on all sides, so not only can it not grow in size, but the beautiful views will also never be altered. Sit outside spots like David Arms Gallery around a fire pit and gaze at the rolling hills of Tennessee. Leiper’s Fork is right off the Natchez Trace Parkway, so hop on the Trace for a scenic drive and check out views of the double-arch bridge at Birdsong Hollow. If exploring scenic views by foot is more your style, take the Trace to Timberland Park and explore the area via a variety of hiking trails.

Photo by @vagabond3