Hidden South
Tucked into Franklin, Tennessee, Leiper’s Fork is a toothsome bite of culture and creativity
By Marianne Leek
Charming, cultural, eclectic—the list of words goes on to describe Leiper’s Fork, a small unincorporated village that is part of the greater Franklin area, just 30 miles south of Nashville. A beloved stop on the iconic Americana Music Triangle, Leiper’s Fork offers a plentiful mix of artistry, music, and special stays. Thanks to the vision of a few proactive residents, this rural haven is protected by a Tennessee Land Trust on either end of the village, ensuring it remains natural for years to come.
Southall Farm & Inn’s Arbor Cottages
To the delight of travelers seeking distinctive stays, there are no chain hotels here. Fork & Field has accommodations conveniently located in the heart of the village. These historic cottages feature antiques and handcrafted furniture, along with modern upgrades. Just around the bend is Southall Farm & Inn, a luxury wellness resort featuring 62 rooms and 16 cottages with a focus on sustainability spanning more than 400 stunning acres. Guests can hike or bike manicured trails, paddleboard or canoe, sip and savor in two farm-to-table restaurants, read a book on the spacious patio, or unwind in the outdoor mineral pool overlooking Lake Mishkin. View the award-winning apiary program, spend time learning to falcon hunt, or “follow the greenlit path” to Dottie’s, Southall’s very own speakeasy.
For a town of its size, Leiper’s Fork is brimming with options. Begin your day with a Mama Byrd or Papa Byrd latte from The RedByrd Coffee Shop and grab a biscuit and provisions from Leiper’s Fork Market before spending the morning exploring the area’s enticing shops and galleries.
Guests relax at Southall Farm & Inn.
Owned by world-class home designers Brooke and Steve Giannetti, Patina Home & Garden is thoughtfully curated with a broad selection of cozy and practical home goods. Just down the road at their farm, you’ll find The Shed at Patina Meadow, a community gathering space intended to inspire creativity and connection. Schedule a pottery or baking class, or simply stop in to gather fresh flowers from the bloomerie.
Sipping high-end hand-crafted spirits in the 200-year-old tasting room at Leiper’s Fork Distillery is yet another way to relax.
Browse vintage turquoise at Morgane Stapleton’s Tennessee Turquoise Company. Led by an all-female team, this tiny shop has a big purpose: giving back a portion of every sale to support the National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center in its fight to end violence against indigenous women and girls.
The village’s fine art galleries feature the work of award-winning local and regional artisans. Artist Lisa Fox, the owner of Leiper’s Creek Gallery, presents work by more than 25 artists. Next door, check out the charming David Arms Gallery, featuring the nature art of owner David Arms. The Copper Fox Gallery is a collective space showcasing the rich heritage and remarkable handmade art of a variety of local artists, inviting guests to slow down and linger.
Fox & Locke is an acclaimed music venue in the heart of Leiper’s Fork.
Schedule an afternoon tour and tasting at Leiper’s Fork Distillery or visit Crown Winery for a bottle to sip and share creekside before grabbing dinner and catching a show. Leiper’s Fork is known for its vibrant music scene. Once a country store, Fox & Locke has morphed into an acclaimed venue with a weekly open-mic night—often featuring Grammy-winning artists—that frequently sells out within hours. The Country Boy, an adorable throwback diner that’s been serving up Southern favorites since 1968, is just across the street. While it’s widely known for its hearty breakfast selections, the restaurant offers a delicious fried-catfish dinner. Don’t miss The Tornado Room, their downstairs speakeasy that doubles as an intimate music venue. With cooler weather and brilliant foliage, fall is the perfect time to visit this quaint Tennessee town. V
Photography courtesy of Southall Farm & Inn and Visit Franklin; this story appears in our Fall 2025 issue.
