Five Ways to Fully Experience
Leipers Fork, Tennessee

There’s just something magical about the picturesque, quiet and quaint town of Leipers Fork, Tennessee. About 45 minutes from Nashville, this small town is surrounded by pastures, gorgeous homes and rolling hills, tucked away from the hustle and bustle of downtown, offering an entirely different feel from Music City. With a collection of live music, and dining and shopping establishments concentrated within less than a half mile stretch on Old Hillsboro Road, this destination is a must-visit. Here are my favorite things to do when exploring Leipers Fork, any time of year!

Enjoy Live Music at Fox & Locke

Founded as a general store in 1947, Fox & Locke has been an influential landmark on the main drag of Leipers Fork for over 75 years. With a 40-year stint as Puckett’s BBQ, the spirit of the venue has remained the same, and the original name was restored in 2022. With live music, southern comfort food, cocktails and local events, it’s the pinnacle of a southern staple, and a place that locals frequent for the incredible music, lively atmosphere, and close-knit community. Immediately stepping into the venue, you’re submersed into an authentic, old-time country vibe, with walls adorned with a collection of antique radios, neon signs and – my favorite detail – an oversized American flag that serves as the backdrop of their stage. The ambience alone is one-of-a-kind, which made me fall in love with Leipers Fork when we first visited Tennessee. Fox & Locke hosts their famous open mic nights every Thursday, which normally includes an eclectic lineup of songwriters sharing their beautiful lyrics in meaningful songs, to up-and-coming singers making their performing debut, to the likes of Winona Ryder, Carrie Underwood and Chris Stapleton. You never know who might show up on stage! Be sure to get your tickets in advance, because almost every open mic night sells out quickly. If you can’t make it to open mic night, there are plenty of other opportunities to listen to great live music on the weekends. You won’t regret it!

Sip Wine by the Creek

In the mood for a tranquil afternoon? Off the main street you’ll find Wines in the Fork, a quaint tasting room that features award-winning local wines and goods. Grab a glass (or a flight!) and head down the hill to snag an Adirondack chair by – or in – the creek for one of the most relaxed afternoon experiences in Leipers Fork. If you’re lucky, you might get the opportunity to hear live music, but the sounds of the creek provide for an equally enjoyable, serene time. For an even more unique experience, you can book a reservation to a one-of-a-kind Farmstead Roots Creek Dinner Series event, where you can enjoy a five-course prix fixe dinner in the creek (yes, you read that right!).

Grab Coffee or a Bite to Eat

Driving into town, you can stop by the RedByrd Coffee Shop to get seasonal and year-round coffee classics, as well as locally made cookies and pastries, and browse through a collection of unique gifts and ceramic mugs and merch in their shop. Right next door is the Leipers Fork Market, where you can fill up on gas, stock up on snacks, buy some Leipers Fork swag, or grab breakfast or sandwiches from their deli. For those that prefer more of a sit-down experience, in addition to the classic southern comfort food at Fox & Locke as mentioned above, right across the street you’ll find the Country Boy Restaurant, which is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. They serve all the classics, from omelets, pancakes and benedicts, to country staples like burgers, catfish plates, fried bologna sandwiches and more. As with Fox & Locke, walking into the Country Boy is like stepping back in time, and with great country tunes playing and friendly servers, it’s a great place to grab a bite! What’s more, below the Country Boy you’ll find the Tornado Room, a speakeasy open from 5pm to midnight on weekends, complete with craft cocktails and even more live music.

Browse the Many Shops on Old Hillsboro Road

After a glass of wine or two, I recommend exploring the many beautiful shops in Leipers Fork. Head to Patina Home & Garden, the Bunker, the Tennessee Turquoise Company, Moo Country and the Pick-it Fence for home décor, clothing, and gifts. Art enthusiasts can check out David Arms Gallery, The Copper Fox Gallery,and Leiper’s Creek Gallery. I love perusing through the unique antiques, collectibles and gifts in Props Leipers Fork–you never know what gem you’ll find! To complete your visit, you can grab some body care essentials or even book a massage at The Spa at Leipers Fork.

Book a Tour at Leipers Fork Distillery

Aside from music, another pride of Tennessee is the whiskey, and the Leipers Fork Distillery carries on this tradition by providing incredible ambience, a great selection of whiskeys and informative tours and experiences. Whether you want to leisurely sip whiskey (or a mocktail!) and enjoy their grounds, take a tour, or experience one of their events, this small-batch distillery is definitely worth a visit! Their main cozy cabin is host to an incredible gift shop and a tasting room, and their outdoor space is dog friendly, with a great outdoor bar to catch a game or enjoy the sunshine. My favorite spot is their porch, complete with rocking chairs, heaters, and even an arcade game. The perfect place to enjoy their grounds and watch the world go by.

With an incredible music, restaurant and shopping options, it’s easy to see why this sleepy little town is a best-kept local secret. I hope you enjoy Leipers Fork as much as I do!