Some people say that if you want a small-town vibe, you should head to Franklin, Columbia or another area with a nice town square. While those are indeed nice, there’s a bit of a secluded, off-the-beaten-path feel about the unincorporated area of Leiper’s Fork.
In one main strip of the Williamson County village, you can walk to nearly any spot you’d want — but be warned, the weekends do get busy, and parking is limited. If you can find a cozy Airbnb nearby, it will be worth it. But if you want a more upscale stay, Southall Farm & Inn is just a couple of miles away. I live a 30-minute drive away, so I drove the Natchez Trace Parkway — if you, like me, are fond of a scenic drive, that’s a beautiful way to get there.
On my drive in, I stopped by the Davis General Store, which is on the outskirts of the Leiper’s Fork area. The old country store has a counter where you’ll place your order before you head to the register to pay. (Grab a MoonPie and a glass bottle of RC Cola to complete your meal.) Some folks eat at the counter, but feel free to take your food to an outdoor table when the weather is bearable. I opted for a chicken salad sandwich — I’d heard rumblings about how good the chicken salad is at this place, and let me tell you, the rumors are true. It tastes like it has a good bit of dill in it. Plus, the sourdough bread was crunchy and buttery after being warmed on a griddle with a slice of cheddar cheese. Topped with lettuce and tomato, the unassuming sandwich was a weekend highlight.
Once I got onto the main drag of Leiper’s Fork, I parked on the street and started popping into the different shops and art galleries that line the road. I spent probably an hour in Patina Home & Garden piddling around and looking particularly closely at the kitchen items. I also spent some time strolling around Dwell and Den thanks to its soothing forest vibes. The stores feel almost like galleries themselves, with perfectly curated shelves and eclectic art decorating the walls.
Fine art gallery Leiper’s Creek Gallery is a personal favorite — I love to wander through the gallery, because it’s decked out with antique and contemporary furniture that feels homey and comfortable. But you’ll want to spend time in the Copper Fox Gallery (housed in a restored 1860s home), as well as the David Arms Gallery, where window walls overlook a narrow point in the nearby Harpeth River.
Butch Walker performs at Fox & Locke
While meandering through Leiper’s Fork recently, I decided it was time for a second lunch. I’m pregnant, and this was a “treat yourself” day, so I plopped down at the counter of The Country Boy. Don’t be afraid to order breakfast for lunch (French toast and pancakes as big as your face), but the chicken fingers were calling my name that day. Even the server told me how much she loved the simple item. I got a side of fried okra and a sweet tea to wash it down. I spent most of my Leiper’s Fork staycation solo, enjoying the solitude, but I brought some of Country Boy’s chocolate cake home to share with my husband. It was everything we wanted, sweet but not overwhelming, with fudgy frosting I could eat by itself. I would drive back out for another piece alone.
I spent Sunday afternoon at The Spa at Leiper’s Fork, where I had a facial from a knowledgeable esthetician who made my skin feel loved. My face was softer, and my complexion was more even. I enjoyed a Diet Coke in the relaxation room (can’t wait to come back in a few months and enjoy a glass of wine) and a sweet treat — a perfect ending to a solo afternoon.
To end my weekend trip, I ordered barbecue from Fox & Locke to bring home for dinner. I enjoyed some live music while I waited on my food — the kind of atmosphere that makes exploring small-town Tennessee special.
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