Escape To This Underrated Tennessee Village Renowned For Its Celebrity Retreats

It's no surprise that Nashville has become a favorite destination in recent years. Whether you're a music lover, a foodie, or looking for the perfect spot for a bachelorette party, it's tough to go wrong with a trip to Music City.

But no matter how many times you've traveled to Nashville, you probably haven't heard much about Leiper's Fork. Located just 45 minutes from downtown Nashville and 20 minutes from Franklin, Leiper's Fork is a tiny blink-and-you'll-miss-it spot in the road with about 650 residents in Williamson County. So why have celebrities like Justin Timberlake, Chris Stapleton, and Faith Hill retreated there? Because this little unincorporated village packs a lot of charm into its 1,100 acres.

Settled by Revolutionary War veterans in 1801, Leiper's Fork has the distinction of being the last historic village remaining on the Tennessee stretch of the famous Natchez Trace Parkway. But unique history aside, it's also loaded with eclectic antiques, high-end art, delicious food, good music, and small batch whiskey.

For a hearty helping of southern comfort food with a side of live music, Fox and Locke is a must. What started as a general store in 1947 became something else entirely when live music was added in 2002. Their world-famous Thursday Open Mic Night has become a sought-after venue for up-and-coming artists hoping to be discovered.

When you're after a hearty breakfast, stop into The Country Boy: the oldest diner in the county. Reviewers on Tripadvisor raved about the food, the service, and the charming atmosphere. And if you need a little mid-morning pick-me-up to fuel your day of sightseeing, The RedByrd Coffee Shop is a darling spot to get your caffeine fix.

You might be surprised to find a whiskey distillery and a wine tasting room in such cramped quarters, but Leiper's Fork manages to have both. Since 2016, Leiper's Fork Distillery has been producing traditional Tennessee small batch whiskey. Visitors can take an hour-long tour of their 200-year-old Still house for just $24 for adults and $12 for children and teetotalers. Don't miss the charming creekside tasting room at Wines in the Fork offering a wide variety of wines produced in Tennessee. You can opt for a self-guided tasting, a 45-minute curated experience, an hour-long tasting board experience with chocolate or cheese pairings, or a unique charcuterie-paired tasting while actually sitting in Leiper's Creek.

This village has been turning a lot of heads in the art community with its collection of galleries. Nestled in an old barn with an unexpectedly chic interior, you'll find the David Arms Gallery full of the artist's original paintings and beautiful paper and home goods inspired by his art.

In a cute 1860s home reminiscent of a German-style gingerbread house, The Copper Fox showcases works of art from talented artists and craftspeople from all over the Southeast. As a fine art gallery housed in an old filling station, Leiper's Creek Gallery embodies the spirit of Leiper's Fork. On warm evenings, you can find folks dragging up chairs to listen to live music or watch outdoor movies in the "Lawnchair Theater" out back.

If you prefer offbeat antiques or distinctive clothing, you've got plenty of stores to choose from. Channel your inner glamorous cowgirl at Moo Country, owned by a former fashion model and stylist whose unique pieces have been worn by the likes of Tanya Tucker and Carrie Underwood. Patina Home and Garden is more than a store. It offers gorgeous yet understated antiques, high-end home goods, and linen apparel. But it's also a community gathering place where you can take classes on subjects like floral design and organic gardening. The owners can even design you a home (they've been builders for thirty years).