Hidden Gem: Leiper’s Fork is a Charming Day Trip From Nashville, Tennessee

Cute Small Town Near Nashville: Leiper's Fork

Hidden Gem: Leiper’s Fork is a Charming Day Trip From Nashville, Tennessee

FAMILY TRAVEL, Small Towns, Tennessee, USA Destinations, USA Road Trip

Are you looking for a one-day road trip from Nashville Tennessee? Do you love hidden gems and quaint small towns? A quick trip to Leiper’s Fork may be the mini road trip from Nashville, Tennessee that you’ve been looking for – and this guide will help you plan it!

My parents, sister, and I took a quick day trip to Leiper’s Fork or “Leper’s Forge,” as we incorrectly stated a few times last December. (Shout-out to my bro-in-law for watching my newborn niece while we were gone.) Despite diverging ages and interests, we all had a great time – and maaaay have indulged in a family sing-a-long to John Denver’s “Country Roads” on the drive back. To put it simply:

The Village of Leiper’s Fork is one of the best one-day trips from Nashville, Tennessee!

What to do in Leiper’s Fork, TN

Leiper’s Fork, Tennessee is a tiny Tennessee town, technically a “village,” with a population of 650 and 1,100 acres.

Don’t be fooled by its size, there’s plenty to keep you busy on a day or weekend trip to the charming Leiper’s Fork. Here are a few ideas:

Eat Local

Chow down on classic Tennessee casual at local joints like Puckett’s (get BBQ) and Country Boy (get the biscuits and gravy), or opt for more upscale comfort fare at places like 1892. In between meals, grab a snack at Leiper’s Fork Market, a gas-station and “must see.”

Drink Up

Whatever your drink of choice Leiper’s Fork has it. If you’re feeling boozy, learn about and taste whisky at Leiper’s Fork Distillery, wine down with wine at one of the local restaurants, or grab a craft brew to go from Leiper’s Fork Market‘s beer cave!

If you’d prefer to stay on the sober side of the fence, hydrate with a grab and go water or drink from Leiper’s Fork Market, or enjoy a cup of joe or tea at the adorable RedByrd Coffee.

Peruse Art

Peruse art galleries, Leiper’s Creek Gallery, the Copper Fox, David Arms, or just check out some of the local art in the shops. Leiper’s Fork offers a nice variety of styles and mediums of art including art depicting local scenes. We got lucky and when we went David Arms gallery had a fire pit and smores out front!

Shop ’til You Drop

Leiper’s Fork is a shopping town! There are shops and items for sale in just about every nook-and-cranny of the town. It has the new and used country chic goods you’d expect, as well as just really cool, unique finds. For example, my dad found and bought me a vintage postcard from Banff, Canada (read about Banff here), one of my favorite mountain towns.

Relax at The Spa

You can’t talk about Leiper’s Fork without talking about The Spa at Leiper’s Fork. Wind down and treat yo’ self with a facial treatment, massage, wax, mani/pedi, or just some great products to use during a DIY spa day at home.

Pro tip: Schedule your spa services at the end of the day to wind down after walking around town.

Take Photos

Don’t forget to take your camera (here’s what I use) or smartphone. Leiper’s Fork, Tennessee is a great place to get some great photos whether you want a cute family photo or an Instagrammable solo shot with #countryvibes.

Stroll Around

There are too many things to do or look at in Leiper’s Fork, Tennessee to list them all. And on top of that, there are seasonal events and festivities at different times of year.

So, take some time to just walk around and see what you see. Enjoy the historic bungalow and craftsman style architecture, take breaks at the fire pits businesses put out seasonally, and keep your eye out for a pickin’ corner (spoiler: find it at Serenite Maison.)

Photos of Leiper’s Fork, TN

Words only go so far. Here are a few photos from our family trip to Leiper’s Fork to give you an idea of what to expect:

Puckett’s BBQ

Art Gallery & Local Shop Hopping

Other Shots Around Town

Mary & George Bodniowycz Hanging Out at Leiper's Fork, Tennessee Swing

Plan Your Trip to Leiper’s Fork, TN

Whether you’re driving from Nashville, or flying in to Nashville from somewhere else, here are some resources to help you plan your trip to Leiper’s Fork, Tennessee.

Getting There and Lodging

Leiper’s Fork is about 30 miles and a 45-minute drive from Nashville, Tennessee. Exact distance and time will vary depending on where in Nashville you’re coming from. Click to check flight prices on SkyScanner.

There is lodging within downtown Manitou Springs that is walkable to restaurants, bars, and other in-town activities. There is also ample lodging outside of the downtown strip both within Manitou Springs (mostly motels) and in nearby Colorado Springs. Click to check prices and reviews for cool vacation rentals on TripAdvisor.

Map of Things to do in Leiper’s Fork, TN

Map provided by Wanderlog, a travel planner on iOS and Android

More Things to do in Leiper’s Fork, TN

Looking for more information about Leiper’s Fork and more ideas of things to do? Check out these additional resources (clickable):

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