Leiper’s Fork, Tennessee, is a historic woodsy village located halfway between Franklin and Fairview and approximately 35 miles from Nashville in Williamson County. This charming town, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is home to Puckett’s Grocery and Restaurant, an unexpected gem known for its delicious food and lively entertainment.
Puckett’s offers a diverse menu featuring everything from cornbread stuffing to grilled Atlantic salmon, along with performances from some of Nashville’s most acclaimed artists. It is truly a destination for both dining and socializing.
History
The region surrounding Leiper’s Fork was settled in the late 18th century along the Natchez Trace by Revolutionary War veterans from North Carolina and Virginia as a reward for their service. In 1818, a post office was established, and the town, originally known as Bentontown and later Hillsboro, officially became Leiper’s Fork, named after the creek that flows through it. Its strategic location on the historic Old Natchez Trace, a trail spanning over 400 miles that traverses three states, facilitated trade and spurred growth in Leiper’s Fork. Notably, it was on this trail that Meriwether Lewis of the Lewis and Clark Expedition tragically passed away in 1809. Today, the Natchez Trace continues as the Natchez Trace Parkway, recognized as a premier U.S. scenic byway.
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Things to Do
Leiper’s Fork is undoubtedly a “take me home, country roads” type of destination, radiating a laid-back charm that captivates all visitors. One of the town’s newest attractions is the Leiper’s Fork Distillery, a family-owned operation that honors Tennessee’s rich history as a producer of small-batch whiskey. The distillery offers guided tours and tastings, perfect for spirit enthusiasts. Furthermore, the retro Lawnchair Theatre provides an outdoor venue for movies and live music events throughout the year. In addition, Leiper’s Fork boasts a thriving art gallery scene, an undiscovered antique district, and chic boutiques that attract curious shoppers.
Puckett’s Grocery & Restaurant
At the heart of Leiper’s Fork lies Puckett’s, which was established in 1953 by the Puckett family as a general store catering to the community. In 1998, grocery industry expert Andy Marshall acquired the store; he recognized its potential as a restaurant rather than a grocery shop. “Before long, I realized what I had here was a restaurant pretending to be a grocery store. More and more customers wanted the home-cooked meals and cherry-wood smoked meats all within the atmosphere that you can only get at a place like Leiper’s Fork,” Marshall stated. He introduced live country music performances, showcasing renowned country stars from Nashville, accompanied by an outstanding menu of burgers, barbecue, and beloved Southern dishes such as buttermilk biscuits, gravy, country ham, fried pickles, and cobbler, among others.
In 2008, Rob and Shanel Robinson assumed ownership of Puckett’s and maintained its authentic charm while expanding the brand to Nashville, Chattanooga, Columbia, Franklin, and Murfreesboro. However, for the genuine experience, a visit to Puckett’s in Leiper’s Fork is highly recommended.
