Sometimes I get lucky. Kismet, karma, luck, blessing. Whatever you want to call it. My family visited a different church recently, and since it was South of us and got out fairly late, I made a gut call to make a visit to Leipers Fork.

For those of you not from these parts, Leipers Fork is what many would call a gentrified country town. Its reputation outsizes its population of only 650 people. With Puckett’s Grocery as a cornerstone, the village draws musicians, horse people, and upscale tourists looking for a slice of country living, but with champagne being served.

We arrived around 1:30, well after the usual lunch crowd but before things shut down on Sunday afternoon. We see a place called Joe Natural’s Bakery, Cafe and Farm Store and curiosity draws us in.

Run by a farmer and some of his family, it is all that the name implies. We sit down at a six top farmers table (naturally…) and end up flummoxed by the menu. In all my life, I have never seen a menu that made we want to order one of everything. It all looked healthy, fresh, and delicious!

Trio of sides

Ceviche with roe

Even Evie found everything to her liking and delight. After talking with the farmer and getting on the list for his farm-to-table meals and his grass-fed cattle and organic pig sales, we waddled out to the delightful front yard only to encounter another temptation.

Yep, they make sure to take care of your sweet tooth on a hot day! We all enjoyed our all-natural popsicles and stayed on the front porch, soaking up an abnormally beautiful temperate day in the middle of summer.

We’re always delighted when we make a find like this. Nashville continues to surprise us with quality experiences that transcend the touristy facade that is common. We look forward to making another trip to Joe Natural’s soon!

We tried to take Grandma and Grandpa Stanley the next time they were in town, but found out that Joe Natural’s closes at 3:00! So we went next door to Puckett’s and I have to say it just wasn’t the same.

 We did hang out for a bit, enjoying the pause in this village’s day after the shops close but before the music starts.