Your Guide to a Laid-Back Bachelorette Weekend in Williamson County, Tennessee
Since the early 2010s, Nashville, Tennessee has been one of the top bachelorette destinations in the country—second only to Las Vegas, depending on who you ask. There is no better proof of this phenomenon than taking a stroll down lower Broadway on any given weekend in Music City. From Bridgestone Arena to the Cumberland River, the neon-lit street is packed with bachelorette parties: bridesmaids and their treasured brides-to-be, all decked out in sparkly sashes and pink cowboy hats, shouting from pedal-taverns or standing in line to get into Honkey Tonk Bars.
While we’re all for celebrating new love and having a good time with old friends, there is no question that this particular brand of bachelorette festivities can be a bit overwhelming, especially for those more partial to a relaxing night at home. Here in Williamson County, you can find a comfortable middle ground between the living room and a party bus. Just South of Nashville, we’re far enough removed from downtown to avoid the chaos without missing out on the fun and quintessential Southern charm that has put our area of Middle Tennessee on the map. If you’re planning a bachelorette trip, or staycation, for a bride who tends to like things a little more lowkey, stay tuned for some incredible spots and activities in the county to curate the perfect weekend.
Picnic at Arrington Vineyards
Located about 20 minutes from Downtown Franklin, Arrington Vineyards is a scenic vineyard set amid the rolling Tennessee hills. Known as Nashville’s wine country, Arrington makes all their wine on-site with grapes grown on the estate and across Tennessee, Oregon, Washington, and California farms. There are an abundance of ways to enjoy some quality time at the vineyard, from group tastings to special seasonal events. While Arrington is open all year round, it is especially festive between spring and autumn, with live Music in the Vines every weekend between April and November, and Food Truck Fridays every week from May until October.
To spend a lovely afternoon into evening at Arrington Vineyards, consider throwing a picnic to celebrate the bride-to-be. There isn’t any formal dining at the vineyard, though you can buy select charcuterie board snacks and gourmet take-out on-site. Visitors, however, are allowed and encouraged to bring their own picnic items, sans alcohol. Reservations are only required for formal tastings or for groups of 20-or-more. Otherwise, you can grab a first-come-first-serve picnic table, set up a spread of your favorite foods, and enjoy Arrington’s selection of wines. A popular way to sample and enjoy is Arrington’s wine flights, which include 4 2-oz pours of wines of your choosing. For your bachelorette party, Arrington’s beautiful views and family-friendly atmosphere is the perfect place to throw on sundresses and relax with your girlfriends, spending a classy, outdoor evening together.
Retreat to Southall Farm & Inn
One of the most luxurious experiences in Franklin, Tennessee is Southall Farm & Inn, a destination that truly has it all. Nestled in the countryside, the retreat celebrates the natural beauty of rural Tennessee by offering visitors incredible accommodations and amenities on the fully operating, 325-acre farm and estate. Dedicated to sustainability and holistic wellness, Southall’s farm uses regenerative agriculture techniques. Coupled with top-notch facilities, dining experiences, and retreat opportunities, the whole guest experience works in harmony with Southall’s commitment to sustainable living and Franklin’s natural landscape.
To make a weekend of it, you and your party can book a stay at Southall’s Inn or rustic cottages. All facilities are elegant, comfortable, and eco-friendly. Whether you opt to stay overnight or not, you can experience Southall’s state-of-the-art spa treatments and dine at farm-to-table restaurants January and Sojourner. There are also incredible natural and agricultural spaces to explore, including the apiary, orchard, gardens, and greenhouses. As you plan your visit, keep an eye out for featured experiences available to resort guests and Williamson County locals throughout the year, from plein air painting and wellness sessions to archery lessons and falconry exhibitions. Southall is unlike anything else, and is an unrivaled option for the bridal party who wants to leave bachelorette weekend feeling more rejuvenated and inspired than they came.
Gather Together for High Tea
With superb coffee shops, bars, and restaurants, Williamson County is a great place to grab a beverage. However, it can be hard to find a way to gather around food or drink that feels fresh and refined, particularly when trying to commemorate a special occasion. Especially for the bridal party that might be looking for an alcohol-free celebration, options seem limited. If this is your dilemma, an afternoon tea party in Franklin might be just the solution you’re looking for.
For a late morning or afternoon fit for a princess, consider booking a High Tea experience for your party. In Franklin, you can book full-service, English-style afternoon teatimes at The Southern Tea Room in Fork of the South at The Factory at Franklin or Glass Sparrow’s Nest, the tea room inside Franklin’s Glass Sparrow, a part of Painted Tree Boutiques. These High Tea experiences include an assortment of teas and finger foods, including bite-sized sandwiches and deliciously Southern desserts. Full-service tea times are by reservation only, and tend to hover around $50 per person. If a more do-it-yourself tea party sounds more appealing, you can find gourmet, local goods across Williamson County, at specialty shops and markets. Whichever way you choose to toast, an afternoon tea party is a perfect way to make a whimsical bride feel like she’s living out her favorite Jane Austen novel.
Catch Live Music at Fox & Locke
Nashville isn’t the only place you can enjoy extraordinary live music during your excursions. Williamson County is steeped in the same abundance of musical talent that makes Music City such a phenomenal cultural destination. For the perfect combination of Southern food and Americana Music, Fox & Locke in Leiper’s Fork is the place to catch a live show. The venue, located inside the area’s historic general store, is esteemed for its shows, particularly Thursday Night Open Mics, which hosts a line-up of up-and-coming artists every week from 6:30-9:30 p.m. Fox & Locke is so well respected as a venue that it’s considered by musicians to be a surefire window into Nashville’s illustrious music scene.
This venue is the perfect stop for the casual bride who loves country and folk music. If you catch a show with your group, there is even a small chance you may stumble into some Grammy-award winning artists who are known to darken the door of Fox & Locke from time to time. Due to their popularity, reservations are recommended for any given show. Especially when considering bachelorette celebrations, keep in mind that there is a 15 ticket limit for group purchase and Fox & Locke does not host private events. However, if this is not an issue, the restaurant and venue would be a great way to spend the evening immersed in the sights, sounds, and flavors of Tennessee. You can even make a day of it, wandering around historic Leiper’s Fork. With its antiques, art galleries, and farmland, the 19th century village is a known hub of Southern arts and culture.
Dine at Wines in the Fork Creek Dinner Series
One of the most unique experiences just outside of Williamson County is the Wines in the Fork Creek Dinner Series, a gorgeous, family-style dinner literally in the creek. This experience has changed location along the Harpeth River. Usually hosted in Leiper’s Fork, the 2025 summer/fall series will be hosted at Bells Reserve in Kingston Springs, just under 20 minutes from downtown Fairview, Tennessee. Creek dinners include Farmstead Cellar wine and a 4-course, prix fixe menu curated by local chefs. Alongside the food and drink there’s live music, a cocktail hour, demonstrations by local artisans, and a bon fire when the weather is cooler.
Wines in the Fork Creek Dinner Series is perfect way to spruce up an evening dinner celebrating a bride who loves nature. This experience may be a bit of a splurge for a large group of bachelorettes, as tickets are about $250 after taxes. That being said, this is a dinner unlike any other. You and yours can enjoy gourmet flavors while dipping your feet in the creek. The serenity is unmatched: ambient string lights, live music, good company, and Tennessee wildlife. Cocktail hour begins at 5:30 p.m., though gates open at 3 p.m. to allow guests more time to enjoy the natural setting. The location is a hidden oasis within the Bells Reserve nature preserve, allowing for a fully immersive experience. Due to the nature of the event, and the field kitchen that accompanies it, not all dietary restrictions can be accommodated. All ticket sales are final. If the weather doesn’t cooperate, the event will be moved under a nearby pavilion or postponed.
Hike through Williamson County Parks and Preserves
The rural landscape of Williamson County is idyllic, especially in the warmer months. Nature preserves such as Owl’s Hill Nature Sanctuary in Brentwood and Bowie Nature Park in Fairview protect wildlife and host community events, ensuring that Williamson County remains a beautiful and protected place to live. A combination of private, nonprofit ownership and careful management of public spaces by Williamson County Parks & Recreation (WCPR) have kept our county’s natural spaces thriving and open for the enjoyment of locals and visitors alike.
If the bride-to-be is especially outdoorsy, or your group just wants an excuse to get out-and-about during the day, there are a variety of hiking and recreational opportunities across all of our communities. Especially as seasons transition, you can catch sensational wildflowers and active wildlife. If you’re especially keen on this idea, and up for a short trip, there are several enchanting waterfalls located within 3-hours of Downtown Franklin. Wherever you decide to explore, getting some fresh air in between activities is a great way to connect with nature and one another, staying active and refreshed during an otherwise whirlwind of a bachelorette weekend.
Explore Local Farms
Adjacent to the gorgeous parks and nature preserves, Williamson County is known for its exceptional agriculture. Because of this, our county has some truly special agritourism experiences, from farm tours and fruit-picking to petting zoos and seasonal community events. These immersive experiences give visitors a chance to experience the heart and soul of Middle Tennessee, while helping the local farming community thrive.
If your group wants to get as far away from the hustle-and-bustle as possible, consider spending the day getting to know Williamson County’s rural landscape and all it has to offer. Some fun and unique farm experiences include baby goat cuddling at Noble Springs Dairy, Taste and Tour at Morning Glory Orchard, and horseback riding at various locations in and around the county. You can also find fresh, local food and artisanal goods at farmers markets throughout the area, all the while supporting the local, family-owned farms that are the backbone of our community.
& More!
When it comes down to it, we know that the ultimate challenge of a bachelorette weekend is making sure everyone has fun, especially the bride you’re celebrating. If you still aren’t sure how to spend your time together in Williamson County, here are some extra options to get you started:
- For more beauty and wellness experiences, there are even more places to relax and rejuvenate in Williamson County.
- For a more classic night out, check out some of Franklin’s best speakeasies and bars.
- For a combination of music, movies, and history, catch a show at the iconic Franklin Theater.
- For a special memento, take the bride to get a professional portrait done at The Portrait Lab, located in the Factory at Franklin.
- For music lovers, consider planning your celebratory trip around the incredible music festivals hosted in and around Williamson County.
- For those who still want to live out your cowgirl dreams, check out local line dancing spots and Western Wear outfitters.
- For a classic weekend brunch, try these popular spots in Franklin and Brentwood.
Spread the Love
It’s no secret that current bachelorette culture has become overly commercialized, complete with custom merchandise, crazy expenses, and sometimes less-than-ideal decisions. While it’s certainly not a bad thing to gather together and let loose in honor of your friend’s transition into marriage, it’s easy to lose sight of what really matters in lieu of the craziness. No matter what, it still rings true that, however we choose to celebrate, the point of a bachelorette weekend is to shower the bride-to-be with love and support as she enters into a new season of life.
Destinations like Nashville can certainly be the backdrop of this undying love and support. However, for friend groups who are looking to do bachelorette weekend a little differently, Williamson County is a fantastic alternative, offering the opportunity to spend quality time without sacrificing any of the fun!
