Eat, Imbibe & Explore: Southall for Locals

Since it opened in Franklin in December 2022, Southall Farm & Inn has become a destination for well-heeled travelers. But locals don’t have to cede its serene 425 acres to the tourists. There are many ways for folks to take advantage of much (not all, there are a few guest-only experiences) that Southall has to offer and still sleep in your own bed at the end of the day. You must have a restaurant reservation or tickets booked to be able to enter the property.

Here are our top seven suggestions for a Southall staycation:

1. Dottie’s Speakeasy

Did you know that Southall has a speakeasy? Probably not — that’s the idea; speakeasies are secret. It’s hidden behind the inn, through the back door of an otherwise ordinary house (although, to be honest, thanks to the welcome lack of light pollution at Southall, many things can be tricky to find if you don’t know where you are going). On Friday and Saturday nights, this is the destination for cocktails and live music. If you have a reservation for one of Southall’s experiences, such as dinner at January or Sojourner, or a concert, you automatically get access to Dottie’s Speakeasy. If you want to come just for the speakeasy, you can book a ticket for admission to Dottie’s for $25 (that reso guarantees standing room entry, not a table).

2. The Rambling

Before Southall was open, the team wanted to show off what they were working on, such as building an orangery and planting an orchard. So they created a magical outdoor dinner party called The Rambling. These evenings are back, with outdoor six dinners scheduled between September and November. The Rambling offers a farm-to-table dinner, with live music and the opportunity to chat with other guests and meet the team’s culinary staff, all with the farm as a backdrop. Tickets are required for both hotel guests and visitors. Dinners start at $245 per adult ($275 with drinks included) and $45 for kids. Ticket prices are the same for hotel guests and visitors.

3. Concerts

Southall has leaned into its open spaces to offer concerts. Check the calendar for the concert lineup. This summer included Edwin McCain and Colbie Caillat. There’s also live music on the terrace on Friday nights. Prices vary based on the showbill and tickets are required.

4. Tea by Southall

Don a floral dress or a seersucker jacket and head to January for Tea by Southall. The afternoon tea includes tea service with both savory and sweet bites made with ingredients harvested from the farm. Tea takes place on Saturdays and Sundays and reservations are required. Cost is $115, $35 for kids. There are several seating times each weekend day.

5. THE SPA

Who can resist a day at THE SPA? Southall’s aptly named spa is accessible to anyone who books a day pass or spa treatment. It includes the mineral pool, sauna, steam room, meditation room and lounge, plus use of a locker, robe and slippers. A spa concierge can help you find the best treatment if you are overwhelmed by all the choices. Alternatively, you can book a spa day pass with facility access only, excluding any treatments. There’s also a separate pool pass for purchase. ($150, $45 for kids).

6. The Jammery

Southall’s farmland is not just a place to wander trails and grow ingredients for the restaurants. There are a number of classes open to the public. Check out, too, the lineup of the events in The Jammery and the adjacent Farm Stand, which sells many Southall honeys, jams and Southall-grown produce. The Farm Stand, open daily, is the one Southall experience where you can drive up without a ticket or reservation.

7. Williams Honey Experiences

Jay Williams is the owner of Williams Honey Farm and the Pollination Program manager at Southall. He has helped make a myriad of honey experiences open to the public. Book in advance for a bee cruise ($75 to ride off-road to tour the pollination program), the honey extraction and tequila tasting ($125), honey extraction and bourbon tastings ($125), and guided apiary tours ($150). Some honey experiences can be reserved for a private group.