Affordable Luxury in Franklin, Tennessee: How to Experience Upscale Southern Charm Without Breaking the Bank

When people think of luxury travel destinations, they often imagine five-star resorts, extravagant meals, and price tags that make their credit card sweat. But Franklin, Tennessee offers something a little different. Just south of Nashville, this charming Southern town has mastered the art of affordable luxury...if you know where to look!

Franklin is undeniably upscale. Beautiful historic homes line the streets. Boutique shops fill downtown storefronts. Award-winning restaurant serve elevated Southern cuisine. Yet what makes Franklin special is that many of its most memorable experiences don't require a luxury budget.

Whether you're planning a girls' getaway, couples trip, or a weekend escape, here's how to enjoy the best of Franklin while keeping your spending in check.

Would I Go Back? Reexamining Vietnam

There are some destinations that leave an impression on you long after you return home. Vietnam is one of those places. 

As part of my "Would I Go Back?" series, I like to reflect honestly on destinations after the excitement of travel has worn off. Some places are amazing once and feel compete. Others leave you already planning your return before your suitcase is unpacked.

Vietnam firmly falls into the second category.

Not only would I go back to Vietnam, but I actually think Vietnam is a country that deserves a return visit. After spending time there, I realized how impossible it is to fully experience the country in a single trip. Vietnam is massive, layered, diverse, and constantly changing from one region to the next. The more I saw, the more I realized how much I didn't see. 

And honestly, I loved that feeling.

How to Resell Home Items on Facebook Marketplace to Make Money for a Move. No Garage Sale Needed!

Moving is expensive. Between packing supplies {remember the days you could ask for boxes at the local stores?}, truck rentals, deposits, cleaners, and all the little costs that sneak up on you, it can feel like your bank account is draining before you even load the first box. But if you're preparing for a move, you're also sitting on one of the best opportunities to make extra money...the stuff in your house!

We've all heard how important it is to declutter and honestly, who wants to move stuff they don't love anyway? You might as well take this time to purge all the things and start fresh in your new space. 

One of the smartest things we did before moving was start selling items around our home on Facebook Marketplace. Not only did it help us declutter before packing, but it also helped cover moving expenses in a meaningful way. And unlike a traditional garage sale where people expect everything to cost next to nothing {guilty!}, Facebook Marketplace gives you the chance to get real value for your higher-end items.

If you're getting ready for a move and wondering how to make extra money without taking on another job {because no one has time for that!}, reselling your home items can make a huge difference. Here's how I did it and some things I learned as a reseller that could help you.

Would I Go Back?: Reexamining Rome

Rome is one of those destinations that feels like it's on everyone's list. There's a new non-stop flight from Seattle on our local Alaska Airlines and maybe I'm just hearing the buzz from it, but everyone seems to be planning a trip. I get that Rome is one of those places that lives in your imagination long before you ever step foot there. There's history, ruins, art, food...I mean, it kind of has it all! It's a place people talk about as if it's an essential desitination. Almost like a rite of passage for travelers. 
And after visiting Rome ourselves, I understand why. 
But would I go back? 
That answer is a little more complicated.
This post is part of a new series called "Would I Go Back" where I give you my honest advice through experience and you can make your own decision. In case you missed the first post in the series, you can find it here: Would I Go Back: Reexamining the Amalfi Coast.

Things You Should Know Before You Start Thrifting and Reselling

There is something incredibly satisfying about finding a hidden gem at a thrift store. Maybe it's something you have been hoping you'd find, or maybe it's a vintage denim jacket, a barely worn pair of designer shoes, or a fun home decor piece that no one else noticed. When you start to move from casual thrifting to reselling the experience shifts. You're no longer just shopping for fun, you're shopping with purpose, strategy, and a keen eye for profit.
If you're just getting started with thrifting and reselling, there's a learning curve. The good news? It's one you can absolutely master with a little patience and a lot of curiosity. Before you fill your cart and list your first item, here are the most important things to know.