Franklin Tennessee Trip Cost For 3 Days: How Much Does Vacationing in Franklin Cost in Summer

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How expensive is Franklin, TN, to visit? If you’re considering visiting Franklin, Tennessee, and wondering how much it costs, you’re in luck. After spending an incredible weekend in this charming Southern town in Middle Tennessee, I’m ready to share how much it costs.

For mid-budget and luxury travelers, this Franklin TN trip cost breakdown will show how much you can realistically anticipate spending. At the end of this article, I’ll share my thoughts on affordability and general travel tips for visiting Franklin.

With all things considered, affordability is relative. How much a trip to Franklin costs depends on what type of experience you are looking for, the season you’re traveling, and, ultimately, how much you are willing to spend.

A special thank you to Visit Franklin for helping me put this memorable Tennessee vacation together and for all of the excellent recommendations!

How Much Does It Cost To Visit Franklin?

Average Franklin TN Trip Cost

The average trip to Franklin costs $730 USD per person per day, including airfare, luxury accommodations, self-driving, and enjoying local restaurants during the peak of summer.

Without airfare, the average solo traveler can expect to spend $575 USD per person, per day.

This might not be surprising to those who know Franklin as a high cost of living destination.

Just south of Nashville, Franklin is home to lots of celebrities, is the 15th fastest-growing large city in the United States, and Williamson County is one of the most expensive counties in the state of Tennessee.

If you want to save money on your Franklin trip, consider planning your visit in the Fall (between September and December) and Winter (January to March).

Keep reading to see the full cost breakdown and ways to save money in some categories.

Flight Costs To Franklin: $465.80 USD

Originally, I had plans to only visit Clarksville, TN. However, I extended my trip and added on a three-day trip to Franklin, TN.

The fee to change my return Delta flight cost $80 USD.

In total, my round-trip flight to Nashville International Airport costs $465.40 USD ($385.40 USD base fare + $80 USD change fee).

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Total Accommodation: $1,058 USD

Where to stay in Franklin?

Centrally located in the heart of the 16-block Historic District of Downtown Franklin, I recommend staying at The Harpeth Franklin Downtown Hotel.

This pet-friendly upscale Curio Collection by Hilton Hotel is within walking distance of coffee shops, restaurants, bars, specialty boutiques, parks, music venues, and more. There’s an on-site restaurant called 1799 Kitchen & Cocktails, coffee shop, and cocktail bar as well.

In addition to the spacious and modern rooms, enjoy amenities such as a fitness center, bike rentals, and some rooms have a balcony.

During my stay, nightly rates for a king guest room with a balcony ranged from $349 USD to $550 USD.

Helpful Tip: Don’t forget to provide your Hilton Honors number to earn points on your stay.

Search for Franklin TN hotels by searching for your preferred travel dates below.

Since there are limited hotel options in Downtown Franklin, consider renting an Airbnb or VRBO. Since Franklin is a popular weekend destination, book an apartment, guest house, cabin, or cottage early to access the best options at the best price. The average nightly price on Airbnb is ‎$208.

Total Parking: $180 USD

• Premium parking at the hotel: $50 USD daily

While you can pay $50 USD per day for private parking, I recommend parking at the free parking garage a few blocks over. It’s a short walking distance, and the savings are worth it, in my opinion.

Garage Locations:

The Fourth Avenue South garage features four levels of parking and spaces to charge electric cars. The Second Avenue South garage is located on the corner of Second Avenue and Main Street.

I had trouble locating the parking garage the first night, so if you need help, ask one of the hotel attendants for directions.

• Airport parking for (4) days: $130 USD
  • $32.50 USD fee per day

Total Car Rental: $180.56 USD

Only twenty miles south of Nashville, I chose to rent a car at Nashville International Airport (BNA) upon arrival. With taxes and fees, I spent $60.18 USD per day for the car rental.

Use this link to search and compare car rentals from Nashville International Airport (BNA).

Total Gas: $16.23 USD

• $16.23 USD for 4.14 gallons

Total Activities: $51.43 USD

• 1-Hour Leiper’s Fork Distillery tour – $26.34 USD
  • Distillery tour gratuity – $10 USD
• Wine tasting at Wines in the Fork – $15 USD

In Downtown Franklin, stroll along ‘America’s Favorite Main Street District.’ With well-preserved architecture dating back to the late 1800s, marvel at the charming historic buildings as you window shop and enter the businesses that grab your attention.

Some historic landmarks include the Franklin Theatre, dating back to 1837. It still hosts movies, concerts, and shows today.

You might notice dog bowls and dog-friendly signage at the entrance of most establishments, and that’s because Franklin was the pilot city for Franklin-based Mars Petcare’s BETTER CITIES FOR PETS program. This program is now being rolled out in several other cities across the country and world.

Are you a history lover? If you are interested in Civil War history and want to learn about the Battle of Franklin, Reconstruction, and even the African-American experience before, during, and post-Civil War, there are several historic sites, cemeteries, and preserved properties to visit, including Courthouse Square, Carnton, Carter House, Lotz House, and more.

From Downtown Franklin, plan to spend a day in Leiper’s Fork, a small rural community only 15 minutes away. In addition to sightseeing, there are things to do, like antique shopping, going to the spa, live music at open mic nights, or browsing an art gallery.

Total Meals: $138.96

Overall, I recommend budgeting $20 USD per person for breakfast and $25+ USD per person for lunch in Franklin, TN. Whether you choose to dine in or takeout, budget for $30+ USD per person for dinner and an additional $20+ USD per person for cocktails.

Here’s the full breakdown of my Franklin dining expenses.

Day 1 Meals: $45.13 USD

Dinner at Americana Taphouse – $30.24 USD

• Beer flight – $8 USD
• Mac n Cheese – $15 USD
• Tip – $5 USD

Drinks at Kimbro’s Pickin’ Parlor – $14.89 USD

• (2) beers – $12 USD
• Tip – $2.40 USD

Day 2 Meals: $59.79 USD

Breakfast at The Coffee House @ Second & Bridge – $17.56 USD

• Latte – $6 USD
• Egg sandwich – $10.59 USD

Lunch at Smokey Dawggs Gourmet Hot Dog Co – $13.55 USD

• Vegan Dawgg – $12 USD

Dinner at Persis Biryani – $28.68 USD

• Vegetable samosas – $6.50 USD
• Palak Paneer – $15 USD
• Uber Eats taxes, tips, and fees – $7.18 USD

Day 3 Meals: $34.04 USD

Breakfast at Franklin Bakehouse – $18.14 USD

• Egg sandwich – $8.99 USD
• Latte – $5.25 USD

Lunch at Nashville International Airport – $15.90 USD

• Seafood plate – $14.49 USD

Total Souvenirs: $102.07 USD

• Small cigar – $8 USD
• Leiper’s Fork Distillery TN Whiskey – $85 USD

For the young children in your life, I recommend gifting a 60-page, hand-illustrated Franklin Coloring Book ($16 USD), highlighting all of the iconic spots around Franklin and Williamson County.

How much does a Franklin, Tennessee vacation cost?

In summary, a three-day solo trip to Franklin, Tennessee, costs $2,193.05 USD which comes to around $731 USD per day per person, including flights.

While Franklin isn’t a cheap place to visit, the majority of my travel budget consisted of lodging and airfare expenses, which could have been reduced by booking months in advance or either partially or fully using points and miles.

Listen to this podcast episode to learn how flight and hotel pricing works and how to save big by bundling.

While Downtown Franklin, TN, is walkable, I still recommend renting a car to explore beyond the historic area at your own pace. Renting a car was affordable, convenient and allowed me to make the most of a day trip to Leiper’s Fork which can be considered off-the-beaten-path.

For those who aren’t interested in driving, there’s a vintage trolley, The Franklin Hop Trolley Tour, that can take you to various attractions both in Franklin and Leiper’s Fork. There are 50 points of interest along the way.

Note: The last full tour departs at 4 p.m., so plan accordingly.

While Leiper’s Fork is a quick 15-minute drive from Downtown Franklin, you’ll feel worlds away. I highly recommend visiting this rural village if you enjoy art, a slower pace, countryside views, and live music.

Find inspiration for your next trip by listening to this podcast episode, which recaps some of my favorite things to do in Leiper’s Fork.

Whether you’re looking for easy day trip ideas from Nashville, want to extend your Tennessee vacation and make Franklin your base, or wish to visit to scope out your next big move, Franklin offers visitors many things to do, see, and eat.

Escape the hustle and bustle of big city life and go ahead and add Franklin to your travel wish. I’d love to return with my hubby for a romantic getaway or my best friends for an overdue girl’s trip sometime soon.