A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Blue Ridge vs. Fairbanks for Food, Hiking, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Blue Ridge or Fairbanks?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Blue Ridge and Fairbanks. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Blue Ridge

Blue Ridge is a quaint, charming, and outdoorsy town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. Blue Ridge offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food, hiking, and shopping. See Blue Ridge travel costs.

Fairbanks

Fairbanks is a remote, Arctic, and unique city. Fairbanks is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums. See Fairbanks travel costs.

Blue Ridge and Fairbanks: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Blue Ridge or Fairbanks?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Blue Ridge than Fairbanks, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Blue Ridge is better known for its food, nightlife, shopping, and small town charm, while Fairbanks is more popular for its skiing, museums and attractions, and impressive beauty. Blue Ridge is well known for its beautiful mountain setting, miles of hiking trails, and small town atmosphere. Also, Blue Ridge is famous for Chattahoochee National Forest. Fairbanks is well known for its remote wilderness setting, access to the Arctic, unique winter sports, and popularity for seeing the northern lights.

How is Blue Ridge different from Fairbanks?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Fairbanks and Blue Ridge. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Blue Ridge or Fairbanks Better for Skiing?

Fairbanks is a decent place to visit for skiing and snowboarding. However, Blue Ridge is not a skiing destination.

Locals like to visit Fairbanks to take advantage of their winter sports. The closest ski areas are the ski resorts of Fort Wainwright/Birch Hill, Moose Mountain and Skiland. The area also has dog mushing, snowshoeing, sledding, tubing and sleigh riding.

Blue Ridge is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Blue Ridge or Fairbanks?

Fairbanks is a good destination for its museums and history. However, Blue Ridge is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

Fairbanks is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The city is mostly known for its outdoor activities, but you can also visit the Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center, the Aurora Ice Museum, Fountainhead Auto Museum, the Museum of the North, and Pioneer Park.

Blue Ridge offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. While you don't immediately think of museums in the area, there are a couple. The Dahlonega Gold Museum gives information on the gold rush and mining industry in town. In nearby Tennessee, Ducktown Basin Museum is a historic mine site that is open for tours.

Is the Food Better in Blue Ridge or Fairbanks? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Blue Ridge is a very popular place for its restaurants. However, Fairbanks is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Blue Ridge has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. You'll find plenty of small town restaurants serving local dishes like barbecue, trout, and biscuits with gravy. Southern food is popular, but you'll also find plenty of breweries and wineries in the area. Head downtown for an assortment of options that include southern, vegan, and even international flavors.

Fairbanks offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Food can be expensive and of varying quality, but many restaurants use local meats and seafood. There's a surprising number of international restaurants in town as well. Also make sure you try the local specialties like reindeer sausage, Yukon gold potatoes, and Alaskan salmon.

Is Blue Ridge or Fairbanks Better for Nightlife?

Blue Ridge is a popular place for its evening party scene. However, Fairbanks is lacking in good options for nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Blue Ridge. Head downtown for a mix of breweries, bars, and clubs where you'll find live music and a casual meal.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Fairbanks. You will find some bars around town, but for the most part, the city stays quiet at night.

Is Blue Ridge or Fairbanks Better for Hiking?

Hiking trails can be found around both Blue Ridge and Fairbanks, and they are superb.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Blue Ridge. There are miles of hiking trails in the area that take you to waterfalls and viewpoints. The starting point of the Appalachian Trail is also nearby, and another popular trail is the Benton MacKaye Trail. Options range from beginner to expert with everything in between.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Fairbanks. While the town serves as a gateway to the Arctic and all that it has to offer, there are also hiking trails both in town and nearby. There are trails that connect the city's historic sites as well as day hikes that start at the edge of town.

Is the Shopping Better in Blue Ridge or Fairbanks?

Blue Ridge is a very popular place for its shopping areas. Also, Fairbanks is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Blue Ridge. You'll find artisan shops, art galleries, and boutique clothing vendors. Many places are concentrated in the charming downtown area, which is fun to explore for a day or two.

Fairbanks is a great destination for shopping. There are interesting local shops and boutiques that sell native Alaskan handmade items. You'll find "Made in Alaska" merchandise at many boutiques and souvenir shops. There are also larger retailers available in case you forgot clothing or other items at home.

Is Blue Ridge or Fairbanks More Beautiful?

Fairbanks is an amazing city to visit for its scenery and beauty. Also, Blue Ridge is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its scenery and beauty.

Fairbanks is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. The city offers access to Alaska's interior, as well as the Arctic. The scenery is spectacular and the wildlife is abundant. Fairbanks is also the best place in Alaska to see the Northern Lights. They are best seen between the months of August and April.

Blue Ridge is a beautiful place to visit, too. There are plenty of hikes to waterfalls and scenic viewpoints. There's also a scenic railroad as well as places to kayak or go horseback riding.

Is Blue Ridge or Fairbanks Better for Families?

Blue Ridge is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Fairbanks is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Blue Ridge. Kids who enjoy hiking and playing outdoors will have fun here. There are waterfall hikes, fruit picking farms, and plenty of playgrounds. There's also a scenic railway and lots of places to sample treats.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Fairbanks. Kids who enjoy searching for wildlife, playing in the snow, and exploring nature will love a visit to Fairbanks. Make sure you visit the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge as well as Pioneer Park.

Is Blue Ridge or Fairbanks Better for Couples?

Blue Ridge is a very popular place for couples. Also, Fairbanks is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Blue Ridge makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. If you're looking for a cozy retreat where you can relax in a cabin, take long walks through nature, and enjoy local food, then this is your place. There are plenty of bed and breakfasts, vacation rentals, and rustic cabins with fireplaces and simple pleasures. If you want to escape it all then the mountains are the place to be.

Fairbanks is a nice destination for couples. Couples who enjoy hiking and nature will love a visit here. If you're hoping to see the northern lights, Fairbanks is your best destination in Alaska. Try to visit sometime between August to April for the best chance of enjoying the lights.

Is Blue Ridge or Fairbanks Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Blue Ridge and Fairbanks are both superb destinations for backpackers.

Blue Ridge is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are a number of campgrounds in the area as well as plenty of hikes that backpackers will enjoy. Nearby you'll also find the start of the famed Appalachian Trail.

Fairbanks is a great town to visit for backpackers. There are many outdoor recreation areas where backpackers can explore. Alaska, and Fairbanks in particular, can have very harsh conditions, so unless you know what you're doing, it's best to take a guide.

Is Blue Ridge or Fairbanks Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Neither Blue Ridge or Fairbanks offer decent public transit.

Public transit is quite limited in Blue Ridge. There's no real public transportation system in the area.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Fairbanks. There is a public bus system that connects the downtown area with the shopping areas and the university. However, you really can't rely on it to explore the region and you should have your own vehicle.

Is Blue Ridge or Fairbanks a more walkable city?

Blue Ridge is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Fairbanks is lacking in good options for its walkability.

Blue Ridge is a somewhat walkable town. While the downtown area is relatively walkable, if you want to hike and get out in nature, you'll need to have a car.

Fairbanks is not a walkable town. The city was built for cars and there are very few walkable areas around town.

For even more information, also check out Is Blue Ridge Worth Visiting? and Is Fairbanks Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Fairbanks or Blue Ridge?

How long in Blue Ridge or Fairbanks?

It's fun to spend time in either Blue Ridge or Fairbanks. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Blue Ridge due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Blue Ridge, and 2-4 days is enough time in Fairbanks.

Families should spend more time in Blue Ridge than Fairbanks. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Blue Ridge, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Blue Ridge than Fairbanks. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Blue Ridge that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Blue Ridge than Fairbanks if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Blue Ridge.

One day in Blue Ridge or Fairbanks?

Even though Blue Ridge is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

With museums and shopping around the unique city of Fairbanks, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Blue Ridge or Fairbanks?

Blue Ridge is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

With shopping and museums around the destination of Fairbanks, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Blue Ridge or Fairbanks?

Blue Ridge is a small town with plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this town makes for a great vacation. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer.

Fairbanks, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Blue Ridge or Fairbanks?

Blue Ridge is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Fairbanks is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Blue Ridge and Fairbanks, we can see that Fairbanks is more expensive. And not only is Blue Ridge much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Blue Ridge would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Blue Ridge and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Fairbanks would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Fairbanks than you might in Blue Ridge.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Blue Ridge Expensive? and Is Fairbanks Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Blue Ridge or Fairbanks?

Fairbanks has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Blue Ridge. When comparing the sizes of Blue Ridge and Fairbanks, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Blue Ridge or Fairbanks?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Blue Ridge or Fairbanks in the Summer?

Both Fairbanks and Blue Ridge are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Blue Ridge this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Fairbanks for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Blue Ridge is generally much warmer than Fairbanks. Daily temperatures in Blue Ridge average around 81°F (27°C), and Fairbanks fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

It's quite rainy in Blue Ridge. In July, Blue Ridge usually receives more rain than Fairbanks. Blue Ridge gets 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 2 inches (51 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Blue Ridge or Fairbanks in the Autumn?

Both Fairbanks and Blue Ridge during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Blue Ridge for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Fairbanks in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Fairbanks can get quite cold in the autumn. Blue Ridge is much warmer than Fairbanks in the autumn. The daily temperature in Blue Ridge averages around 63°F (17°C) in October, and Fairbanks fluctuates around 27°F (-3°C).

Blue Ridge usually gets more rain in October than Fairbanks. Blue Ridge gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Blue Ridge or Fairbanks in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Blue Ridge and Fairbanks. Many visitors come to Blue Ridge in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Fairbanks for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Fairbanks can be very cold during winter. Blue Ridge can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Blue Ridge is much warmer than Fairbanks. Typically, the winter temperatures in Blue Ridge in January average around 40°F (5°C), and Fairbanks averages at about -9°F (-23°C).

Blue Ridge gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Blue Ridge usually receives more rain than Fairbanks. Blue Ridge gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.5 inches (13 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Blue Ridge or Fairbanks in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Blue Ridge as well as Fairbanks. Most visitors come to Blue Ridge for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Fairbanks because of the natural beauty.

The weather in Fairbanks can be very cold. In April, Blue Ridge is generally much warmer than Fairbanks. Daily temperatures in Blue Ridge average around 62°F (17°C), and Fairbanks fluctuates around 32°F (0°C).

Blue Ridge receives a lot of rain in the spring. Blue Ridge usually gets more rain in April than Fairbanks. Blue Ridge gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.4 inches (9 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Fairbanks and Blue Ridge