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

Should you visit Blue Ridge or Lancaster?

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 Lancaster. 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 outdoorsy, historic, and quaint town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Blue Ridge offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food. See Blue Ridge travel costs.

Lancaster

Lancaster is a scenic, traditional, and picturesque town. Lancaster is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Lancaster travel costs.

Blue Ridge and Lancaster: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Blue Ridge or Lancaster?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Blue Ridge than Lancaster, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Blue Ridge is better known for its nightlife, hiking, and small town charm, while Lancaster is more popular for its 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. Lancaster is well known for its history and long running Amish community.

How is Blue Ridge different from Lancaster?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Lancaster is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Blue Ridge is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Lancaster. Filled with history and local culture, there are many educational opportunities in the area where you can learn about Amish traditions. The Amish Village has tours and unique experiences. The town also has James Buchanan's Wheatland, the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, the National Toy Train Museum, the Ephrata Cloister, and the National Watch & Clock Museum, among many others.

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 Lancaster? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Blue Ridge and Lancaster can be difficult as they are each great in their own way.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Blue Ridge. 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.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Lancaster. You can sample authentic Pennsylvania Dutch dishes at one of the Amish restaurants in the area. Many places serve food family-style and dishes include chicken pot pie, ham balls, and pork and sauerkraut. Whoopie pies also originated in the area.

Is Blue Ridge or Lancaster Better for Nightlife?

Blue Ridge is a nice place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Lancaster is not known for nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Blue Ridge has a few options to choose from. Head downtown for a mix of breweries, bars, and clubs where you'll find live music and a casual meal.

Most people don't head to Lancaster specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. It's a small town, but you'll still find local pubs and cozy bars where you can enjoy a drink in a laid back atmosphere.

Is Blue Ridge or Lancaster Better for Hiking?

Blue Ridge is a great town for hiking. However, Lancaster is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Blue Ridge for the hiking trails. 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.

Lancaster is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Blue Ridge or Lancaster?

Shoppers can find a variety of great stores in both Blue Ridge and Lancaster.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Lancaster is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Many visitors pick up hand-crafted Amish items while they're in town. Furniture and Amish quilts are particularly popular. Farmers markets and antique shopping are both unique in the area and there are also art galleries and several outlet stores that you can visit.

Is Blue Ridge or Lancaster More Beautiful?

Lancaster is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. Also, Blue Ridge is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its scenery and beauty.

Lancaster is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The countryside is beautiful, with preserved farmland, covered bridges, and beautiful gardens.

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 Lancaster Better for Families?

Both Blue Ridge and Lancaster are great family-friendly destinations.

Blue Ridge is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Lancaster is a very kid-friendly town. In you area you'll find farms and petting zoos, amusement parks, and train rides. They can learn about a unique lifestyle at the Amish Experience or soak up the local beauty and farmland in the surrounding countryside.

Is Blue Ridge or Lancaster Better for Couples?

Blue Ridge and Lancaster both great destinations for a couple.

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.

Couples visit Lancaster frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. This region is known for it's local beauty and serene farmland, making it a relaxing and peaceful destination for couples. There are walking trails, outdoor activities, buggy rides, and a variety of dining experiences. You can also stay at a bed and breakfast or local inn.

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

Blue Ridge is a great town for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Lancaster is not known for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Blue Ridge. 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.

Lancaster is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Although it's often overlooked by backpackers, the region offers a unique cultural experience.

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

Lancaster is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Blue Ridge is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Public transit is mostly limited in Lancaster. The city has buses and several transportation options, but once you're outside of the urban core, your options are limited.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Blue Ridge. There's no real public transportation system in the area.

Is Blue Ridge or Lancaster a more walkable city?

Blue Ridge is a nice place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Lancaster is not known 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.

Lancaster is generally not very walkable. While the city itself has walkable areas, most visitors want to get out and explore the countryside, which requires a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Lancaster or Blue Ridge?

How long in Blue Ridge or Lancaster?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Blue Ridge and Lancaster. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Blue Ridge than in Lancaster. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Blue Ridge, and 2-3 days is enough time in Lancaster.

Couples should spend more time in Blue Ridge than Lancaster. 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 Lancaster 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 Lancaster?

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 food around the picturesque town of Lancaster, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Blue Ridge or Lancaster?

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 food and shopping around the destination of Lancaster, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

Five days in Blue Ridge or Lancaster?

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.

Lancaster, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. 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 Lancaster?

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.

Lancaster 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 Lancaster, we can see that Lancaster 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 Lancaster would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lancaster 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 Lancaster Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Blue Ridge or Lancaster?

Lancaster has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Blue Ridge. When comparing the sizes of Blue Ridge and Lancaster, 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 Lancaster?

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 Lancaster in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Blue Ridge and Lancaster. Many visitors come to Blue Ridge in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Lancaster for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Blue Ridge is generally around the same temperature as Lancaster. Daily temperatures in Blue Ridge average around 81°F (27°C), and Lancaster fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lancaster this time of the year. In Blue Ridge, it's very sunny this time of the year. Blue Ridge usually receives less sunshine than Lancaster during summer. Blue Ridge gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Lancaster receives 310 hours of full sun in the summer.

Blue Ridge gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Blue Ridge usually receives more rain than Lancaster. Blue Ridge gets 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Blue Ridge or Lancaster in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Blue Ridge as well as Lancaster. Most visitors come to Blue Ridge for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Lancaster because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Blue Ridge is a little warmer than Lancaster in the autumn. The daily temperature in Blue Ridge averages around 63°F (17°C) in October, and Lancaster fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Blue Ridge this time of the year. In the autumn, Blue Ridge often gets more sunshine than Lancaster. Blue Ridge gets 211 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lancaster receives 194 hours of full sun.

Blue Ridge usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Lancaster. Blue Ridge gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Blue Ridge or Lancaster in the Winter?

Both Lancaster and Blue Ridge are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Blue Ridge because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Lancaster this time of year.

It's quite cold in Lancaster in the winter. The weather in Blue Ridge can be very cold. In the winter, Blue Ridge is much warmer than Lancaster. Typically, the winter temperatures in Blue Ridge in January average around 40°F (5°C), and Lancaster averages at about 30°F (-1°C).

Blue Ridge usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Lancaster during winter. Blue Ridge gets 145 hours of sunny skies, while Lancaster receives 153 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Blue Ridge. In January, Blue Ridge usually receives more rain than Lancaster. Blue Ridge gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Blue Ridge or Lancaster in the Spring?

Both Lancaster and Blue Ridge during the spring are popular places to visit. The small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Blue Ridge this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Lancaster for the natural beauty.

In April, Blue Ridge is generally a little warmer than Lancaster. Daily temperatures in Blue Ridge average around 62°F (17°C), and Lancaster fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

In Lancaster, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Blue Ridge. In the spring, Blue Ridge often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Lancaster. Blue Ridge gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lancaster receives 237 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Blue Ridge. Blue Ridge usually gets more rain in April than Lancaster. Blue Ridge gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Lancaster and Blue Ridge