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

Should you visit Blue Ridge or Memphis?

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 Memphis. 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.

Memphis

Memphis is a soulful, creative, and laid-back city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include live music, food, and museums. See Memphis travel costs.

Blue Ridge and Memphis: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Blue Ridge or Memphis?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Memphis than Blue Ridge, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Memphis is better known for its museums and attractions, nightlife, music, and big city activities, while Blue Ridge is more popular for its hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Blue Ridge is more touristy than Memphis and is known for its beautiful mountain setting, miles of hiking trails, and small town atmosphere. Memphis is well known for its influential music scene and its southern barbecue. Also, Memphis is famous for Elvis Presley's Graceland.

How is Blue Ridge different from Memphis?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Memphis 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 Memphis?

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

Memphis is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Many attractions in town are related to the city's history in music. There is the famed Graceland as well as the Rock 'n' Soul Museum, the Blues Hall of Fame and Stax Museum of American Soul Music. The city also has several art museums that are worth checking out.

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 Memphis? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Blue Ridge and Memphis 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 Memphis. The town has grown into a foodie destination with excellent barbecue and ribs. There are many award winning barbecue joints, but you'll also find casual bars that serve nachos, pizza, and other quick bites.

Is Blue Ridge or Memphis Better for Nightlife?

Memphis is a very popular place for nightlife. Also, Blue Ridge is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Memphis has a large number of nightlife venues. Music is at the heart of the nightlife scene. Head to Beale Street in Memphis's downtown for the most active nightlife that usually stays open the latest. You'll also find a lot of bars and clubs in Midtown around Overton Square.

Blue Ridge has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Head downtown for a mix of breweries, bars, and clubs where you'll find live music and a casual meal.

Is Blue Ridge or Memphis Better for Music?

Memphis is an amazing city to visit for live music. However, Blue Ridge is not a live music destination.

Memphis is known as a music capital around the world. There are plenty of live music venues in the downtown area that you can explore. Several of the most famous include B.B. King's Blues Club, Handy Park Pavilion, and Blues City Cafe. The city is known for its influential role in several music genres including the blues, soul, and rock 'n' roll. There are also many music related museums and attractions in town like Graceland, the Rock 'n' Soul Museum, the Blues Hall of Fame and Stax Museum of American Soul Music.

Blue Ridge is not a live music destination.

Is Blue Ridge or Memphis Better for Hiking?

Blue Ridge is a great town for hiking. However, Memphis 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.

Memphis is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Blue Ridge or Memphis?

Blue Ridge is a great town for its shopping areas. However, Memphis is not known 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.

Memphis is a good destination for shopping. The city has plenty of malls and chain stores where you can grab anything you might need.

Is Blue Ridge or Memphis More Beautiful?

Blue Ridge is a nice place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Memphis is not a destination known for its beauty.

Blue Ridge offers plenty of beauty for visitors. 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.

Memphis is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Blue Ridge or Memphis Better for Families?

Blue Ridge is a great town for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Memphis is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Memphis is a family-friendly place to visit. The town has some great activities for kids including a zoo, several museums, petting farms, and a botanical garden.

Is Blue Ridge or Memphis Better for Couples?

Blue Ridge is a great town for couples. Also, Memphis is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Blue Ridge is a great town if you're traveling as 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.

Memphis is a nice destination for couples. Couples who enjoy good music and southern food will enjoy a weekend here. There are many music related landmarks including Graceland and the Rock 'n' Soul Museum. Live music is very popular as well.

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

Blue Ridge is a great town for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Memphis is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Memphis is a good town to visit for backpackers. There are a couple of hostels and plenty of live music that make this a popular stop off for young travelers.

Is Blue Ridge or Memphis Better for Students?

Memphis is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Blue Ridge is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Memphis. The live music scene and great food options make this is a fun town for students.

Blue Ridge is not popular with students.

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

Memphis 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 Memphis. There is a trolley and bus system that the city operates, but a car is really helpful for getting around.

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

Is Blue Ridge or Memphis a more walkable city?

Blue Ridge and Memphis are notable when it comes to walkability.

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

Memphis is a somewhat walkable place. Most of the touristy parts of town are walkable, but if you want to explore further out you'll need a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Memphis or Blue Ridge?

How long in Blue Ridge or Memphis?

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

Families should spend more time in Blue Ridge than Memphis. 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 Memphis. 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 Memphis 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 Memphis?

Blue Ridge is a small town with plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

With museums and nightlife around the laid-back city of Memphis, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the live music. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Blue Ridge or Memphis?

Blue Ridge might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Blue Ridge has to offer.

With nightlife and live music around the destination of Memphis, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the live music. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Blue Ridge or Memphis?

Blue Ridge is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Blue Ridge has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Memphis, a popular city, 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 Memphis?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Blue Ridge. Since Blue Ridge is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Memphis is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the live music. 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 Memphis, we can see that Memphis 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 Memphis would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Memphis 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 Memphis Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Blue Ridge or Memphis?

Memphis has a larger population, and is about 550 times larger than the population of Blue Ridge. When comparing the sizes of Blue Ridge and Memphis, 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 Memphis?

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 Memphis in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Blue Ridge and Memphis. 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 Memphis for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Blue Ridge is generally around the same temperature as Memphis. Daily temperatures in Blue Ridge average around 81°F (27°C), and Memphis fluctuates around 83°F (29°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Memphis this time of the year. In Blue Ridge, it's very sunny this time of the year. Blue Ridge usually receives less sunshine than Memphis during summer. Blue Ridge gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Memphis receives 328 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 Memphis. Blue Ridge gets 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain, while Memphis receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Blue Ridge or Memphis in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Blue Ridge as well as Memphis. 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 Memphis because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

Blue Ridge is around the same temperature as Memphis in the autumn. The daily temperature in Blue Ridge averages around 63°F (17°C) in October, and Memphis fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Memphis. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Blue Ridge this time of the year. In the autumn, Blue Ridge often gets less sunshine than Memphis. Blue Ridge gets 211 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Memphis receives 240 hours of full sun.

Blue Ridge usually gets more rain in October than Memphis. Blue Ridge gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Memphis receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Blue Ridge or Memphis in the Winter?

Both Memphis 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 Memphis this time of year.

It's quite cold in Memphis in the winter. The weather in Blue Ridge can be very cold. In the winter, Blue Ridge is around the same temperature as Memphis. Typically, the winter temperatures in Blue Ridge in January average around 40°F (5°C), and Memphis averages at about 40°F (5°C).

Blue Ridge usually receives less sunshine than Memphis during winter. Blue Ridge gets 145 hours of sunny skies, while Memphis receives 163 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Blue Ridge. In January, Blue Ridge usually receives more rain than Memphis. Blue Ridge gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Memphis receives 2.4 inches (62 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Blue Ridge or Memphis in the Spring?

Both Memphis 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 Memphis for the activities around the city.

In April, Blue Ridge is generally around the same temperature as Memphis. Daily temperatures in Blue Ridge average around 62°F (17°C), and Memphis fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

In Memphis, 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 Memphis. Blue Ridge gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Memphis receives 254 hours of full sun.

Memphis gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Blue Ridge. Blue Ridge usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Memphis. Blue Ridge gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Memphis receives 4.3 inches (109 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Memphis and Blue Ridge