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

Should you visit Blue Ridge or Milwaukee?

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 Milwaukee. 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 is a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the food, hiking, and shopping. See Blue Ridge travel costs.

Milwaukee

Milwaukee is a friendly, welcoming, and undiscovered city. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, shopping, and museums. See Milwaukee travel costs.

Blue Ridge and Milwaukee: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Blue Ridge or Milwaukee?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Blue Ridge. Although Blue Ridge and Milwaukee are popular destinations, Blue Ridge has more sights and attractions for tourists. Blue Ridge is very popular for its food, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Milwaukee attracts visitors for its museums and attractions. Blue Ridge is more touristy than Milwaukee and is known for its beautiful mountain setting, miles of hiking trails, and small town atmosphere. It is also well known for Chattahoochee National Forest. Milwaukee is famous for its many breweries and its baseball culture.

How is Blue Ridge different from Milwaukee?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Milwaukee is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several unique museums like the Harley-Davidson Museum, the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum, and the Milwaukee Public Museum. There's also the Milwaukee Art Museum and the Grohmann Museum as well as outdoor sculpture parks and other cultural and historic museums.

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 Milwaukee? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Blue Ridge is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. However, Milwaukee is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

Blue Ridge has a huge number of terrific 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.

Milwaukee may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. The Midwest is known for its artery clogging comfort foods, and Milwaukee is no exception. Cheese curds, fried fish, fruit dumplings, and frozen custard are all popular.

Is Blue Ridge or Milwaukee Better for Nightlife?

The nice nightlife scene is relatively similar in Blue Ridge and Milwaukee.

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.

Milwaukee has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find a decent number of breweries around town. There are also wine bars, nightclubs, and live music venues that are worth checking out.

Is Blue Ridge or Milwaukee Better for Hiking?

Blue Ridge is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Milwaukee is not a hiking destination.

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.

Milwaukee is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Blue Ridge or Milwaukee?

Blue Ridge is an excellent place to visit for its shopping opportunities. Also, Milwaukee is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Blue Ridge is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Many visitors go to Milwaukee to go shopping. You'll find the standard shopping centers and shopping malls around town, but if you want some more local vendors, check out the areas around the Historic Third Ward and The Village in Wauwatosa.

Is Blue Ridge or Milwaukee More Beautiful?

Blue Ridge is a town with good options for its scenery and beauty. However, Milwaukee is not a destination known for its beauty.

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.

Milwaukee is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Blue Ridge or Milwaukee Better for Families?

Blue Ridge is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Milwaukee is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Blue Ridge is very family-friendly. 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 Milwaukee. Kids will enjoy a visit to Discovery World, which is a science center with hands-on exhibits. There's also the Milwaukee County Zoo and the Milwaukee Public Museum. Younger kids will also enjoy a stop at Betty Brinn Children's Museum.

Is Blue Ridge or Milwaukee Better for Couples?

Blue Ridge is an excellent place to visit for its romantic activities. However, Milwaukee is lacking in options for couples.

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.

Milwaukee is not always the best place to visit for a couple. Take a walk or visit a local restaurant. There are also museums and performances that make for a nice outing.

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

Blue Ridge is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Milwaukee is lacking in options for backpackers.

Many 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.

Milwaukee is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There's not a lot to attract backpackers to the area.

Is Blue Ridge or Milwaukee Better for Students?

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

Plenty of students visit Milwaukee. It's home to a number of colleges and universities, so there is a bit of a college town vibe.

Blue Ridge is not popular with students.

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

Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee. There are buses that travel around town.

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

Is Blue Ridge or Milwaukee a more walkable city?

Blue Ridge and Milwaukee are nice 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.

Milwaukee is a somewhat walkable place. Parts of the city are relatively compact and walkable. The most walkable neighborhoods are East Side, Riverwest, Brewers Hill, Downtown, Avenues West/Marquette, Third Ward, Walker's Point, and Bay View.

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

Should I spend more time in Milwaukee or Blue Ridge?

How long in Blue Ridge or Milwaukee?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Blue Ridge or Milwaukee to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Blue Ridge than Milwaukee because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Blue Ridge, and 1-2 days is enough time in Milwaukee.

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

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 nightlife around the welcoming city of Milwaukee, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Milwaukee, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Blue Ridge or Milwaukee?

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 nightlife and shopping around the destination of Milwaukee, 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 city.

Five days in Blue Ridge or Milwaukee?

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.

Milwaukee, 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 Milwaukee?

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.

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

Which is Bigger, Blue Ridge or Milwaukee?

Milwaukee has a larger population, and is about 490 times larger than the population of Blue Ridge. When comparing the sizes of Blue Ridge and Milwaukee, 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 Milwaukee?

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 Milwaukee in the Summer?

Both Milwaukee and Blue Ridge are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Blue Ridge for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Milwaukee because of the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Blue Ridge is a little warmer than Milwaukee. Typically, the summer temperatures in Blue Ridge in July average around 81°F (27°C), and Milwaukee averages at about 74°F (23°C).

It's quite sunny in Milwaukee. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Blue Ridge. Blue Ridge usually receives less sunshine than Milwaukee during summer. Blue Ridge gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Milwaukee receives 321 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Blue Ridge. In July, Blue Ridge usually receives more rain than Milwaukee. Blue Ridge gets 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Blue Ridge or Milwaukee in the Autumn?

Both Milwaukee and Blue Ridge during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Blue Ridge because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the shopping scene are the main draw to Milwaukee this time of year.

In October, Blue Ridge is generally a little warmer than Milwaukee. Daily temperatures in Blue Ridge average around 63°F (17°C), and Milwaukee fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

It's quite sunny in Blue Ridge. In the autumn, Blue Ridge often gets more sunshine than Milwaukee. Blue Ridge gets 211 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milwaukee receives 174 hours of full sun.

Blue Ridge usually gets more rain in October than Milwaukee. Blue Ridge gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 2 inches (50 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Blue Ridge or Milwaukee in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Blue Ridge and Milwaukee. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Blue Ridge this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Milwaukee for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Milwaukee. It's quite cold in Blue Ridge in the winter. Blue Ridge is much warmer than Milwaukee in the winter. The daily temperature in Blue Ridge averages around 40°F (5°C) in January, and Milwaukee fluctuates around 21°F (-6°C).

Blue Ridge usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Milwaukee during winter. Blue Ridge gets 145 hours of sunny skies, while Milwaukee receives 138 hours of full sun in the winter.

Blue Ridge gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Blue Ridge usually receives more rain than Milwaukee. Blue Ridge gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Blue Ridge or Milwaukee in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Blue Ridge as well as Milwaukee. Many travelers come to Blue Ridge for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Blue Ridge is much warmer than Milwaukee. Typically, the spring temperatures in Blue Ridge in April average around 62°F (17°C), and Milwaukee averages at about 47°F (8°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Milwaukee. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Blue Ridge this time of the year. In the spring, Blue Ridge often gets more sunshine than Milwaukee. Blue Ridge gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milwaukee receives 211 hours of full sun.

Blue Ridge receives a lot of rain in the spring. Blue Ridge usually gets more rain in April than Milwaukee. Blue Ridge gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Milwaukee and Blue Ridge