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

Should you visit Blue Ridge or New Bern?

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 New Bern. 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 charming, outdoorsy, and historic town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. Blue Ridge is a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for hiking, shopping, and nightlife. See Blue Ridge travel costs.

New Bern

New Bern is a laid back, quaint, and charming town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See New Bern travel costs.

Blue Ridge and New Bern: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Blue Ridge or New Bern?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Blue Ridge. Although Blue Ridge and New Bern are both popular with visitors, Blue Ridge has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Blue Ridge is more popular for its food, nightlife, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while New Bern is known for its museums and attractions. Blue Ridge is popular for its beautiful mountain setting, miles of hiking trails, and small town atmosphere. It is also home to Chattahoochee National Forest. New Bern is popular for being the birthplace of Pepsi.

How is Blue Ridge different from New Bern?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

New Bern is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Many visitors check out the Tryon Palace while they're in town. Other museums include the New Bern Fireman's Museum, the Carolina Creations Fine Art & Contemporary Craft Gallery, and the New Bern Academy Museum.

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 New Bern? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Blue Ridge is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, New Bern is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Blue Ridge makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

New Bern has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are a number of local eateries, bistros, and cafes in town. You can sample southern favorites or something international. Popular dishes include fresh caught fish, crab cakes, and even tacos.

Is Blue Ridge or New Bern Better for Nightlife?

Blue Ridge is a popular place for nightlife. However, New Bern is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

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.

New Bern doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. There are a couple of pubs and breweries around town.

Is Blue Ridge or New Bern Better for Hiking?

Blue Ridge is well known for its hiking experiences. However, New Bern is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around 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.

New Bern is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Blue Ridge or New Bern?

Blue Ridge is well known for shopping. Also, New Bern is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Blue Ridge is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting New Bern. There are local shops and boutiques that sell clothing, antiques, and gifts.

Is Blue Ridge or New Bern More Beautiful?

Blue Ridge is a popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, New Bern is not a destination known for its beauty.

Blue Ridge is a gorgeous place to visit. 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.

New Bern is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Blue Ridge or New Bern Better for Families?

Blue Ridge is well known for its family-friendly activities. However, New Bern is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

Blue Ridge is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

For families, New Bern is not always the best place to visit. Stand up paddle boarding and other outdoor activities are a fun way to experience the area with kids. You could also visit the New Bern Fireman's Museum, the Tryon Palace, or one of the parks around town.

Is Blue Ridge or New Bern Better for Couples?

Blue Ridge is well known for romance. Also, New Bern is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Couples visit Blue Ridge frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

New Bern makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The town's charm and quaint parks make this a nice weekend getaway. There are outdoor activities and the Tryon Palace which is nice to visit. There are also local restaurants around town.

Is Blue Ridge or New Bern Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Blue Ridge is well known for backpackers. However, New Bern is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to 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.

New Bern is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not popular with backpackers in part because it's a small town that most people breeze through on their way to the beach.

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

Neither Blue Ridge or New Bern 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 New Bern. There's no real public transit in the area.

Is Blue Ridge or New Bern a more walkable city?

Blue Ridge and New Bern are good 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.

New Bern is a somewhat walkable place. The downtown area is walkable and nice to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in New Bern or Blue Ridge?

How long in Blue Ridge or New Bern?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Blue Ridge or New Bern to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Blue Ridge than New Bern 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 New Bern.

Families should spend more time in Blue Ridge than New Bern. 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 New Bern. 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 New Bern 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 New Bern?

Blue Ridge is a small town where visitors enjoy the nightlife and food. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

With museums and food around the quaint town of New Bern, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in New Bern, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Blue Ridge or New Bern?

Blue Ridge is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Blue Ridge, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

With food and shopping around the small town destination of New Bern, 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 New Bern?

Blue Ridge is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Blue Ridge, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

New Bern, 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 New Bern?

Blue Ridge is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

New Bern 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 comparing the travel costs between Blue Ridge and New Bern, we can see that New Bern is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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 New Bern Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Blue Ridge or New Bern?

New Bern has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Blue Ridge. When comparing the sizes of Blue Ridge and New Bern, 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 New Bern?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Blue Ridge or New Bern in the Summer?

Both New Bern and Blue Ridge during the summer are popular places to visit. 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 New Bern for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

Blue Ridge is around the same temperature as New Bern in the summer. The daily temperature in Blue Ridge averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and New Bern fluctuates around 80°F (27°C).

New Bern 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 less rain in July than New Bern. Blue Ridge gets 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain, while New Bern receives 6.6 inches (169 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Blue Ridge or New Bern in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Blue Ridge and New Bern. 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 New Bern in the autumn for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

In the autumn, Blue Ridge is around the same temperature as New Bern. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Blue Ridge in October average around 63°F (17°C), and New Bern averages at about 65°F (18°C).

In October, Blue Ridge usually receives less rain than New Bern. Blue Ridge gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while New Bern receives 3.4 inches (85 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Blue Ridge or New Bern in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Blue Ridge as well as New Bern. Many visitors come to Blue Ridge in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to New Bern for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Blue Ridge can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Blue Ridge is generally cooler than New Bern. Daily temperatures in Blue Ridge average around 40°F (5°C), and New Bern fluctuates around 44°F (7°C).

It's quite rainy in New Bern. Blue Ridge receives a lot of rain in the winter. Blue Ridge usually gets more rain in January than New Bern. Blue Ridge gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while New Bern receives 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Blue Ridge or New Bern in the Spring?

Both New Bern and Blue Ridge are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. 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 New Bern because of the small town charm.

Blue Ridge is around the same temperature as New Bern in the spring. The daily temperature in Blue Ridge averages around 62°F (17°C) in April, and New Bern fluctuates around 62°F (16°C).

It's quite rainy in Blue Ridge. In April, Blue Ridge usually receives more rain than New Bern. Blue Ridge gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while New Bern receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for New Bern and Blue Ridge