A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Blue Ridge vs. Vernon for Food, Hiking, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Blue Ridge or Vernon?

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 Vernon. 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 historic, quaint, and charming town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. Blue Ridge offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and hiking. See Blue Ridge travel costs.

Vernon

Vernon is a peaceful, relaxing, and quiet town. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums. See Vernon travel costs.

Blue Ridge and Vernon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Blue Ridge or Vernon?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Blue Ridge than Vernon, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Blue Ridge is better known for its food, nightlife, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Vernon is more popular for its museums and attractions. 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. Vernon is well known for its surrounding valley with lakes and hiking trails.

How is Blue Ridge different from Vernon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Vernon is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are local galleries and museums that offer information on the region's history and culture. You can visit the Canadian Wildlife Museum, the Caetani Center, the Museum and Archives of Vernon, the Paddlewheel Park Stationhouse Museum, and the Vernon Public Art Gallery.

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 Vernon? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Blue Ridge is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Vernon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Dining out in Blue Ridge is an experience not to be missed. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Vernon. The region is known for its vineyards and wineries and many of the local restaurants have been around for generations. The food is often locally produced and prepared with traditional recipes.

Is Blue Ridge or Vernon Better for Nightlife?

Blue Ridge is a nice place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Vernon is not a good town for nightlife.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Blue Ridge. Head downtown for a mix of breweries, bars, and clubs where you'll find live music and a casual meal.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Vernon. The town gets very quiet in the evenings, so you won't find much of a nightlife scene.

Is Blue Ridge or Vernon Better for Hiking?

Hiking trails can be found around both Blue Ridge and Vernon, and they are great.

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 Vernon. The surrounding valley has more than 300 kilometers of hiking trails. They run along pristine lakes, pass by granite rock formations, and take you to impressive viewpoints.

Is the Shopping Better in Blue Ridge or Vernon?

Blue Ridge is a well-known place for its shopping areas. Also, Vernon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Vernon. There are a number of boutique shops that are fun to explore in the downtown area.

Is Blue Ridge or Vernon More Beautiful?

Blue Ridge is a nice place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Vernon 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.

Vernon is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Blue Ridge or Vernon Better for Families?

Blue Ridge is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Vernon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Blue Ridge is known to be 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.

Vernon is a family-friendly town. There are biking and hiking trails as well as other outdoor activities. You can also visit the Allan Brooks Nature Center or the Rock Garden Climbing Center.

Is Blue Ridge or Vernon Better for Couples?

Blue Ridge is a well-known place for couples. Also, Vernon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for romance.

Blue Ridge is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Vernon is a nice destination for couples. It offers a peaceful getaway for couples. You can visit the Okanagan wineries or enjoy one of the many hiking trails. There are also nice restaurants to try.

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

Blue Ridge is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Vernon is not a good town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Blue Ridge is a very popular town for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Vernon is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There is a hostel in town, but this isn't a popular destination for backpackers.

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

Vernon 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 Vernon. There is a bus system, but it's better not to rely on it.

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

Is Blue Ridge or Vernon a more walkable city?

Blue Ridge is a nice place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Vernon is not a good town 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.

Vernon is generally not a very walkable town. You'll really want to have a car to make the most of your time here.

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

Should I spend more time in Vernon or Blue Ridge?

How long in Blue Ridge or Vernon?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Blue Ridge and Vernon. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Blue Ridge than in Vernon. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Blue Ridge, and 1-3 days is enough time in Vernon.

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

Blue Ridge might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

With museums and food around the peaceful town of Vernon, 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. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Vernon, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Blue Ridge or Vernon?

Blue Ridge is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

With food and shopping around the destination of Vernon, 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 town.

Five days in Blue Ridge or Vernon?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Blue Ridge. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Vernon, a popular town, 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 Vernon?

Blue Ridge is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Vernon 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 Coach Bus Tours in Canada, and The Best Adventure Tours to Canada.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Blue Ridge and Vernon, we can see that Blue Ridge is more expensive. And not only is Vernon much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Vernon would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Vernon 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 Blue Ridge would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Blue Ridge than you might in Vernon.

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 Vernon Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Blue Ridge or Vernon?

Vernon has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Blue Ridge. When comparing the sizes of Blue Ridge and Vernon, 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 Vernon?

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 Vernon in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Blue Ridge as well as Vernon. Many visitors come to Blue Ridge in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Vernon for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Blue Ridge is generally a little warmer than Vernon. Daily temperatures in Blue Ridge average around 81°F (27°C), and Vernon fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

Blue Ridge receives a lot of rain in the summer. Blue Ridge usually gets more rain in July than Vernon. Blue Ridge gets 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Blue Ridge or Vernon in the Autumn?

Both Vernon and Blue Ridge are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Vernon because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

Blue Ridge is much warmer than Vernon in the autumn. The daily temperature in Blue Ridge averages around 63°F (17°C) in October, and Vernon fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In October, Blue Ridge usually receives more rain than Vernon. Blue Ridge gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Blue Ridge or Vernon in the Winter?

Both Vernon and Blue Ridge during the winter are popular places to visit. 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 Vernon this time of year.

It's quite cold in Vernon in the winter. The weather in Blue Ridge can be very cold. In the winter, Blue Ridge is much warmer than Vernon. Typically, the winter temperatures in Blue Ridge in January average around 40°F (5°C), and Vernon averages at about -3°C (27°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Blue Ridge. Blue Ridge usually gets more rain in January than Vernon. Blue Ridge gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Blue Ridge or Vernon in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Blue Ridge and Vernon. The small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Blue Ridge this time of year.

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

Blue Ridge gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Blue Ridge usually receives more rain than Vernon. Blue Ridge gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Vernon and Blue Ridge