A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Asheville vs. Hershey for Families, Nightlife, Resorts, and Couples

Should you visit Asheville or Hershey?

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 Asheville and Hershey. 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.

Asheville

Asheville is a progressive, open-minded, and eclectic mountain town. It's a gorgeous place to visit. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. It's also known for food, hiking, and shopping.

Hershey

Hershey is a fun-filled, playful, and lighthearted town. And you can't forget about the shopping and museums.

Asheville and Hershey: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Asheville or Hershey?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Asheville. Although Asheville and Hershey are popular destinations, Asheville has more sights and attractions for tourists. Asheville is very popular for its food, nightlife, music, historical sights, hiking, shopping, christmas markets, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Hershey attracts visitors for its museums and resorts. Hershey is more touristy than Asheville and is known for being the home of the Hershey's milk chocolate bar. Asheville is famous for its fall foliage, artsy downtown, local North Carolina barbecue, and being home to the Biltmore Estate. It is also well known for The Biltmore Estate.

How is Asheville different from Hershey?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Asheville or Hershey?

Hershey is a good destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Asheville does not have museums and landmarks.

Hershey offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. In addition to Hershey's Chocolate World, there's the Hershey Story Museum, the Hershey Historic Center, and the Pennsylvania State Police Museum. There's also the AACA Museum (a car museum).

Asheville does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Asheville or Hershey? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Asheville is a popular place for its restaurant scene. However, Hershey is a town with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.

Asheville offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. Downtown Asheville is filled with local restaurants that serve everything from brunch to late night snacks. There are many vegan and vegetarian options as well as a number of international restaurants. Popular local dishes include North Carolina barbeque and country ham biscuits.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Hershey. Restaurants range from casual to fine dining, and many have a very family-friendly atmosphere.

Is Asheville or Hershey Better for Nightlife?

Asheville is a great destination for nightlife. However, Hershey is a town with minimal options for nightlife and partying.

The people in Asheville know how to have a good time. The city has a fun and eclectic nightlife scene that centers around the city's breweries and live music venues.

Hershey doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. Head to downtown Harrisburg for the best nightlife. You'll find some bars and casino's in the area.

Is Asheville or Hershey Better for Music?

Asheville is a great destination for live music. However, Hershey is not a live music destination.

Asheville has become a hotbed of musicians and artists. The city has grown into a world famous music destination that holds true to its mountain roots and independent artists.

Hershey is not a live music destination.

Is Asheville or Hershey Better for Resorts?

Hershey is well known for its resorts. Also, Asheville is still popular, but not quite as popular for its luxury resorts.

There are plenty of resorts in Hershey to choose from. There are a few of resorts affiliated with Hersheypark including a lodge, a hotel, and even camping.

Asheville has a few great resort options. The most famous resorts in the area are the Biltmore Estate and the Grove Park Inn. Both offer luxury restaurants and beautiful grounds that are particularly nice during the holidays.

Is Asheville or Hershey Better for its Old Town?

Asheville is a mountain town with a few options for its historic old town. However, Hershey does not have a historic old town.

Asheville is a good place to visit the old town. Downtown Asheville maintains much of its historic vibe, but it's smaller than some of the more notable old cities around the country.

Hershey does not have a historic old town.

Is Asheville or Hershey Better for Hiking?

Asheville is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Hershey is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Asheville. Just outside of town are many great hikes to waterfalls or through the mountains. The hikes range in skill level and length but many pass through local forests or along the beautiful skyline.

Hershey is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Asheville or Hershey?

Asheville is a great destination for shopping. Also, Hershey is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Asheville is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The city has many local shops that sell local crafts and independent art. The downtown area is filled with art vendors and you'll find the greatest concentration of shopping along the pedestrian-friendly Lexington Avenue.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Hershey. You'll find shops, boutiques, and plenty of Hershey apparel that you can pick up in town.

Is Asheville or Hershey Better for Christmas?

Asheville is a great destination for its Christmas activities. However, Hershey does not offer Christmas activities.

Visitors come from all around to experience the Christmas activities in Asheville. Head to the Biltmore Estate to see it fully decorated for the Christmas season. It's also worth going to see the winning Gingerbread Houses on display at the Grove Park Inn.

Hershey does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Asheville or Hershey Better for Christmas Markets?

Asheville is a mountain town with a few options for its Christmas markets. However, Hershey does not offer Christmas markets.

Asheville is a good spot to see some Christmas markets. There are a handful of local Christmas shops around town where you can buy personalized gifts.

Hershey does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Asheville or Hershey Better for Families?

Hershey is an unbeatable place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Asheville is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Hershey is very family-friendly. Hersheypark offers family-friendly resorts and camping. There's also the themed amusement park and even a zoo. When the weather's warm there's a water park and, of course, there's the famous Hershey's Chocolate World.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Asheville. With its beautiful hiking, interesting nature centers, and outdoor adventure activities, this mountain town makes a great kid-friendly destination. There are outdoor adventure parks where kids can zipline or climb. There are also hands on farms and orchards for fruit-picking.

Is Asheville or Hershey Better for Couples?

Asheville and Hershey both superb destinations for a couple.

Couples visit Asheville frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples enjoy exploring the beautiful Biltmore Estates or visiting the spa at the Grove Park Inn. The quaint town makes a great honeymoon destination or a nice romantic getaway. There are luxury hotels or intimate bed and breakfasts that offer different options for couples on a romantic trip.

Hershey is a great mountain town if you're traveling as a couple. If you don't take yourself too seriously, couples can enjoy a fun and active few days exploring the activities in the area.

Is Asheville or Hershey Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Asheville is a great destination for backpackers. However, Hershey is a town with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Asheville. The town has an eclectic vibe that backpackers appreciate. There are a few good hostels around town as well as nearby campgrounds that are perfect for budget travelers or hikers.

Hershey is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not the most popular destination for backpackers, but there are some fun activities in the area.

Is Asheville or Hershey Better for Students?

Asheville is a great destination for students. However, Hershey is not popular with students.

Asheville is a very popular mountain town for students and younger travelers. With its progressive personality and charming downtown, students enjoy spending time in this great town.

Hershey is not popular with students.

Is Asheville or Hershey Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Asheville and Hershey.

Public transit is generally limited in Asheville. There are buses around town, but almost everyone gets around town with their own vehicle.

Public transit is mostly limited in Hershey. While there is a bus system, it's very limited and most visitors do not rely on it.

Is Asheville or Hershey a more walkable city?

Asheville is a popular place for its walkability. However, Hershey is a town with minimal options for its high level of walkability.

Asheville is somewhat walkable. If you stay downtown and don't plan to explore the outlying areas, then it's possible to walk around town. Otherwise, you'll need a car.

Hershey is generally not a very walkable mountain town. You really need a car to get to the area's attractions.

For even more information, also check out Is Asheville Worth Visiting? and Is Hershey Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hershey or Asheville?

How long in Asheville or Hershey?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Asheville and Hershey. In our opinion, Asheville has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Asheville than Hershey. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Hershey than Asheville. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Hershey, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Asheville than Hershey. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Asheville that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Asheville than Hershey 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 Asheville.

One day in Asheville or Hershey?

In Asheville, you'll find nightlife and live music. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This mountain town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

You'll find shopping and museums around the town of Hershey. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

A weekend in Asheville or Hershey?

In Asheville, you'll find live music and food. 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 Asheville has to offer.

You'll find museums and shopping around the lighthearted destination of Hershey. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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.

Five days in Asheville or Hershey?

Asheville is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the playful town of Hershey. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Asheville or Hershey?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Asheville. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Asheville. 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.

Hershey is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America.

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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Asheville Expensive? and Is Hershey Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Asheville or Hershey?

Asheville has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Hershey. When comparing the sizes of Asheville and Hershey, 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 Asheville or Hershey?

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 Asheville or Hershey in the Summer?

Both Hershey and Asheville are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The hiking, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Asheville this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Hershey for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Asheville is generally a little warmer than Hershey. Daily temperatures in Asheville average around 82°F (28°C), and Hershey fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

It's quite sunny in Hershey. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Asheville. Asheville usually receives less sunshine than Hershey during summer. Asheville gets 268 hours of sunny skies, while Hershey receives 310 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Asheville. In July, Asheville usually receives more rain than Hershey. Asheville gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Asheville or Hershey in the Autumn?

Both Hershey and Asheville during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Asheville for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Hershey in the autumn for the shopping scene.

Asheville is a little warmer than Hershey in the autumn. The daily temperature in Asheville averages around 64°F (18°C) in October, and Hershey fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

It's quite sunny in Asheville. In the autumn, Asheville often gets more sunshine than Hershey. Asheville gets 229 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hershey receives 194 hours of full sun.

Asheville usually gets more rain in October than Hershey. Asheville gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Asheville or Hershey in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Asheville and Hershey. Many visitors come to Asheville in the winter for the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Hershey for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Hershey can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Asheville is much warmer than Hershey. Typically, the winter temperatures in Asheville in January average around 44°F (7°C), and Hershey averages at about 30°F (-1°C).

Asheville usually receives more sunshine than Hershey during winter. Asheville gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Hershey receives 153 hours of full sun in the winter.

Asheville gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Asheville usually receives more rain than Hershey. Asheville gets 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Asheville or Hershey in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Asheville as well as Hershey. Most visitors come to Asheville for the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Asheville is generally much warmer than Hershey. Daily temperatures in Asheville average around 64°F (18°C), and Hershey fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hershey. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Asheville this time of the year. In the spring, Asheville often gets more sunshine than Hershey. Asheville gets 266 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hershey receives 237 hours of full sun.

Asheville receives a lot of rain in the spring. Asheville usually gets more rain in April than Hershey. Asheville gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Hershey and Asheville