A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Asheville vs. Vernon for Nightlife, Hiking, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Asheville 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 Asheville 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.

Asheville

Asheville is a eclectic, outdoorsy, and progressive mountain town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. Other popular activities here include shopping, nightlife, and live music.

Vernon

Vernon is a relaxing, quiet, and peaceful town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food.

Asheville and Vernon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Asheville or Vernon?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Asheville. Although Asheville and Vernon are both popular with visitors, Asheville has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Asheville is more popular for its nightlife, music, resorts, historical sights, shopping, christmas markets, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Vernon is known for its museums & sights. Asheville is popular for its fall foliage, artsy downtown, local North Carolina barbecue, and being home to the Biltmore Estate. It is also home to The Biltmore Estate. Vernon is popular for its surrounding valley with lakes and hiking trails.

How is Asheville different from Vernon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Vernon offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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.

Asheville does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Asheville and Vernon can be an enjoyable experience.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Asheville. 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.

Vernon is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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 Asheville or Vernon Better for Nightlife?

Asheville is a well-known place for its evening party scene. However, Vernon is not a good town for nightlife.

Asheville offers plenty to do in the evening. The city has a fun and eclectic nightlife scene that centers around the city's breweries and live music venues.

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 Asheville or Vernon Better for Music?

Asheville is a well-known place for its music scene. However, Vernon is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Asheville is very popular with diverse venues. The city has grown into a world famous music destination that holds true to its mountain roots and independent artists.

Vernon is not a live music destination.

Is Asheville or Vernon Better for Resorts?

Asheville is a nice place to visit for its resorts. However, Vernon is not a resort destination.

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.

Vernon is not a resort destination.

Is Asheville or Vernon Better for its Old Town?

Asheville is a moderate mountain town for its historic old town charm. However, Vernon does not have a historic old town.

The old town area in Asheville is worth visiting. Downtown Asheville maintains much of its historic vibe, but it's smaller than some of the more notable old cities around the country.

Vernon does not have a historic old town.

Is Asheville or Vernon Better for Hiking?

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

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.

Many visitors go to Vernon for the hiking trails. 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 Asheville or Vernon?

Asheville 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 Asheville. 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.

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 Asheville or Vernon Better for Christmas?

Asheville is a well-known place for its Christmas activities. However, Vernon does not offer Christmas activities.

Asheville is an extremely popular place to visit during the Christmas season. 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.

Vernon does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Asheville or Vernon Better for Christmas Markets?

Asheville is a moderate mountain town for its Christmas markets. However, Vernon does not offer Christmas markets.

During the holidays, visitors often browse through the Christmas markets in Asheville. There are a handful of local Christmas shops around town where you can buy personalized gifts.

Vernon does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Asheville or Vernon Better for Families?

Asheville 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.

Asheville is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Vernon is a family-friendly mountain 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 Asheville or Vernon Better for Couples?

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

Asheville is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

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 Asheville or Vernon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Asheville is a very popular mountain town for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

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 Asheville or Vernon Better for Students?

Asheville is a well-known place for students. However, Vernon is not popular with students.

Asheville is a great mountain town to visit as a student. With its progressive personality and charming downtown, students enjoy spending time in this great town.

Vernon is not popular with students.

Is Asheville or Vernon 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 Vernon.

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

Is Asheville or Vernon a more walkable city?

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

Asheville is a somewhat walkable mountain town. 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.

Vernon is generally not a very walkable mountain 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 Asheville Worth Visiting? and Is Vernon Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Vernon or Asheville?

How long in Asheville or Vernon?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Asheville and Vernon. In our opinion, Asheville has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Asheville than Vernon. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Asheville, and 1-3 days is enough time in Vernon.

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

Couples should spend more time in Asheville than Vernon. 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 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 Asheville.

One day in Asheville or Vernon?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Asheville. 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.

You'll find shopping and museums around the town of Vernon. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Vernon has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Asheville or Vernon?

Asheville 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.

You'll find museums and food around the quiet destination of Vernon. 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.

Five days in Asheville or Vernon?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Asheville. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the quiet town of Vernon. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Asheville or Vernon?

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the eclectic destination of Asheville. This mountain 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 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Canada, and The Best Luxury Tours to Canada.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Asheville and Vernon, we can see that Asheville 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 Asheville would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Asheville 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 Asheville Expensive? and Is Vernon Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Asheville or Vernon?

Asheville has a larger population, and is about 46% larger than the population of Vernon. When comparing the sizes of Asheville 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 Asheville or Vernon?

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 Vernon in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Asheville and Vernon. Many visitors come to Asheville in the summer for the hiking, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Vernon for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Asheville is a little warmer than Vernon. Typically, the summer temperatures in Asheville in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Vernon averages at about 23°C (73°F).

Asheville gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Asheville usually receives more rain than Vernon. Asheville gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Asheville or Vernon in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Asheville as well as Vernon. Most visitors come to Asheville for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Vernon because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In October, Asheville is generally much warmer than Vernon. Daily temperatures in Asheville average around 64°F (18°C), and Vernon fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Asheville usually gets more rain in October than Vernon. Asheville gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Asheville or Vernon in the Winter?

Both Vernon and Asheville are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Asheville because of the Christmas ambience, 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. Asheville is much warmer than Vernon in the winter. The daily temperature in Asheville averages around 44°F (7°C) in January, and Vernon fluctuates around -3°C (27°F).

It's quite rainy in Asheville. In January, Asheville usually receives more rain than Vernon. Asheville gets 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Asheville or Vernon in the Spring?

Both Vernon and Asheville during the spring are popular places to visit. The natural beauty are the main draw to Asheville this time of year.

In the spring, Asheville is much warmer than Vernon. Typically, the spring temperatures in Asheville in April average around 64°F (18°C), and Vernon averages at about 12°C (53°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Asheville. Asheville usually gets more rain in April than Vernon. Asheville gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Vernon and Asheville