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

Should you visit Blue Ridge 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 Blue Ridge 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.

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. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for hiking, shopping, and nightlife.

Hershey

Hershey is a lighthearted, fun-filled, and playful town. Other reasons to visit include shopping and museums.

Blue Ridge and Hershey: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Blue Ridge or Hershey?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Blue Ridge. Although Blue Ridge and Hershey 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, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Hershey is known for its museums and resorts. Hershey is more touristy than Blue Ridge and is popular for being the home of the Hershey's milk chocolate bar. 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.

How is Blue Ridge different from Hershey?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Hershey is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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).

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 Hershey? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Blue Ridge is a great destination for its restaurant scene. However, Hershey is a town with minimal options 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.

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 Blue Ridge or Hershey Better for Nightlife?

Blue Ridge is a popular place for nightlife. However, Hershey is a town with minimal options 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.

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 Blue Ridge or Hershey Better for Resorts?

Hershey is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Blue Ridge is not a resort destination.

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.

Blue Ridge is not a resort destination.

Is Blue Ridge or Hershey Better for Hiking?

Blue Ridge 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 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.

Hershey is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Blue Ridge or Hershey?

Blue Ridge is a great destination for shopping. Also, Hershey 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 Hershey. You'll find shops, boutiques, and plenty of Hershey apparel that you can pick up in town.

Is Blue Ridge or Hershey Better for Families?

Hershey is an amazing town to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Blue Ridge is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-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.

Blue Ridge is a very kid-friendly town. 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.

Is Blue Ridge or Hershey Better for Couples?

Blue Ridge and Hershey both superb destinations for a couple.

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.

Couples visit Hershey frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. If you don't take yourself too seriously, couples can enjoy a fun and active few days exploring the activities in the area.

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

Blue Ridge 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 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.

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

Hershey 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 Hershey. While there is a bus system, it's very limited and most visitors do not 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 Hershey a more walkable city?

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

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

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

Should I spend more time in Hershey or Blue Ridge?

How long in Blue Ridge or Hershey?

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

Families should spend more time in Hershey than Blue Ridge. 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 Blue Ridge than Hershey. 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 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 Blue Ridge.

One day in Blue Ridge or Hershey?

Blue Ridge is a small town with plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

With museums and shopping around the lighthearted town of Hershey, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Blue Ridge or Hershey?

Blue Ridge might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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 Blue Ridge has to offer.

With shopping and museums around the destination of Hershey, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. 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 Hershey?

Blue Ridge is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Blue Ridge has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Hershey, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Hershey?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Blue Ridge. Since Blue Ridge is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. 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 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 G Adventures Tours to United States of America, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Blue Ridge and Hershey, we can see that Hershey 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 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 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 Hershey Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Blue Ridge or Hershey?

Hershey has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Blue Ridge. When comparing the sizes of Blue Ridge 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 Blue Ridge or Hershey?

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 Hershey in the Summer?

Both Hershey 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. Furthermore, many travelers come to Hershey for the family-friendly experiences.

Blue Ridge is around the same temperature as Hershey in the summer. The daily temperature in Blue Ridge averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Hershey fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

In Hershey, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Blue Ridge. In the summer, Blue Ridge often gets less sunshine than Hershey. Blue Ridge gets 265 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hershey receives 310 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Blue Ridge. Blue Ridge usually gets more rain in July than Hershey. Blue Ridge gets 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Blue Ridge or Hershey in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Blue Ridge and Hershey. Many travelers come to Blue Ridge for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Hershey in the autumn for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Blue Ridge is a little warmer than Hershey. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Blue Ridge in October average around 63°F (17°C), and Hershey averages at about 56°F (13°C).

In Blue Ridge, it's very sunny this time of the year. Blue Ridge usually receives more sunshine than Hershey during autumn. Blue Ridge gets 211 hours of sunny skies, while Hershey receives 194 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Blue Ridge usually receives around the same amount of rain as Hershey. Blue Ridge gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Blue Ridge or Hershey in the Winter?

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

Hershey can be very cold during winter. Blue Ridge can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Blue Ridge is generally much warmer than Hershey. Daily temperatures in Blue Ridge average around 40°F (5°C), and Hershey fluctuates around 30°F (-1°C).

In the winter, Blue Ridge often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hershey. Blue Ridge gets 145 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hershey receives 153 hours of full sun.

Blue Ridge receives a lot of rain in the winter. Blue Ridge usually gets more rain in January than Hershey. Blue Ridge gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Blue Ridge or Hershey in the Spring?

Both Hershey 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.

Blue Ridge is a little warmer than Hershey in the spring. The daily temperature in Blue Ridge averages around 62°F (17°C) in April, and Hershey fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

It's quite sunny in Hershey. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Blue Ridge. Blue Ridge usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hershey during spring. Blue Ridge gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Hershey receives 237 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Blue Ridge. In April, Blue Ridge usually receives more rain than Hershey. Blue Ridge gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Hershey and Blue Ridge