A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Blue Ridge vs. Martha's Vineyard for Couples, Food, Hiking, and Families

Should you visit Blue Ridge or Martha's Vineyard?

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 Martha's Vineyard. 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 outdoorsy, historic, and quaint town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food.

Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard is a peaceful, affluent, and coastal island. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Blue Ridge and Martha's Vineyard: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Blue Ridge or Martha's Vineyard?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Martha's Vineyard than Blue Ridge, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Martha's Vineyard is better known for its resorts, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Blue Ridge is more popular for its nightlife and hiking. Martha's Vineyard is more touristy than Blue Ridge and is known for its natural beauty, charming New England towns, and upscale local shopping. Also, Martha's Vineyard is famous for the Aquinnah Cliffs. Blue Ridge is well known for its beautiful mountain setting, miles of hiking trails, and small town atmosphere.

How is Blue Ridge different from Martha's Vineyard?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Spend time exploring the respectable sights and museums in either Blue Ridge or Martha's Vineyard.

While most people don't head to Blue Ridge specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. 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.

Martha's Vineyard offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of local museums in the area as well as the Martha's Vineyard Museum.

Is the Food Better in Blue Ridge or Martha's Vineyard? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Blue Ridge and Martha's Vineyard can be difficult as they are each excellent in their own way.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Blue Ridge. 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.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Martha's Vineyard. The region prioritizes sustainable agriculture and there are many local eateries that range from upscale to more casual. You'll find the greatest number of options during the peak summer months, but regardless of when you visit, you're sure to eat well.

Is Blue Ridge or Martha's Vineyard Better for Nightlife?

Blue Ridge is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Martha's Vineyard is not known for nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Blue Ridge has a few options to choose from. Head downtown for a mix of breweries, bars, and clubs where you'll find live music and a casual meal.

Most people don't head to Martha's Vineyard specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. There's more of a laid back vibe, but the best towns in the evening are Edgartown and Oak Bluffs.

Is Blue Ridge or Martha's Vineyard Better for Resorts?

Martha's Vineyard is an amazing island to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Blue Ridge is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Martha's Vineyard for its luxury resorts. There are beautiful and luxurious resorts that attract celebrities and socialites. Many have pools and serene outdoor spaces that you can enjoy.

Blue Ridge is not a resort destination.

Is Blue Ridge or Martha's Vineyard Better for Beaches?

Martha's Vineyard is a very popular place for its beaches. However, Blue Ridge is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Martha's Vineyard for it's beautiful beaches. The beaches are scenic and peaceful. Head to northern side of the island for shallow water, or south for more surf. While there are some public beaches that are open to everyone, there are also beaches that require a parking or town beach permit to visit.

Blue Ridge is not a beach destination.

Is Blue Ridge or Martha's Vineyard Better for Hiking?

Blue Ridge is a great town for hiking. Also, Martha's Vineyard is not as popular, but is still a nice island for the nearby hiking options.

Many visitors go to Blue Ridge for the hiking trails. 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.

Martha's Vineyard is a good destination for hiking. There are miles of trails around the island that pass through fields or along the coastline. The island is mostly flat, so the hikes are relatively easy for all skill levels.

Is the Shopping Better in Blue Ridge or Martha's Vineyard?

Shoppers can find a variety of excellent stores in both Blue Ridge and Martha's Vineyard.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Martha's Vineyard is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There are no malls, so you'll enjoy shopping at local stores that sell a mix of locally made items and name brand. There are many art galleries as well as craft festivals during the summer months.

Is Blue Ridge or Martha's Vineyard Better for Families?

Blue Ridge is a great town for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Martha's Vineyard is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Blue Ridge. 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.

Martha's Vineyard is a family-friendly place to visit. You can visit local farms or go to a local baseball game. There's also cafes, ice cream shops, and donut shops that kids will enjoy.

Is Blue Ridge or Martha's Vineyard Better for Couples?

Martha's Vineyard is an amazing island to visit for romance. Also, Blue Ridge is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Martha's Vineyard is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. It's filled with charming bed and breakfasts and plenty of New England charm. Couples will enjoy the quaint restaurants and mix of history, small town charm, and outdoor adventure.

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.

Is Blue Ridge or Martha's Vineyard Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Blue Ridge is a great town for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Martha's Vineyard is not known for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers 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.

Martha's Vineyard is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. Budget options are limited, making this an inconvenient destination for backpackers.

Is Blue Ridge or Martha's Vineyard Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Martha's Vineyard 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 Martha's Vineyard. Access to the island is limited to boat and air. There's a bus service that connects the towns.

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

Is Blue Ridge or Martha's Vineyard a more walkable city?

Blue Ridge and Martha's Vineyard are notable 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.

Martha's Vineyard is a somewhat walkable place. Many of the towns have walkable downtown areas, but traveling between towns and into the countryside requires a vehicle.

For even more information, also check out Is Blue Ridge Worth Visiting? and Is Martha's Vineyard Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Martha's Vineyard or Blue Ridge?

How long in Blue Ridge or Martha's Vineyard?

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

Families should spend more time in Blue Ridge than Martha's Vineyard. 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 Martha's Vineyard than Blue Ridge. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Martha's Vineyard that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Blue Ridge than Martha's Vineyard 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 Martha's Vineyard?

Even though Blue Ridge is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It offers something for everyone.

With shopping and food around the peaceful island of Martha's Vineyard, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Martha's Vineyard, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Blue Ridge or Martha's Vineyard?

Blue Ridge is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

With food and shopping around the small town destination of Martha's Vineyard, 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 island.

Five days in Blue Ridge or Martha's Vineyard?

Blue Ridge is a small town with plenty to do. Hikers are also drawn to this area. If you have five days, this town makes for a great vacation. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here.

Martha's Vineyard, a popular island, is full of activities for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Martha's Vineyard?

Blue Ridge is a popular choice for travelers. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Martha's Vineyard 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 Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, and The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America.

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

When is the best time to visit Blue Ridge or Martha's Vineyard?

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 Blue Ridge or Martha's Vineyard in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Blue Ridge and Martha's Vineyard. The summer months attract visitors to Blue Ridge because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Martha's Vineyard this time of year.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Martha's Vineyard this time of the year. In Blue Ridge, it's very sunny this time of the year. Blue Ridge usually receives less sunshine than Martha's Vineyard during summer. Blue Ridge gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Martha's Vineyard receives 293 hours of full sun in the summer.

Blue Ridge gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Blue Ridge usually receives more rain than Martha's Vineyard. Blue Ridge gets 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain, while Martha's Vineyard receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Blue Ridge or Martha's Vineyard in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Blue Ridge as well as Martha's Vineyard. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Blue Ridge this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Martha's Vineyard for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Blue Ridge is a little warmer than Martha's Vineyard in the autumn. The daily temperature in Blue Ridge averages around 63°F (17°C) in October, and Martha's Vineyard fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Martha's Vineyard. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Blue Ridge this time of the year. In the autumn, Blue Ridge often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Martha's Vineyard. Blue Ridge gets 211 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Martha's Vineyard receives 211 hours of full sun.

Blue Ridge usually gets less rain in October than Martha's Vineyard. Blue Ridge gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Martha's Vineyard receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Blue Ridge or Martha's Vineyard in the Winter?

Both Martha's Vineyard and Blue Ridge are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Blue Ridge for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Martha's Vineyard in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Martha's Vineyard can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Blue Ridge. In the winter, Blue Ridge is much warmer than Martha's Vineyard. Typically, the winter temperatures in Blue Ridge in January average around 40°F (5°C), and Martha's Vineyard averages at about 28°F (-2°C).

Blue Ridge usually receives less sunshine than Martha's Vineyard during winter. Blue Ridge gets 145 hours of sunny skies, while Martha's Vineyard receives 170 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Blue Ridge. In January, Blue Ridge usually receives more rain than Martha's Vineyard. Blue Ridge gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Martha's Vineyard receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Blue Ridge or Martha's Vineyard in the Spring?

Both Martha's Vineyard and Blue Ridge during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Blue Ridge in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Martha's Vineyard for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Blue Ridge is generally much warmer than Martha's Vineyard. Daily temperatures in Blue Ridge average around 62°F (17°C), and Martha's Vineyard fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

In Martha's Vineyard, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Blue Ridge. In the spring, Blue Ridge often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Martha's Vineyard. Blue Ridge gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Martha's Vineyard receives 225 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Blue Ridge. Blue Ridge usually gets more rain in April than Martha's Vineyard. Blue Ridge gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Martha's Vineyard receives 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Martha's Vineyard and Blue Ridge