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

Should you visit Blue Ridge or Nashville?

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 Nashville. 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 quaint, charming, and outdoorsy town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include food, hiking, and shopping.

Nashville

Nashville is a eclectic, southern, and country music lovers city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include live music, food, and museums.

Blue Ridge and Nashville: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Blue Ridge or Nashville?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Nashville. Although Blue Ridge and Nashville are both popular with visitors, Nashville has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Nashville is more popular for its museums, nightlife, music, resorts, and big city activities, while Blue Ridge is known for its food, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Blue Ridge is popular for its beautiful mountain setting, miles of hiking trails, and small town atmosphere. Nashville is popular for its influence in country music and its many live music venues. It is also home to The Grand Ole Opry.

How is Blue Ridge different from Nashville?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Nashville is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. It is famous as the home of the Grand Ole Opry. It's also where you'll find the Country Music Hall of Fame and the unique Johnny Cash 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 Nashville? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Blue Ridge is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Nashville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Nashville. The city is known for some southern favorites including southern barbecue, mac and cheese, and biscuits and gravy.

Is Blue Ridge or Nashville Better for Nightlife?

Nashville is a very popular place for nightlife. Also, Blue Ridge is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Nashville has a large number of nightlife venues. The city is popular for it's music scene, particularly the country music scene. You can take in one of the free Honky Tonks or head to a rooftop bar. It's also a popular destination for bachelor and bachelorette parties.

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.

Is Blue Ridge or Nashville Better for Music?

Nashville is an amazing city to visit for live music. However, Blue Ridge is not a live music destination.

Nashville is known as a music capital around the world. The city is famous for country music, blues, and rock and roll. Popular venues include The Basement, The 5 Spot, and The Cannery Complex.

Blue Ridge is not a live music destination.

Is Blue Ridge or Nashville Better for Resorts?

Nashville is a good destination for its luxury resorts. However, Blue Ridge is not a resort destination.

Nashville has a handful of resorts to choose from. There are a couple of famous resorts in the area including the Gaylord Opryland Resort, the Hermitage Hotel, and the Omni Nashville Hotel.

Blue Ridge is not a resort destination.

Is Blue Ridge or Nashville Better for Hiking?

Blue Ridge is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Nashville is not a hiking destination.

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.

Nashville is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Blue Ridge or Nashville?

Blue Ridge is a very popular place for shopping. However, Nashville is lacking in good options for its shopping opportunities.

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.

If you're looking to go shopping, Nashville has some nice offerings. The town has a number of boutique shops as well as major department stores. You'll find all of the major American chains around town.

Is Blue Ridge or Nashville Better for Christmas?

Nashville is a good destination for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Blue Ridge does not offer Christmas activities.

Plenty of visitors enjoy Christmas activities while in Nashville. Several different venues decorate beautifully for the Christmas season including the Gaylord Opryland.

Blue Ridge does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Blue Ridge or Nashville Better for Families?

Blue Ridge is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Nashville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Blue Ridge is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Nashville. The city has a handful of kid-friendly activities like a science center and kid-friendly music venues.

Is Blue Ridge or Nashville Better for Couples?

Blue Ridge is a very popular place for romance. Also, Nashville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

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.

Nashville makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. For music lovers, this is the ultimate couple's destination. There are also a number of romantic activities around town including horse drawn carriage rides through the downtown. To enjoy the beautiful weather, head to Centennial Park or take a hike in Forest Hills.

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

Blue Ridge is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Nashville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Blue Ridge is very popular with the backpacker crowd. 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Nashville. There are one or two hostels around town and there's a great live music scene that attracts a young crowd.

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

Neither Blue Ridge or Nashville offer decent public transit.

Public transit is quite limited in Blue Ridge. There's no real public transportation system in the area.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Nashville. Public transportation is very limited and you really need a car to explore the city in depth.

Is Blue Ridge or Nashville a more walkable city?

Blue Ridge is a town with good options for its walkability. However, Nashville is lacking in good 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.

Nashville is not a walkable town. There aren't many parts of the city that are pedestrian-friendly.

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

Should I spend more time in Nashville or Blue Ridge?

How long in Blue Ridge or Nashville?

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

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

Even though Blue Ridge is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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.

With museums and nightlife around the country music lovers city of Nashville, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the live music. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Blue Ridge or Nashville?

Blue Ridge is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife. 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.

With nightlife and live music around the destination of Nashville, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the live music. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Blue Ridge or Nashville?

Blue Ridge is a small town with plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this town makes for a great vacation. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer.

Nashville, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. 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 Nashville?

Blue Ridge 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.

Nashville is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the live music. 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 Nashville, we can see that Nashville 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 Nashville would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nashville 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 Nashville Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Blue Ridge or Nashville?

Nashville has a larger population, and is about 450 times larger than the population of Blue Ridge. When comparing the sizes of Blue Ridge and Nashville, 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 Nashville?

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 Nashville in the Summer?

Both Nashville and Blue Ridge are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Blue Ridge for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Nashville because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

It's quite sunny in Nashville. 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 Nashville during summer. Blue Ridge gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Nashville receives 276 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Blue Ridge. In July, Blue Ridge usually receives more rain than Nashville. Blue Ridge gets 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain, while Nashville receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Blue Ridge or Nashville in the Autumn?

Both Nashville and Blue Ridge during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Blue Ridge because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Nashville this time of year.

In the autumn, Blue Ridge is around the same temperature as Nashville. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Blue Ridge in October average around 63°F (17°C), and Nashville averages at about 62°F (17°C).

In Nashville, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Blue Ridge. In the autumn, Blue Ridge often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Nashville. Blue Ridge gets 211 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nashville receives 212 hours of full sun.

Blue Ridge usually gets more rain in October than Nashville. Blue Ridge gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Nashville receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Blue Ridge or Nashville in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Blue Ridge and Nashville. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Blue Ridge this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Nashville for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Nashville. It's quite cold in Blue Ridge in the winter. In January, Blue Ridge is generally a little warmer than Nashville. Daily temperatures in Blue Ridge average around 40°F (5°C), and Nashville fluctuates around 38°F (4°C).

Blue Ridge usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Nashville during winter. Blue Ridge gets 145 hours of sunny skies, while Nashville receives 134 hours of full sun in the winter.

Blue Ridge gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Blue Ridge usually receives more rain than Nashville. Blue Ridge gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Nashville receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Blue Ridge or Nashville in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Blue Ridge as well as Nashville. Many travelers come to Blue Ridge for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Nashville in the spring for the activities around the city.

Blue Ridge is around the same temperature as Nashville in the spring. The daily temperature in Blue Ridge averages around 62°F (17°C) in April, and Nashville fluctuates around 62°F (16°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nashville. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Blue Ridge this time of the year. In the spring, Blue Ridge often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Nashville. Blue Ridge gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nashville receives 234 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Nashville. Blue Ridge receives a lot of rain in the spring. Blue Ridge usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Nashville. Blue Ridge gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Nashville receives 4.3 inches (110 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Nashville and Blue Ridge