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

Should you visit Blue Ridge or Newport?

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 Newport. 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 offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food, hiking, and shopping.

Newport

Newport is a seaside, historical, and charming town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and shopping.

Blue Ridge and Newport: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Blue Ridge or Newport?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Newport than Blue Ridge, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Newport is better known for its museums & sights, beaches, and historical sights, while Blue Ridge is more popular for its hiking and small town charm. Newport is more touristy than Blue Ridge and is known for its sailing regattas, its mansions along Bellevue Avenue, and its maritime history. Also, Newport is famous for Thames Street. Blue Ridge is well known for its beautiful mountain setting, miles of hiking trails, and small town atmosphere.

How is Blue Ridge different from Newport?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Newport is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Blue Ridge is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Newport. The historic mansions and local museums educate visitors on the town's maritime past and colonial roots. Some of the more popular places to visit include The Breakers, The Elms Mansion, The Marble House, and Chateau-sur-mer Mansion.

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 Newport? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Blue Ridge and Newport can be difficult as they are each high quality 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 Newport. Find a waterfront restaurant and enjoy fresh seafood and a charming atmosphere. Many restaurants are influenced by the town's Portuguese and Irish roots. You'll find classic pubs as well as brunch cafes and traditional taverns.

Is Blue Ridge or Newport Better for Nightlife?

The notable nightlife scene is relatively similar in Blue Ridge and Newport.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Blue Ridge. Head downtown for a mix of breweries, bars, and clubs where you'll find live music and a casual meal.

Newport has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There's a lively atmosphere in the evening with many pubs, taverns, and bars that keep the energy high.

Is Blue Ridge or Newport Better for Beaches?

Newport is a very popular place for its beaches. However, Blue Ridge is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Newport for it's beautiful beaches. Tucked in along the rocky coastline are many beautiful sandy beaches. You'll find popular and active beaches where you can lounge in a chair and people watch, as well as more secluded spots where you can enjoy a more peaceful setting. The largest beach is Easton's Beach (also known as First Beach). Surfers and boaters enjoy Sachuest Beach (or Second Beach), and a less popular, but very rewarding beach is also King Park Beach.

Blue Ridge is not a beach destination.

Is Blue Ridge or Newport Better for its Old Town?

Newport is a very popular place for its historic old town. However, Blue Ridge does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Newport. The Historic District is filled with colonial buildings and impressive mansions. There are cobblestone streets and a charming loop through the town's Old Quarter.

Blue Ridge does not have a historic old town.

Is Blue Ridge or Newport Better for Hiking?

Blue Ridge is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Newport 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.

Newport is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Blue Ridge or Newport?

Shoppers can find a variety of high quality stores in both Blue Ridge and Newport.

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.

Newport is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Walk along the charming cobblestone streets and pop in the many local boutiques and shops.

Is Blue Ridge or Newport Better for Families?

Both Blue Ridge and Newport are high quality family-friendly destinations.

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.

Newport is a very kid-friendly town. For an educational and interactive experience, head to Save The Bay Exploration Center & Aquarium. The Norman Bird Sanctuary also has a lot of land and places to explore. Kids will enjoy a visit to the beach or running around Breton Point State Park as well. On a rainy day, Ryans Family Amusements is the perfect way to pass some time.

Is Blue Ridge or Newport Better for Couples?

Newport is an amazing town to visit for romance. Also, Blue Ridge is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Newport is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. It's a coastal town with a lot of charm that makes for a perfect romantic escape. Enjoy dining and shopping along Thames Street or take a walk along the coast. There are many local restaurants and evening activities for couples as well.

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 Newport Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Blue Ridge is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Newport is lacking in good options 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.

Newport is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's a beautiful town, but accommodation tends to be expensive and there aren't any hostels to attract the budget crowd.

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

Newport is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Blue Ridge is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Newport has some public transit options. There are buses operated by RIPTA. You can visit most of the attractions in the downtown area by catching a ride on one of the classic green and gold hybrid trolley buses.

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

Is Blue Ridge or Newport a more walkable city?

Newport is a very popular place for its walkability. Also, Blue Ridge is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

Newport is very walkable. The town's downtown are compact and fun to explore on foot. There is a nice concentration of shops, restaurants, hotels and sights.

Blue Ridge is a somewhat walkable place. While the downtown area is relatively walkable, if you want to hike and get out in nature, you'll need to have a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Newport or Blue Ridge?

How long in Blue Ridge or Newport?

In either Blue Ridge or Newport, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Newport has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Newport than Blue Ridge. However, 2-5 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

One day in Blue Ridge or Newport?

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 nightlife around the historical town of Newport, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Blue Ridge or Newport?

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 nightlife and food around the destination of Newport, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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 Newport?

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.

Newport, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Visiting the old town is also a must. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this town. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Blue Ridge or Newport?

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.

Newport 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 Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, and The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Blue Ridge or Newport?

Newport has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Blue Ridge. When comparing the sizes of Blue Ridge and Newport, 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 Newport?

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 Newport in the Summer?

Both Newport and Blue Ridge are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Blue Ridge for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Newport in the summer for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

It's quite sunny in Newport. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Blue Ridge. Blue Ridge usually receives less sunshine than Newport during summer. Blue Ridge gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Newport receives 293 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Blue Ridge. In July, Blue Ridge usually receives more rain than Newport. Blue Ridge gets 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain, while Newport receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Blue Ridge or Newport in the Autumn?

Both Newport and Blue Ridge during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Blue Ridge in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Newport for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

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

In Newport, 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 Newport. Blue Ridge gets 211 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Newport receives 211 hours of full sun.

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

Should I visit Blue Ridge or Newport in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Blue Ridge and Newport. Most visitors come to Blue Ridge for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Newport because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Newport can be very cold. Blue Ridge can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Blue Ridge is much warmer than Newport. Typically, the winter temperatures in Blue Ridge in January average around 40°F (5°C), and Newport averages at about 28°F (-2°C).

Blue Ridge usually receives less sunshine than Newport during winter. Blue Ridge gets 145 hours of sunny skies, while Newport receives 170 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 Newport. Blue Ridge gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Newport receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Blue Ridge or Newport in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Blue Ridge as well as Newport. The spring months attract visitors to Blue Ridge because of the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Newport this time of year.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Newport. 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 Newport. Blue Ridge gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Newport receives 225 hours of full sun.

Blue Ridge receives a lot of rain in the spring. Blue Ridge usually gets more rain in April than Newport. Blue Ridge gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Newport receives 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Newport and Blue Ridge