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

Should you visit Blue Ridge or Norfolk?

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 Norfolk. 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.

Norfolk

Norfolk is a blue collar, maritime, and authentic city. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Blue Ridge and Norfolk: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Blue Ridge or Norfolk?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Blue Ridge. Although Blue Ridge and Norfolk are both popular with visitors, Blue Ridge has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Blue Ridge is more popular for its food, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Norfolk is known for its museums. Blue Ridge is more touristy than Norfolk and is popular for its beautiful mountain setting, miles of hiking trails, and small town atmosphere. It is also home to Chattahoochee National Forest. Norfolk is popular for its naval base and military presence.

How is Blue Ridge different from Norfolk?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Norfolk is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are some interesting museums in town like the Chrysler Museum, the Hampton Roads Naval Museum, and the Norfolk Police and Fire Museum. You should also check out the Nauticus and the Battleship Wisconsin.

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 Norfolk? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Blue Ridge is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Norfolk is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Norfolk has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. You'll find a decent collection of restaurants in the downtown area. Food options include local seafood, brunch, casual eateries, and fine dining.

Is Blue Ridge or Norfolk Better for Nightlife?

The good nightlife scene is relatively similar in Blue Ridge and Norfolk.

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.

Norfolk has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Downtown is where you'll find the most busy nightlife venues. The city has great breweries, and the live music scene has taken off. There are also lounges, dance clubs, and wine bars to choose from.

Is Blue Ridge or Norfolk Better for Hiking?

Blue Ridge is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Norfolk 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.

Norfolk is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Blue Ridge or Norfolk?

Blue Ridge is a great destination for shopping. Also, Norfolk 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 Norfolk. There's a mix of shopping malls, local boutiques, farmer's markets, and shopping centers around town.

Is Blue Ridge or Norfolk Better for Families?

Blue Ridge is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Norfolk is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Blue Ridge is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Norfolk offers lots of family activities. The Norfolk Zoo is always a hit with kids. You should also visit the USS Wisconsin which offers tours, as well as the Douglas MacArthur Memorial Museum.

Is Blue Ridge or Norfolk Better for Couples?

Blue Ridge is a great destination for romance. However, Norfolk is a city with minimal options for its romantic activities.

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.

Most people don't think of Norfolk as a couple's destination. There are some nice hotels and several great parks and outdoor activities.

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

Blue Ridge is a great destination for backpackers. However, Norfolk is a city 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.

Norfolk is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. This is an often overlooked area for backpackers.

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

Norfolk 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 Norfolk. While there are buses, ferries, and even lightrail in the area, you really want to have a car to get around.

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

Is Blue Ridge or Norfolk a more walkable city?

Blue Ridge and Norfolk are good 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.

Norfolk is a somewhat walkable place. Downtown is the most walkable part of the city.

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

Should I spend more time in Norfolk or Blue Ridge?

How long in Blue Ridge or Norfolk?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Blue Ridge or Norfolk to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Blue Ridge than Norfolk because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Blue Ridge, and 1-2 days is enough time in Norfolk.

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

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 authentic city of Norfolk, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Norfolk, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Blue Ridge or Norfolk?

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 Norfolk, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Blue Ridge or Norfolk?

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.

Norfolk, 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 Norfolk?

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.

Norfolk 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 Norfolk, we can see that Norfolk 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 Norfolk would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Norfolk 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 Norfolk Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Blue Ridge or Norfolk?

Norfolk has a larger population, and is about 200 times larger than the population of Blue Ridge. When comparing the sizes of Blue Ridge and Norfolk, 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 Norfolk?

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 Norfolk in the Summer?

Both Norfolk 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 Norfolk for the family-friendly experiences.

Blue Ridge is around the same temperature as Norfolk in the summer. The daily temperature in Blue Ridge averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Norfolk fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

In Norfolk, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Blue Ridge. In the summer, Blue Ridge often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Norfolk. Blue Ridge gets 265 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Norfolk receives 279 hours of full sun.

Norfolk gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Blue Ridge. Blue Ridge usually gets less rain in July than Norfolk. Blue Ridge gets 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain, while Norfolk receives 5.7 inches (145 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Blue Ridge or Norfolk in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Blue Ridge and Norfolk. 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 Norfolk in the autumn for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Blue Ridge is around the same temperature as Norfolk. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Blue Ridge in October average around 63°F (17°C), and Norfolk averages at about 62°F (16°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Norfolk this time of the year. In Blue Ridge, it's very sunny this time of the year. Blue Ridge usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Norfolk during autumn. Blue Ridge gets 211 hours of sunny skies, while Norfolk receives 211 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Blue Ridge usually receives around the same amount of rain as Norfolk. Blue Ridge gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Norfolk receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Blue Ridge or Norfolk in the Winter?

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

Norfolk can be very cold during winter. Blue Ridge can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Blue Ridge is generally a little warmer than Norfolk. Daily temperatures in Blue Ridge average around 40°F (5°C), and Norfolk fluctuates around 39°F (4°C).

In the winter, Blue Ridge often gets less sunshine than Norfolk. Blue Ridge gets 145 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Norfolk receives 168 hours of full sun.

Blue Ridge receives a lot of rain in the winter. Blue Ridge usually gets more rain in January than Norfolk. Blue Ridge gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Norfolk receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Blue Ridge or Norfolk in the Spring?

Both Norfolk 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 Norfolk in the spring. The daily temperature in Blue Ridge averages around 62°F (17°C) in April, and Norfolk fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

It's quite sunny in Norfolk. 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 Norfolk during spring. Blue Ridge gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Norfolk receives 253 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Blue Ridge. In April, Blue Ridge usually receives more rain than Norfolk. Blue Ridge gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Norfolk receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Norfolk and Blue Ridge