Growing up in Mississippi, I learned to love and appreciate Southern towns. With its rich history, natural beauty, outgoing people, and comfort food, Ridgeland, Mississippi, takes me back to my Southern roots. It's more than just a charming Southern town—it’s a destination for all types of travelers.

Ridgeland is centrally located within the Magnolia State, just north of the intersection of Interstate 55 and Interstate 20.

One of the things my family did when I was a child was Sunday afternoon drives down the iconic Natchez Trace. This is one of the many unique attractions in Ridgeland. The Natchez Trace Parkway is America’s 444-mile scenic byway, All-American Road, and National Park. Access is easy in Ridgeland to explore the expanded Natchez Trace Parkway.

One of the Trace's highlights is the Reservoir Overlook. It offers expansive views of the 33,000-acre Barnett Reservoir, Mississippi's largest drinking water source. The reservoir is perfect for boating, fishing, and birdwatching, and it is also a favorite spot for spectacular sunset views.

Right off the Natchez Trace is the AC Hotel Ridgeland, where I stayed. It’s the perfect location—in the Township at Colony Park. The AC is shiny and new and provides contemporary Southern hospitality close to the Trace and several renowned dining and shopping destinations in Ridgeland. I loved that the AC features a Mississippi musician each month and even has a signature cocktail named after them.

If you're ready for some outdoor exercise, this was a big hit with me as a fun outdoor adventure – it’s called Bikeshare. Free bikes and helmets at two stations. You can ride the Trace or explore paved trails. Ridgeland Bikeshare offers an easy, free way to explore. The multi-use trail provides over 13 miles for walking, jogging, and bicycling, featuring shaded trails in thick forests and numerous historic landmarks. This trail is rich in Choctaw Indian history and it was fascinating to learn about while on our ride.

If you are adventurous and up for trying something different, you must try Vintage Air Tours. Our expert pilot, David Mars, showed us spectacular aerial views of Ridgeland from his 1929 biplane. This flight travels over miles of countryside, similar to a crop duster.  We even took off and landed on a grassy runway. This exhilarating experience gave us a unique perspective of Ridgeland and the Natchez Trace, a must-stop in the center of these Southern Crossroads.

I first visited the Lilly Pad in Ridgeland’s Railroad District. It’s a unique and special restaurant with a much bigger purpose than just serving food.

The Lily Pad is a not-for-profit restaurant that employs and trains adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to give them the work skills and confidence necessary to obtain employment. It has been a very successful program.

Tucked away in the historic Railroad District lies a little treasure waiting to be discovered—CW Organics Apothicaire & Tea Room. This welcoming tearoom with the southern charm of an organic apothecary offers more than just a cup of tea. You can also order a magnificent tower of petite sandwiches and tiny, sweet bites.

I discovered many fabulous places to shop in Ridgeland I thought these were noteworthy.

Don’t leave the Railroad District until you visit Allison Avery, a Demi–fine jewelry store. Allison designs all jewelry, and most is made in her Ridgeland studio. This beautiful boutique is the perfect place to buy personalized gifts for yourself or a friend.

The Renaissance at Colony Park has always been one of my favorite stops. It’s an open-air center, with its Lifestyle Main Street concept, featuring European architecture, landscaping, lighting, and elaborate water features. For example, don’t miss the dancing fountains at the north end of the Renaissance. The Renaissance Show Fountain is entertaining as it dances to music and lights.

All of this comes together to create a fantastic, vibrant destination.

 

 

If you'd like information about becoming a preferred partner with Stroll Forrestridge please reach out to Telese Gray at telese.gray@n2co.com.