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Why Ridgeland Is Mississippi’s Must-Visit Destination

By: TLP's Partners

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Ridgeland is just north of Mississippi’s capital, along the historic Natchez Trace Parkway, where travelers have near-endless possibilities to explore their passions. Full of small-town charm, Ridgeland offers big-city amenities and luxury. Outdoor and cycling enthusiasts, foodies, and retail lovers can expect experiences of a lifetime.

a family dining in Ridgeland Mississippi

Mississippians know Ridgeland as the greatest destination for cyclists in the state, being one of only two communities with at least a bronze rating from the League of American Cyclists. Chisha Foka Multi-Use Trail, Ridgeland Trails, and the Magnolia Ridge BMX Park are just a few places that afford Ridgeland this prestigious honor. From part-time peddlers to serious professionals, anyone seeking cycling fun will find it in Ridgeland.

When you’re done on two wheels, it’s time to hit the water. Ridgeland is an ideal spot for nature lovers, with over 33,000 acres on offer at Barnett Reservoir. Lovingly known to locals as “The Rez,” this is the place to find aquatic activities like boating, water skiing, sailing, fishing, kayaking, and more. On the 105 miles of lush shoreline, you can also find picturesque places for family picnicking or bird watching. Boarded alongside The Rez is Natchez Trace Parkway, one of America’s most historic scenic roadways, where hikers, explorers, and, of course, cyclists wind their way through scenic, wooded trails.

Visitors are sure to discover that there’s no shortage of art or culture in Ridgeland as well. Along Natchez Trace Parkway is the Bill Waller Craft Center, where fine art and crafts from over 400 Mississippi and Southeast artisans. The onsite galleries feature works from a wide variety of disciplines, from glass, handcrafted jewelry, quilts, baskets, and wood-turned goods, all of which are available for purchase. The Bill Waller Craft Center also hosts events throughout the year, like Snappy Sync Fireflies, as well as several crafting classes for anyone looking to go beyond simply enjoying art to making some of their own.

If you are looking to appreciate finer, more contemporary art, Fischer Galleries and Jackson Street Gallery are filled with beautiful work from emerging artists from across our Magnolia State. Fans of automotive artistry will enjoy our annual Euro Fest, where “southern hospitality meets European engineering.”

Foodies may come to Ridgeland hungry, but they always leave full and happy. The city has many—and we mean many—mouthwatering options to choose from. Whether you want American, Latin, Mediterranean, Italian, Asian, or something more specific, Ridgeland will undoubtedly satisfy your craving. You’ll find plenty of savory steaks at Ely’s, MM Shapley’s, and Koestler Prime, which are a few of the locally owned spots that make Ridgeland “the Steakhouse Capital of Mississippi.”

When you’re ready for rest and relaxation, and a bit of retail therapy, you can’t do better than Ridgeland, Mississippi’s premier shopping hub. Explore the streets of the Old World-style Renaissance at Colony Park, The Township at Colony Park, or the recently redeveloped Northpark mall. Ridgeland also has tons of independently owned boutiques, galleries, spas, recreational and antique shops throughout the city. And when you’re ready to unwind, book services at one of Ridgeland’s luxury spas, such as Drench Day Spa, The Luxe Facial Lounge, or Aqua the Day Spa, to name just a few.

There’s still a lot to uncover here, and the best place to start is exploreRidgeland.com.