Riding Around Ridgeland
Growing up in Mississippi is where I learned to love and appreciate charming Southern towns. With its rich history, natural beauty, outgoing people, and comfort food that takes me back to my Southern roots – this place calls me home. Ridgeland, Mississippi, is more than just a charming Southern town — it’s a destination for travelers who want to take a deep dive into the Deep South culture.
Ridgeland is centrally located within the Magnolia State, just north of the intersection of Interstate 55 and Interstate 20. It’s a natural midpoint between Dallas and Atlanta and Memphis and New Orleans, making it worthy of stops, road trips, and exploration.
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. The access is easy in Ridgeland, so you can explore the expanded Natchez Trace Parkway.
One of the highlights of the Trace is the Reservoir Overlook. It has expansive views of the 33,000-acre Barnett Reservoir, Mississippi’s largest drinking water source and perfect for boating, fishing, and birdwatching. It is also a favorite spot for spectacular sunset views.
I enjoyed my stop at the Bill Waller Craft Center, home of the Craftsmen’s Guild of Mississippi. The center has 400+ artisans and a stunning gallery of handmade quilts, woodwork, pottery, glass, jewelry, and more. It also has year-round events, with two standout featured events — Snappy Sync and Chimneyville Arts Festival. Here you can experience live demonstrations and shop unique handmade items.
This is a Southern fine craft tradition.
The Cypress Swamp is another must-visit. Just north of Ridgeland, this boardwalk trail loops through a serene water tupelo and bald cypress swamp. It’s a favorite
for spotting alligators and herons and enjoying a quiet, reflective walk among towering trees with hanging Spanish Moss. I found it hauntingly beautiful.
I stayed at the AC Hotel Ridgeland, which has the perfect location in the Township at Colony Park. It’s shiny and new and provides contemporary Southern hospitality close to the Trace and several renowned dining and shopping destinations in Ridgeland.
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 are available at the Ridgeland Visitors Center or The Bike Crossing. You can ride the Trace or explore Ridgeland’s Retail Trail. Ridgeland Bikeshare offers an easy, free way to explore. The multi-use trail provides over 13 miles for walking, jogging, and bicycling, featuring historic landmarks and shaded trails in thick forests.
If you are adventurous and up for trying something different, you must try Vintage Air Tours. Our expert pilot showed us spectacular aerial views of Ridgeland from a 1929 biplane. With an open canopy, this flight covers miles of countryside at low altitude, similar to a crop duster. This exhilarating experience gave us a unique perspective of Ridgeland, a must-stop in the center of the Southern Crossroads.
Natchez Trace Info: ScenicTrace.com
