The Perfect Morning (or Afternoon) in Ridgeland
Got half a day to spend in Ridgeland? Well, whether it’s in the morning, afternoon or night, there’s definitely a few things you need to see and do in our shining city along the Natchez Trace Parkway! Be sure to stop by the Ridgeland Visitor Center to get maps and brochures to make the most of your time.
What to To
At the top of the list, of course, is to grab a bite to eat while you're here. You’ll find many well-known restaurant chains in Ridgeland; however, we probably have more locally owned restaurants in our town than anywhere else in Mississippi. With three farms in Madison County, our restaurants strive to make the most of locally grown produce providing diners with fresh and innovative menu items.
If you’re one who loves a hearty breakfast any time of day, then you’ll love Primo’s Café. Primo’s also offers home-cooked daily blue plate specials. And while you’re there, be sure to check out their bakery selections. A few favorite sweet treats are the petit fours, caramel cake and gingerbread men. If you’re in the mood for some awesome chicken salad or pimento cheese, then head to one of two locations of Newk’s Eatery. There’s the location at The Township at Colony Park and another one on Lake Harbour Drive.
While you’re here, you’ll certainly want to check out the Barnett Reservoir and there are two great dining options with water views: Pelican Cove Grill and the famous Cock of the Walk. Pelican Cove is located at Main Harbor Marina and you may even catch some live music on the deck while you’re there. Cock of the Walk is a fun option for families big and small – flipping cornbread creates smiles and laughter all the way around.
For those who are into heathy eating and want an all-organic option, a favorite place is Crossroad’s Café. Ridgeland Mayor, Gene McGee who’s vegan and an avid cyclist, has encouraged all Ridgeland restaurants to offer healthy vegetarian options for diners.
Speaking of cycling, while you’re here spend some time on Ridgeland’s Multi-Use Trails. Didn’t bring a bike? No problem, a phone call to Bicycle Revolution’s Mobile Bike Service and you’ll be having fun on two wheels in no time. Even if you decide not to bike, you can stretch your legs and take in some fresh air on the paved trails located throughout the city.
The Multi-Use Trails, along with the Natchez Trace Parkway, will bring you one of Ridgeland’s true treasures, the Bill Waller Craft Center. This state-of-the-art facility displays the artwork of more than 400 artisans of the Craftsmen’s Guild of Mississippi. These fine Southern crafts include vivid Choctaw baskets and pottery, old-fashioned quilts, carvings in natural wood and eclectic array of jewelry.
Ridgeland offers some of the best shopping in central Mississippi. There’s Renaissance at Colony Park where the state’s only Apple Store is located. Renaissance sets architectural artistry against lavish landscaping, including water features, sidewalk cafes, and an inviting village center. Just down the road from Renaissance is The Township at Colony Park with its own brand of fine shops and restaurants. There’s also the newly remodeled Northpark Mall with brand-new amenities the whole family will love. In the center of town, there’s Old Town Ridgeland’s Railroad District. And throughout the city from one end to the other are a host of delightful boutique and antique shops along the Ridgeland Retail Trail.
When the time is right, come spend the night in Ridgeland in one of our comfortable hotels and enjoy all the metro area has to offer for a fun getaway anytime of the year. There’s always something great going on in Ridgeland. We’ll see you soon!
