For those who have preconceived notions about sleepy little southern towns in America, nestled along the shores of the Barnett Reservoir and just off the Natchez Trace Parkway is the vibrant small city of Ridgeland, Mississippi, that is full of pleasant surprises … Inside + Out!
As home to more than 150 restaurants, 16 hotels, exceptional shopping experiences and an abundance of outdoor activities, Ridgeland offers groups unforgettable itineraries filled with incredible experiences while also taking all steps necessary to ensure health guidelines are followed for the safety of visitors and locals alike.
Discerning travelers will discover an unexpected melding of nature and style in this city located just outside the state capital. It’s here where outdoor adventure meets upscale amenities. How you to choose to explore — by bike or boat, in shops or on trails, through touch or taste, inside or out — is entirely up to you, but here are some of our favorite stops.
The Ridgeland Tourism Commission staff will provide the following services to assist you in all your group travel needs:
- Site Selection
- Hotel Rates and Information
- Restaurants & Caterers
- Recreation
- Attractions
- Nametags
- Promotional Items
- Registration
- Room Rebate
Ridgeland Tourism Commission
800-468-6078
visitridgeland.com
EXPLORE
When the open road beckons and the urge to explore stirs, the scenic Natchez Trace Parkway National Park awaits. Stops along the Parkway near Ridgeland include the Choctaw Agency, Old Trace and Brashear’s Stand historic sites, the Bill Waller Craft Center, and Reservoir Overlook offering views of the 33,000-acre Barnett Reservoir. Take in stunning views, get some fresh air and maybe learn a history lesson or two as you roam one of the most scenic and historic routes in America.
Natchez Trace Parkway
800-305-7417
scenictrace.com
DINE
Groups can’t get enough of Cock of the Walk, a Mississippi River catfish house where servers dressed in period costumes toss homemade cornbread out of cast-iron skillets and onto your plate! Located on the shores of the Ross Barnett Reservoir, Cock of the Walk is truly an authentic Southern dining experience. Its atmosphere, great food and unrivaled hospitality are the ingredients that make Ridgeland the choice for gatherings of all kinds.
Cock of Walk
601-856-5500
cockofthewalkrestaurant.com
CRAFT
The state-of-the-art Bill Waller Craft Center, located just off the Natchez Trace Parkway, displays the artwork of more than 400 artisans of fine Southern crafts. These fine Southern crafts include vivid Choctaw baskets and pottery, old-fashioned quilts, carvings in natural wood and an eclectic array of jewelry. Members of the Craftsmen’s Guild of Mississippi provide demonstrations and craft classes for your group. And you don’t want to miss the shopping experience in the gallery store.
Bill Waller Craft Center
601-856-7547
mscrafts.org
SHOP
Need a little retail therapy? Stroll the streets of the old-world style Renaissance at Colony Park, a true lifestyle center featuring amazing fountains, lush landscaping and high-end shops. There’s no better time to be outside, perusing the shops of the Renaissance than in October, especially during the 12th-annual Renaissance Euro Fest, a classic European auto and motorcycle show. Make plans to attend this event Saturday, October 10, 2020.
Renaissance at Colony Park
601-519-0900
renaissanceatcolonypark.com
