Things To Do
in Ridgeland
Ridgeland, Mississippi is a leafy suburban city north of Jackson known for its shopping, parks, and easy access to the Natchez Trace Parkway. It blends Southern hospitality with a growing dining and retail scene centered around The Renaissance at Colony Park and nearby commercial corridors. Outdoor recreation is a highlight — the Ross Barnett Reservoir, nearby trails and golf courses make it popular for weekend getaways.
Ridgeland serves as a convenient, quieter base for exploring the capital region while offering family-friendly neighborhoods and services.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Ridgeland and check into your hotel. After settling in, enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a local café. Spend the morning familiarizing yourself with the area and its unique shops.
Visit the sprawling Mississippi Museum of Art to soak in some local culture. Spend time wandering through the galleries and perhaps enjoy lunch at the museum café. Afterward, take a stroll in the nearby parks and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Dine at one of Ridgeland's renowned restaurants, savoring local southern cuisine. After dinner, consider catching a live music performance at a local venue. Wind down your day with a relaxing evening walk along the Ross Barnett Reservoir.
Start your day with a hearty breakfast before heading out to LeFleur's Bluff State Park. Spend the morning hiking the trails, observing the local wildlife, and enjoying the lush greenery.
Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy at one of the park’s scenic spots. After your meal, spend time kayaking or fishing on the serene lake. Don’t forget your camera to capture the stunning views!
Return to Ridgeland for dinner at a waterfront restaurant overlooking the reservoir. After your meal, consider visiting a local brewery for a tasting session. End the evening by participating in a fun trivia night at a nearby pub.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee (regular) | $3-5 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $80-150 |
| 🚕Short taxi / rideshare | $10-25 |
| 🛒Grocery: weekly (single person) | $40-70 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Convenient location near Jackson with quieter suburban feel
- Good access to outdoor recreation: reservoir, trails and Natchez Trace
- Growing dining, shopping and family-friendly amenities
- Car-dependent outside a few walkable districts
- Hot, humid summers with frequent thunderstorms
- Limited late-night and cultural options compared with larger cities
Places to Visit in Ridgeland
Visit one of these nice places.
Stylish open-air architecture, water features and boutique storefronts make this a photogenic spot for daytime and early evening shots.
Scenic overlooks, rolling woodlands and historical markers offer wide vistas, especially at sunrise or sunset.
Expansive water, marshy inlets and boats provide reflections and wildlife opportunities — good for golden hour photography.
Neighborhood parks, walking trails and tree-lined streets showcase classic Southern landscapes and seasonal color.
Food in Ridgeland
Ridgeland Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Slow-smoked pork or beef served with classic sides like coleslaw, baked beans and cornbread — available at local BBQ joints and smokehouses.
Must-Try!
Cornmeal-crusted catfish served with hush puppies and tartar sauce — a Mississippi staple found in many casual restaurants.
Creamy grits topped with seasoned shrimp — often offered at contemporary Southern bistros and brunch spots.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Seasonal farmers’ markets in the Ridgeland/Jackson area sell fresh produce, baked goods and regional specialties — great for trying local jams, honey and crafts.
Weekends and weekends evenings often feature food trucks at shopping centers or parks; look for barbecue, tacos and dessert trucks near Colony Park events.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Politeness, friendliness and courteous small talk are valued — a brief greeting or 'y'all' in casual settings is common and appreciated.
Dress is generally casual; be respectful at church services and historic sites by observing modest attire and quiet behavior.
For popular restaurants and weekend activities, reservations are recommended; being on time for tours or appointments is courteous.
Safety
Tipping in Ridgeland
Ensure a smooth experience
Standard tipping in restaurants is 15–20% of the pre-tax bill for good service; tip bartenders $1–2 per drink or 15–20% for a tab. Tip taxi or rideshare drivers 10–15% and hotel staff a few dollars for luggage and housekeeping.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; contactless/tap payments are common. Cash is useful for small vendors or farmers’ markets. Most places accept major card networks; carry an ID for card verification.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot, humid and often in the 80s–90s°F (27–35°C); afternoon thunderstorms are common. Stay hydrated, plan outdoor activities for morning or evening, and expect mosquito activity near water.
Generally pleasant with milder temperatures and lower humidity; fall foliage in October–November offers nice photo and hiking conditions. This is a great time for outdoor events and drives along the Natchez Trace.
Mild winters with daytime highs typically in the 50s–60s°F (10–20°C), though occasional cold snaps and light frost can occur. Snow is rare but possible; pack a light jacket or layers.
Warm and often wet with abundant blooming trees and flowers — excellent for outdoor recreation but expect pollen and intermittent heavy showers or thunderstorms.
Ridgeland at Night
Hiking in Ridgeland
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Multiple short trails and historical points along the Parkway provide easy hikes, scenic overlooks and picnic spots — great for half-day outings.
Nearby park trails suitable for walking, birdwatching and family-friendly hikes with boardwalks and water views.
Trails and informal paths around parts of the reservoir are good for short hikes, running and wildlife viewing; expect marshy sections in spots.
Airports
How to reach Ridgeland by plane.
Primary airport serving the Jackson metro area, about a 15–25 minute drive from Ridgeland depending on traffic — offers domestic connections and rental cars/shuttles.
Major hub approximately 3 hours north by car — useful for more international or alternative flight options.
Located on the Gulf Coast about 2.5–3 hours away by car — an option for travelers combining coastal visits with a Ridgeland stay.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Ridgeland attracts families and professionals who commute to Jackson or work locally; suburban neighborhoods and schools are a draw.
A number of long-term community members and retirees appreciate the quieter pace, parks and local services.
The area has a racially and culturally diverse population reflective of central Mississippi, with active local civic and community organizations.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is a major cultural pastime in Mississippi; high school and college games draw enthusiastic crowds on weekends during the season.
Recreational fishing and boating on the Ross Barnett Reservoir are very popular among locals and visitors.
Golf is a common recreational choice with several local courses hosting players year-round when weather permits.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Ridgeland.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are increasingly available at cafés and modern Southern restaurants (salads, veggie burgers, seasonal sides). Calling ahead or checking menus online helps; markets also offer plant-based products.
Vegan choices exist but are more limited than in larger cities — look for vegan-friendly cafes, salads, and some Southern restaurants that can adapt dishes on request.
Many restaurants accommodate gluten-free requests; inform staff about cross-contamination. Bakery options are more limited, so specialty items are best sought at farmers’ markets or specific cafes.