What makes Ridgeland, Mississippi a great spring escape for local adventurers

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Spring has finally arrived, and we’re here for it — especially the pretty drives leading to easy weekend getaways. Put Ridgeland, Mississippi, at the top of that list and thank us when you return!

Just 3.5 hours southwest of Birmingham, this small city is known for its biking trails, lakes, fun outdoor events, excellent shopping and fresh flavors. A few minutes north of the state capital of Jackson, Ridgeland is a good blend of nature and arts experiences to recharge your mind, plus a lot of fun “stuff” you might want to bring back home.

Read on to map out your Ridgeland spring escape.

Nature’s most artful season

While nature gives us artful inspiration all year, spring takes top honors with its vivid hues and the creative energy of things growing and blooming all around. Here are two incredible places in Ridgeland where you can plug right into that vibe.

🌼 Wildflower Field and Art Park

Surround yourself in the bold, bright colors of the Ridgeland Wildflower Field and Art Park with a whimsy-filled walk among its interactive installations. You may not need to be told, but do not forget to keep your camera handy for this one. Look out for multiple photo-op spots, including newly installed butterfly wing art.

• Where: 411 W Jackson St, Ridgeland, MS 39157
• When: Dawn to dusk
• Cost: FREE
• More Info

🎨 Waller Craft Center

Situated amid the lush greenery of the Natchez Trace Parkway and home to The Craftsmen’s Guild of Mississippi, the center displays works by its 400+ members who handcraft works ranging from intricate needlework and quilts to blown glass and jewelry to ceramics and woodworking.

• Where: 950 Rice Rd, Ridgeland, MS 39157
• When: Tuesday-Saturday,10AM-5PM (except Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day + July 4)
• Cost: FREE
• More Info

Get out + about for upcoming events

Spring means it’s time to get outside and socialize, and Ridgeland really rolls out the red carpet for special events.

Here are a few big ones coming up in early May:

🚴‍♀️ Natchez Trace Century Ride

• What: Up to 1,000 cyclists take on scenic stretches of the historic parkway
• When: May 3, 2025 | 7AM-3PM
• Where: 137 Old Trace Park, Ridgeland, MS 39157
• More Info
• Register

🍷 Santé South Wine & Food Festival

• What: Sample over 120 wines + bites from top Mississippi restaurants
• When: May 3, 2025 | 7:30-10PM
• Where: The ARC at St. Andrew’s Episcopal School, 370 Old Agency Rd, Ridgeland, MS 39157
• More Info
• Get Tickets

🎻 Pepsi Pops featuring Mississippi Symphony Orchestra

• What: Sunset over the water, stars, pops music + a fireworks finale
• When: May 9, 2025 | 7:30-9PM
• Where: Old Trace Park, 422 Post Rd, Ridgeland, MS 39157
• More Info
• Get Tickets

Fresh springtime flavors

While you can browse Ridgeland’s many restaurants, we found a few that fit perfectly for this time of year:

☕️ CW Organics Apothicaire & Tea Room for a sweet Southern tea room experience + fresh herbal blends

👩‍🌾 Freshway Produce farmers market for local, ripe fruits, veggies, plants + gourmet goodies

🪷 The Lily Pad Café for lunches of sandwiches, paninis, subs + sweets while sustaining jobs for people with disabilities

🍓 Whirl Natural Smoothie Bar for refreshingly fruity smoothies, bowls + pops before a sunny stroll around the Railroad District

🍽 Local 463 Urban Kitchen for upscale dining and a menu showcasing seasonal ingredients

Shopping to refresh + redecorate

If you need any excuse for retail therapy, remember spring is a time of renewal! Of course, that applies to your wardrobe and home, too.

What’s a road trip without some shopping, anyway? It would be wrong not to treat yourself in Ridgeland, widely known for its excellent shopping.

It even has a Retail Trail guiding you through its six distinct shopping districts with retailers ranging from boutiques and antiques to renowned, high-end brands.

The districts include:

• Renaissance at Colony Park: An open-air shopping destination with European-inspired amenities
• Northpark + County Line Road: Indoor shopping with 120+ retailers and surrounding stores
• The Railroad District: Traditional downtown shopping experience with local shops + services
• Highway 51 + Trace Station + Oak Place: A historic highway filled with an eclectic assortment of shops + businesses
• The Township at Colony Park: Over a dozen retailers + restaurants in a high-end neighborhood development
• Old Canton Road + Lake Harbour Drive: Several shopping centers to explore

🚗 Ready to gas up the car and go? Visit Explore Ridgeland to choose where to stay + reserve your accommodations.

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