A European adventure near Birmingham in under 4 hours

Reviewed by: Cindy Hatcher

Reading time: 3 minutes

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Classic European cars line the walkways of Renaissance at Colony Park during Euro Fest in Ridgeland, Mississippi, a great European adventure near Birmingham.
Ridgeland’s Renaissance Euro Fest Classic European Auto and Motorcycle Show is set for Oct. 3-4 at Renaissance at Colony Park. (Explore Ridgeland)

We’re here to help you start planning a fall European adventure near Birmingham—no passport, long flights or expensive tickets required.

In under four hours’ drive time, you’ll arrive in Ridgeland, Mississippi, home to a nationally-ranked European car show in an Old World-inspired shopping and entertainment district every October.

Read on for all the details + say “arrivederci, Alabama!” when you embark on this fun-filled trip.

Euro Fest—a top 10 U.S. car show

Classic European cars line the walkways of Renaissance at Colony Park during Euro Fest in Ridgeland, Mississippi
Classic European cars line the walkways of Renaissance at Colony Park during Euro Fest in Ridgeland, Mississippi
Two women take a photo of themselves in front of a classic European car at Euro Fest at Renaissance at Colony Park, a big annual event in Ridgeland, Mississippi, a European getway from Birmingham
Vintage European vehicles line the walkways of Renaissance at Colony Park during Euro Fest. (Explore Ridgeland)

This marks the 18th consecutive year for the Renaissance Euro Fest Classic European Auto and Motorcycle Show, which recently cruised into the sixth spot among the top 10 car shows in the country on USA Today’s annual 10Best reader poll.

Admire over 150 vintage and modern European vehicles—from Ferraris to VW buses—as you stroll the walkways of Renaissance at Colony Park, a shopping and entertainment district designed with Italian and Mediterranean inspiration and flourishes. Besides all the fun chrome eye candy, you can sample food trucks, sip in the beer garden and sway to live music.

Enjoy flavors of Italy, Greece + France

Two couples share a toast at Anjou, a French restaurant in Ridgeland, Mississippi
Raise a toast to delectable French cuisine and Southern classics at Anjou. (Explore Ridgeland)

Try not to fill up too much at the food trucks, though. You’ll want to save some space for a meal or two at one of Ridgeland’s many restaurants. In line with the Euro Fest theme, we’ve rounded up a few to consider:

🫒 Mediterranean: Krilakis, Aplos Simple Mediterranean, Yia Yia’s Greek Kitchen
🥖 French: Anjou
🍝 Italian: Amerigo, Fratesi’s, TASTE Italian Kitchen

Alternatively, you’re spoiled for choice with plenty of flavors that seem especially comforting in the fall, like burgers, bourbon and steaks.
🥩 Fun Fact: Ridgeland is the Steakhouse Capital of Mississippi.

Shop international brands

Women shop at Renaissance at Colony Park in Ridgeland, Mississippi, home to Euro Fest, an annual celebration of European culture and classic European vehicles and motorcycles
Shop big-name brands, local boutiques and special antiques in Ridgeland. (Explore Ridgeland)

Pack light so you can bring plenty of getaway goodies home with you. Even if you don’t plan your trip around Euro Fest, definitely put Renaissance at Colony Park on your shopping list.

Here are just a few places located there to find international treats to take home:

  • Aria Ridgeland for clothing, shoes + accessories, many from designers around the world
  • Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry + Traditional Jewelers for special jewelry pieces by renowned designers worldwide
  • Vintage Wine Market for curated spirits + wines from your favorite producing regions
  • Sunglass Hut for shades styles from top international luxury brands
  • Barnes & Noble to pick up travel guides + magazines to inspire your next adventure

🛍️ Pro tip: Beyond this district, we urge you to explore the entire Ridgeland Retail Trail, which is full of excellent spots for boutique, antique and other fantastic finds.

Old World comfort: stay + relax

Two couple enjoy glasses of wine by a tabletop firepit at a hotel property in Ridgeland, Mississippi
Visitors enjoy wine and conversation around a cozy fire pit to wind down their day in Ridgeland. (Explore Ridgeland)

The only acceptable way to do this European adventure near Birmingham absolutely must include the perfect accommodations. What’s a holiday without a cozy spot to stay, relax and take frequent naps?

Visit Explore Ridgeland for more tips + ideas to plan your getaway.

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Lisa Battles
Lisa Battles
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