The lake getaway you need now in 1 easy summer road trip from Birmingham

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We have a summer road trip from Birmingham that we believe you’ll love, especially if you’re into breezy lakeside vibes, sailing wide open waters and satisfying dockside dinners: Ridgeland, Mississippi, home to Barnett Reservoir, or “The Rez” as the locals say.

We know—we have many wonderful lakes here in Alabama, including a couple that are practically in our backyards. Not knocking them one bit! The point here is that traveling out of state and away from it all truly makes it a getaway.

Beyond the distance and change of scenery, expect to be refreshed by new experiences that may surprise you for a town of less than 25,000 people.

Let’s dive in.

How to experience Barnett Reservoir, a.k.a. The Rez

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Summer in the South can be so hot, which makes a lake getaway like this summer road trip from Birmingham that much cooler. Let the 33,000-acre Barnett Reservoir in Ridgeland set the tone.

Here’s how:

🚤 Boating: Rent a boat at the Main Harbor Store Marina for a few hours on open water, or a kayak in quiet coves with a rental from Pearl River Kayaks.
🎣 Fishing: Drop a line + learn why the Rez hooked a spot on Bassmaster’s 2025 Top 100 Best Bass Lakes in America.
⛵️ Sailing: While you can’t rent a sailboat, you can book private lessons with the Jackson Yacht Club by calling in advance.

See more ideas for spending time on The Rez in Ridgeland here.

Where to eat in Ridgeland on the water + beyond

Waterfront dining in Ridgeland at sunset is the way to go, and for that, our pick is Pelican Cove Grill, the restaurant at the Main Harbor Marina Store, which we just recommended for boat rentals. A couple more favorites are Cock of the Walk and Shucker’s Oyster Bar.

Definitely plan a meal (or three) away from the water; this cuisine scene is worth digging into. ICYMI, we recently shared how Ridgeland’s restaurants continue to impress, earning state and regional accolades.

Here’s a guide to Ridgeland’s restaurants to narrow your choices. Good luck!

Shopping + where to stay in Ridgeland

Renaissance at Colony Park is your go-to for open-air strolling, shopping and dining with a blend of national retailers and local shops and restaurants.

Northpark offers a modern indoor shopping mall experience, and there is a lot more shopping to do on Ridgeland’s Retail Trail.

Ridgeland has many great hotels to choose from, including the AC Hotel by Marriott in the state. Its newest, Tru by Hilton, is just off Interstate 55, a mile from Topgolf and within a 15-minute drive to Barnett Reservoir and Old Trace Park.

Ridgeland events worth a summer road trip from Birmingham

This summer road trip from Birmingham comes in at around 250 miles and is even more fun when you plan it around an event to take in the energy of community celebrations.

Mark your calendars for these three FREE events coming soon:

🗓️ June 26: 35th Annual Celebrate America Balloon Glow at Northpark brings over a dozen hot-air balloons, live entertainment and fireworks.
🗓️ July 18: Christmas in July Demo Day at Bill Waller Craft Center invites visitors to meet and watch the center’s artisans create while getting a jump on holiday shopping.
🗓️ Oct. 2-3: 19th Annual Renaissance Euro Fest consistently ranks among USA Today readers as one of the nation’s top car shows. This year, the fest expands to three days.

We can already feel the lake breeze on our faces. Head over to exploreridgeland.com to book this summer road trip from Birmingham.

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