ROAD TRIP TO RIDGELAND ON THE NATCHEZ TRACE IN MISSISSIPPI
By Terri Guthrie
Growing up in Mississippi, I learned to love and appreciate charming Southern towns. With its rich history, natural beauty, outgoing people, and comfort food that takes me back to my Southern roots, this place calls me home. Ridgeland, Mississippi, is more than just a charming Southern town—it’s a destination for travelers who want to delve deeply into the rich culture of the Deep South.
Ridgeland is centrally located within the Magnolia State, just north of the intersection of Interstate 55 and Interstate 20. It’s a natural midpoint between Dallas and Atlanta, and Memphis and New Orleans, making it worthy of stops, road trips, and exploration.
One of the things my family did when I was a child was Sunday afternoon drives down the iconic Natchez Trace. This is one of the many unique attractions in Ridgeland. The Natchez Trace Parkway is America’s 444-mile scenic byway, All-American Road, and unit within the National Park Service. Access is easy in Ridgeland to explore the expanded Natchez Trace Parkway.
One of the Trace’s highlights is the Reservoir Overlook. It offers expansive views of the 33,000-acre Barnett Reservoir, Mississippi’s largest source of drinking water. The reservoir is perfect for boating, fishing, and birdwatching, and it is also a favorite spot for spectacular sunset views.
I enjoyed my stop at the Bill Waller Craft Center, home of the Craftsmen’s Guild of Mississippi. The center has 400+ artisans and a stunning gallery of handmade quilts, woodwork, pottery, glass, jewelry, and more. It also has year-round events, with two standout featured events: Snappy Sync and Chimneyville Arts Festival. Here you can experience live demonstrations and shop unique handmade items. This is a Southern fine craft tradition.
Another must-visit is the Cypress Swamp. This boardwalk trail loops through a serene water tupelo and bald cypress swamp just north of Ridgeland. It’s a favorite for spotting alligators and herons and enjoying a quiet, reflective walk among towering trees with hanging Spanish Moss. I found it hauntingly beautiful.
Right off the Natchez Trace is the AC Hotel Ridgeland, where I stayed. It’s the perfect location—in the Township at Colony Park. It’s shiny and new and provides contemporary Southern hospitality close to the Trace and several renowned dining and shopping destinations in Ridgeland. I loved that the AC features a Mississippi musician each month and even has a signature cocktail named after them.
If you’re ready for outdoor exercise, this was a big hit with me as a fun outdoor adventure called Bikeshare. Free bikes are available at the Ridgeland Visitors Center or The Bike Crossing. You can ride the Trace or explore Ridgeland’s Retail Trail. Ridgeland Bikeshare offers an easy, free way to explore. The multi-use trail provides over 13 miles for walking, jogging, and bicycling, featuring shaded trails in thick forests and historic landmarks. This trail is rich in Choctaw Indian history.
If you are adventurous and up for trying something different, you must try Vintage Air Tours. Our expert pilot, David Mars, showed us spectacular aerial views of Ridgeland from his 1929 biplane. With an open canopy, this flight covers miles of countryside at low altitude, similar to a crop duster. This exhilarating experience gave us a unique perspective of Ridgeland and the Natchez Trace, a must-stop in the center of these Southern Crossroads.
One of my favorite areas in Ridgeland is the Railroad District and historic Old Town. There are many businesses to explore and experience. The Lily Pad Cafe is a very unique and special restaurant – with a much bigger purpose than food. The Lily Pad runs as a not-for-profit restaurant focused on employing and training individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to give them the work skills and confidence necessary to obtain employment with other businesses. It has been very successful.
Ely’s is perfect for a romantic dinner. It emphasizes the highest-quality beef, seafood, and spirits while featuring an extensive wine list and friendly professional service. Located upstairs overlooking the Railroad District in Old Town Ridgeland, Ely’s mixes the old with the new, offering time-tested dishes in a cozy, upscale, contemporary setting unlike most local steak and seafood restaurants. The food is exceptional.
Also tucked away in the historic Railroad District lies a little treasure waiting to be discovered—CW Organics Apothecary & Tea Room. This welcoming tearoom with the charm of an organic apothecary offers more than just a cup of tea. It’s a fully sensory experience that invites you to savor the moment and immerse yourself in the charming atmosphere. There are carefully curated selections of teas that promote wellness and provide an aromatic experience. And what’s teatime without some delicious tea sandwiches, scones, biscuits, and sweets, that are perfect for snacking and sharing with friends? This place is definitely my cup of tea!
And don’t miss Allison Avery. This Demi-Fine jewelry company specializes in 14K Gold Filled and 18K Gold Plated over Sterling Silver. All jewelry is designed by Allison, and most pieces are made in her studio in Ridgeland. They have a lifetime guarantee! Demi-Fine Jewelry Brand can be seen in Vogue, and Vanity Fair, and sells at QVC and Macy’s. Allison Avery is a beautiful jewelry boutique that is the perfect place to buy a personalized gift for yourself or a friend. I even purchased personalized birthday gifts for my daughters there. Honestly, it’s a treat just going inside this lovely boutique!
The Renaissance at Colony Park is another excellent stop. It brings the finest national and local retail shops and restaurants to the entire State of Mississippi. With its Lifestyle Main Street concept, the open-air center features an outstanding European design theme, elaborate water features, landscaping, and lighting. Spacious common areas provide a place for special events, an opportunity to dine al fresco or to stroll and relax.
Don’t miss the Dancing Fountains at the north end of the Renaissance. This entertaining and fun photo op provides a whimsical background to stand in front of. The Renaissance Show Fountain is the only show fountain in the state, dancing along to music and lights.
Nearby on the south side of this shopping complex is the beautiful new Ridgeland Visitors Center, where a giant welcoming mural represents this active community. It is the perfect place to pause, take a picture, and document your Deep South location and road trip. All of this comes together to create a fantastic and vibrant destination.
Plan your Ridgeland and Natchez Trace adventure:
https://www.exploreridgeland.com/
https://www.scenictrace.com/
Terri Guthrie is a travel journalist based in Dallas, Texas. Her syndicated work appears in numerous publications across North America and beyond. She is formerly a broadcast news director for WFTW Vacationland Broadcasting and a radio announcer for Florida’s AP Network News. Her husband, Ron, a retired USAF Fighter Pilot and Commercial International Airline Pilot, globe-trots with Terri as her assistant and videographer. Having visited 50+ countries across all six continents, Terri’s travels focus on cultural immersion, local gastronomy, unique activities, and incredible journeys. She is obsessed with our national parks, historic hotels, and photography. Terri avidly promotes responsible travel experiences. Visit https://travelwithterri.net/
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