25+ Best Things to Do in Ridgeland, MS

Ridgeland is a beautiful city in Mississippi’s Jackson metro area. It is easily accessible from either I-55 or the Natchez Trace Parkway. Whether you enjoy shopping, eating good food, spending time outside, or listening to live music, there is something for everyone in Ridgeland. Here are the 25+ best things to do in Ridgeland, MS, that we love to do, as suggested by a local.

Ridgeland is Mississippi’s premier shopping area. With several outdoor shopping complexes, local boutiques, and even a craft center, Ridgeland has everything you are looking for!

Explore The Bill Waller Craft Center

You can pick up a handmade gift from the Bill Waller Craft Center, where more than 400 local artists have their handicrafts for sale. You’ll be quick to fall down the rabbit hole looking at the fantastic crafts and trinkets in this huge and attractive space that is just off the Natchez Trace Parkway.

The Southern creators at this venue also teach classes; check the schedule to sign up. The Bill Waller Craft Center is the official headquarters for the Craftsmen’s Guild of Mississippi.

Shop Or Dine Renaissance At Colony Park

The Renaissance at Colony Park is home to high-end shopping and the only Apple store in Mississippi. You can spend hours looking through the beautiful boutiques at this easy-to-access complex featuring Altar’d State, Barnes & Noble Booksellers, The Orvis Company, and Free People.

Check Out Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry

One of the best things you can do in Ridgeland, MS, is visit the state’s finest jewelry store, Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry. You’ll find it at Renaissance at Colony Park. Watch for sales and special events, like this meet & greet with world-famous jeweler David Yurman.

Eat A Yummy Treat From Whimsy Cookie Co.

After you’ve worked up a hunger, pop into the pretty pink Whimsy Cookie Company for something yummy and beautiful. Chow down on a wide variety of treats, from chocolate dipped Oreos to chocolate chip, peanut butter, and oatmeal cookies.

Our favorites are the Whimsey Butter Gooey cookies, available in 9 flavors, like red velvet and birthday cake.

Fun Fact: Collins Tuohy (The Blind Side) is co-owner of this franchise.

Explore The Jackson Street District

In the Jackson Street District of Olde Towne Ridgeland, you will find stores like Ella James Bridal, Kinkade’s Fine Clothing, Posh Bump Maternity, and Smitten Gift Boutique.

Kinkade’s is a lovely men’s shop with formalwear and upscale name brands, plus custom tailoring. In fact, you can find several really nice men’s clothing stores in Mississippi.

Shop for Antiques

In another part of town, the Highway 51/Lake Harbour area, are treasures like the Book Shelf, Trendy Treasures Consignment, and Antique Mall of the South, arguably the best antique shop in the greater Jackson area.

Hit The Ridgeland Retail Trail

Ridgeland’s shopping is laid out on a Retail Trail. Download the Ridgeland Retail Trail map or pick one up at the Ridgeland Visitor’s Center.

Find the likes of J Olive Company, Diva Dog, and Cowboy’s Kitchens at the Township at Highland Colony. Then follow the suggestions for the best spots in town to bag a bargain. There are plenty of shopping opportunities awaiting you in Ridgeland, Mississippi.

Walk A Portion Of The Natchez Trace

A portion of the Old Natchez Trace can be found in Ridgeland. This very historic travel forest trail was used by Native Americans, soldiers, and even slave traders. Closely following it, through three states, is the scenic 444-mile Natchez Trace Parkway.

Fun Fact: If your kid is learning to drive, a road trip down the entire Natchez Trace, with speed limits between 45-50 mph, is an excellent learning tool. If you drive the entire Trace, you can start in Nashville and end in Natchez, where we have some excellent dining suggestions.

Grab A Coffee Or Tea At Fusion Coffeehouse

Choose your favorite coffee drink, tea, soda, or smoothie from Fusion Coffeehouse, a comfortable coffee shop with indoor and outdoor seating serving Ridgeland since 2003.

Food includes breakfast sandwiches, yogurt, scones, chicken salad, muffins, and paninis.

My granddaughter gave the non-coffee frozen drink a big thumbs up; chocolate covered biscotti, too.

Browse A Well-Stocked Bookstore

Barnes & Noble Booksellers, though becoming fewer and fewer around the nation, hits a homerun in Ridgeland with this well stocked and friendly bookstore. You can always find a great book to read, games, gifts, movies, and card for every occasion at B&N.

Head Over To The Ross Barnett Reservoir “The Rez”

Ridgeland is home to a 33,000-acre lake, the Ross Barnett Reservoir. Enjoy kayaking or fishing (bowfin, crappies, and smallmouth buffalo) on the Reservoir, go bird watching, or camp on the 105 miles of majestic shoreline.

Between March and September, you can rent a boat; pontoons are super fun on this waterway. Please note: pets are not allowed on rentals.

A short distance from the reservoir, make use of the city’s 14-mile Recreational Trail, now known as the Natchez Trace Chisha Foka Multi-Use Trail. Whether you want to walk, bike, or run, spend some time enjoying the outdoors in this bicycle friendly community. 

Get Active With Yoga Or Pilates

Start your day in Ridgeland with a blood-pumping Pilates experience at the Pilates Studio of Ridgeland or a zenful yoga class at M Theory Yoga. Check online for the latest deals and savings.

Have A Makeover At Amy Head Cosmetics

Treat yourself to some “me” time with a glamorous makeover at Amy Head Cosmetics, where you’ll have a custom new look from one of their talented representatives.

Shop Monkee’s Of Ridgeland

I find Monkee’s of Ridgeland (At Renaissance) to be the nicest ladies store in Ridgeland. You’ll find stylish threads for casualwear, cocktail parties, and formal events in this trendy little shop. They also have accessories and outerwear.

Pamper Yourself At Drench Day Spa: One of the Best Things to Do in Ridgeland, MS

Another perfect activity to splurge on yourself is a relaxing body treatment or facial treatment from the Drench Day Spa, one of Mississippi’s top raved-about facilities.

The spa is gorgeous and has a relaxation room and shopping area to take home your favorite products. My talented therapist had magic hands; I highly recommend the deep tissue massage.

Party At Shucker’s Oyster Bar

You may be surprised to know that Ridgeland has a great nightlife, as well as a restaurant scene. Many restaurants have live music, or you can go to the local favorites on the Reservoir: Pelican Cove Grill or Shucker’s Oyster Bar, where the fun is endless.

If you singing karaoke is your thing, McB’s is the place for you.

Dine In Ridgeland, MS

There is no shortage of Wherever I May Roam-approved restaurants in Ridgeland, Mississippi, offering everything from Greek to Mexican, farm-to-table to hole-in-the-wall. I appreciate the casual and fine dining choices, a nice mix of both.

Another Broken Egg

Breakfast is delicious from Another Broken Egg, a beloved Southern chain with creative combinations and dishes for breakfast, brunch, and lunch. I love the Benedicts and fresh orange juice. Another Broken Egg has seasonal dishes, too.

Local 463 Urban Kitchen

Local 463 Urban Kitchen is my go-to for delicious southern eats in an aesthetically pleasing space (Renaissance at Highland Colony). If you go for lunch, arrive early as they fill up quickly. Try the daily special (blue plate), or the fried chicken and burgers are always good choices. Staring your meal with the Portobello Fries is also a smart choice.

I can’t seem to pass up the four-veggie plate, especially since in the south that means lots of carbs, so that is always my order at Local 463. The platter comes with cornbread and a small salad with comeback dressing, too. Yummy!

Local 463’s wine selection is tremendous.

Sombra Mexican Kitchen

My family mostly goes to Ridgeland for lunch, so several of the dining establishments are not open. When we visit during dinner hours, Ely’s Restaurant & Bar and Sombra Mexican Kitchen are two of our top picks. 

At Sombra, enjoy dining with your pets on the pet-friendly patio as you enjoy endless chips and zesty salsa or your favorite Mexican food meal. The Tamale Trio is off the hook.

Be sure to have a refreshing margarita; Sombra makes them best!

Try these other Mississippi foodie hotspots, Brandon and Flowood.

Krilakis

We go to Krilakis when we need to satisfy our Greek cravings, which is pretty often. Krilakis makes delicious Gyros, chicken and beef/lamb, or switch it up for a healthier salad choice. This casual eatery has a small patio and attractive Greek decor.

Tico’s Steakhouse

One of the Jackson area’s most romantic dining option for 30+ years is Tico’s Steakhouse, a longstanding Ridgeland dining spot. This restaurant is known for mouth-watering steaks and fresh seafood.

Tantalizing appetizers, like fried crab claws, shrimp remoulade, and stuffed mushrooms, are perfect for getting your Tico’s dining experience started. Veal, lamb, and pork chops, plus chicken, are alternative main course options to seafood and steak.

Hours of operation are Monday through Saturday 4:30 PM to 10 PM.

Ely’s

Ely’s is an upscale restaurant that serves excellent cuts of beef and uber-fresh seafood in a contemporary atmosphere. It is also on the Mississippi Seafood Trail.

The Shrimp and Crawfish Dip is a must, and a perfect dinner option is Filet Louisiana, with creole BBQ butter and shrimp. Doubtful you could order anything on the menu that wouldn’t be sheer perfection. Reservations are recommended.

Dogmud Tavern

Eat, drink, play, and socialize at Dogmud Tavern, my latest and fascinating find in Ridgeland. Family friendly and with indoor and outdoor seating, this unique place promotes boardgames during your meal or visit. Coining the phrase best “geek” hangout, every night is game night at this cool stop.

Join in for Thursday night trivia, strike up a real conversation with a stranger (a bonus person to game with), and check out the selection of 120 games on the shelf as you have a mighty good time in a one-of-a-kind establishment.

The menu includes creative salads, burgers, pizza, hot dogs, quesadillas, and loads of scrumptious appetizers.

Stay at the Ridgeland TownePlace Suites

While visiting Ridgeland, we recommend staying at the Ridgeland TownePlace Suites. This extended-stay hotel helps you balance work and life with comfort and flexibility. The location is perfect; you are immersed in the Township area, surrounded by impeccable restaurants and locally owned stores.

Rooms are spacious and include a kitchen, while a gorgeous fire pit area is a big draw outside the hotel. Best of all, the Ridgeland TownePlace Suites offer complimentary breakfast and WiFi.

Tip: The Ridgeland TownePlace Suites is pet-friendly.

Extend your trip and visit Coastal MS for a few days. Between the beaches, historic sites, and casinos, you’ll have no problem finding a good time.

Experience A Mississippi Gem

Come experience Mississippi’s best shopping and dining destination! Whether you are visiting Ridgeland on a day trip or for a long weekend with your family or girlfriends, there is plenty to see and do in Ridgeland, Mississippi.

During my overnight visit, our room, activities, and some food were taken care of by the Ridgeland CVB. As always, opinions and reviews and unbiased and completely mine.

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