It takes a delicate touch to create culinary masterpieces; patience and skill to weave a perfect basket and vision to transform a lump of clay into a piece of graceful pottery.  This and more has helped Ridgeland, Mississippi grow from a small artist colony to a premier shopping destination with over 140 restaurants and quality accommodations.  In addition, the city is home to the Mississippi Crafts Center, unlimited shopping venues and now…the Viking Cooking School.

If you love to cook, entertain or just appreciate the pleasure of great food, the Viking Cooking School is the place to indulge your passions.  The cooking school offers students great recipe ideas in hands-on and demonstration classes taught by expert instructors and visiting guest chefs.  It is located in one of Ridgeland’s newest lifestyle developments, the Township at Colony Park.

While in town, you will also want to explore the Natchez Trace Parkway, a 444-mile All-American Road and National Scenic Byway that meanders through our city.  On its path, natural excitement abounds with miles of Scenic Trails and a roadway perfect for motorcycling, RVing and bicycling. Within this treasure, you will find 157 types of birds, state parks, riding trails, civil war historic interpretations, American-Indian artifacts, cultural and heritage opportunities and waterways such as the Ross Barnett Reservoir.

The 33,000-acre Ross Barnett Reservoir features parks, campgrounds, boating, fishing, swimming, paved trails, pavilions, disc golf and wildlife viewing.  It is the perfect venue for picnics and relaxation.  It also hosts numerous events throughout the year such as the Dragon Boat Regatta and the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra’s Pepsi Pops. 

Situated between the Natchez Trace Parkway and the reservoir is the 20,000 square foot Mississippi Crafts Center offering cultural experiences with true craftsmen. It showcases a colorful array of traditional and contemporary Mississippi crafts created by artisans of the Mississippi Craftsmen’s Guild.  The Center houses a sales gallery, a permanent collection of one-of-a-kind craft objects, including an extensive Mississippi Choctaw basket collection and meeting space.

Shopping for art in Ridgeland doesn’t end there as you can admire and purchase works at one of our numerous art galleries such as Jackson Street Gallery, Southern Breeze Gallery or View Gallery. 

Ridgeland also offers several specialty shopping malls, boutiques and antique stores, all within minutes of one another.

After enjoying so much activity (or relaxation if you prefer), you will need to recharge at one of our quality hotels.  Also take advantage of the opportunity to dine at one of 140 plus restaurants and enjoy a delicious meal.

Before you come, be sure to visit www.visitridgeland.com to view our wide range of special events.

Ridgeland has all the charm of a small Southern town with the amenities of a larger city.  With the metropolitan area of Jackson just across the street, it’s easy to plan an extended trip while staying in Ridgeland.  Contact us today so we can help you plan your getaway – www.visitridgeland.com or 800-468-6078.