It’s high summer, and the rush of end-of-school parties, Memorial Day celebrations, and early June weddings have come and gone. What’s left is quieter—quiet and hot. Office hours are sunless, air conditioned, lethargic. The dog days of summer bring on a longing: for time by the water, in the shade, with good food and good friends … somewhere those “Hope this email finds you well!” alerts won’t find you. Enter, Ridgeland: an outdoorsman’s paradise, chockful of all the escape-worthy activities a summer getaway should offer, and ideally located in an urban setting for those requisite niceties you don’t want to do without. So, make the most of your summer in the wild heart of central Mississippi—schedule some PTO, round up the guys, and make a long weekend of it. The possibilities are limitless. This summer, choose your own adventure.
Kayaking in Ridgeland
Relax at “The Rez”
Craving quiet on the water, or maybe the camaraderie of a kayaking trip? Head to “The Rez,” the locals’ name for the Barnett Reservoir. At 33,000 acres, with another 17,000 acres surrounding the lake, the reservoir is Central Mississippi’s largest recreational destination—and the ideal location for any number of outdoor activities. Boating, fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding opportunities abound, ideal for cooling off during the hot summer months. If you’re jonesing to put your boat in the water, The Rez provides multiple put-in spots with Madison Landing Boat Ramp being your closest to Ridgeland, and Fannin Landing Circle Boat Ramp, Rankin Boat Ramp, and the Goshen Springs Boat Ramp just a short drive away for access to other parts of The Rez. No boat? No problem. You can rent kayaks from Pearl River Kayaks, and pontoon boats and boating supplies from the Main Harbor Store.The fishermen in the group will be pleased to learn the Rez is a natural fish hatchery with fertile water, perfect for catching bass, catfish, crappie, bream, sunfish, white bass, and striped bass, among other species.There’s even hunting available (make sure to apply for your Alligator Hunting License), so come prepared. For those planning a weekend away, be sure to check out any of the comfortable, high-quality accommodations throughout Ridgeland for true relaxation—and the chance to make the most of your time on the Rez.
Hit the bike trails in Ridgeland
Hit the trails
For adrenaline lovers, look no further than Ridgeland’s robust mountain biking scene. Ridgeland Mountain Bike Trails delivers ten miles of fast, singletrack woodland trails bristling with newly added jump lines, berms, and rock formations—all meticulously maintained by the Tri-County Mountain Bike Association. There’re courses suited to all skill levels, from the flowy, somewhat flat “Beginners Luck” route, to a more challenging “Down and Out” path (all downhill, with some serious jumps and drops). Magnolia Ridge BMX serves up more high-energy experiences, with recreational and competitive racing for those who want to push themselves even more. More sedate cycling opportunities can be found on the 10 mile paved path through the historic Choctaw homelands on the Chisha Foka Multi-Use Trail.
Top Gold in Ridgeland
Adventures in Town
After a day or two spent soaking up Mississippi’s expansive, vibrant wilderness, the boys might want to head to Topgolf Ridgeland for an entirely different sort of adventure—one offering plenty of all-weather hitting bays, interactive Toptracer games, a full-service bar, and a mini golf course, among other amenities.
Then, when practicing your swing has whetted appetites, it’s time to hit up any one of Ridgeland’s top-tier steakhouses for dinner and drinks with the guys. With an abundance of options, you really can’t miss. Try Shapley's Restaurant, renowned for fine dining and steaks for forty years and counting, or Ely's Restaurant & Bar, named Business Insider’s “Best Steakhouse in Mississippi” in 2017. Meanwhile, Kathryn’s Steaks & Seafood Restaurant has a well-deserved reputation for its live music as much as its menu, and local roots stretching back to 1979, with Koestler Prime Steakhouse sought after for the award-winning wine list that complements its steaks.
So what are you waiting for? Cue up the group text. Schedule the plans. Make the reservations. Ridgeland, in all its summertime glory, is ready for you.
Plan your escape at exploreRidgeland.com.
