The Best Stops on Your Drive from Blue Mountain to Ridgeland

Sometimes, the journey is more important than the destination, especially when the scenery is as beautiful as the route from Blue Mountain to Ridgeland. This drive is a scenic route through the heart of Mississippi, and there are several stops worth adding to your itinerary along the way. From small-town charm to breathtaking natural views, here are the top places you should see on your drive from Blue Mountain to Ridgeland.

The Small-Town Charms of Ripley and New Albany

Ripley and New Albany are two small towns located along Highway 15, which connects Blue Mountain to Tupelo before linking up with Highway 78 towards Memphis. Both towns have preserved their historic architecture and offer visitors a glimpse into a bygone era.

Ripley has a quaint downtown, with shops, restaurants, and the Tippah County Historical Museum. The museum is housed in a restored courthouse and has exhibits on the history of the county, from the Native American inhabitants to the Civil War and beyond.

New Albany is home to the Union County Heritage Museum, which is housed in the former county courthouse, built in 1909. The museum has several exhibits, including a collection of Civil War artifacts, a diorama depicting life in Mississippi during the Great Depression, and an exhibit on Northeast Mississippi's musical heritage.

Explore the Scenic Sights of Holly Springs National Forest

Just a short detour off Highway 78 will bring you to Holly Springs National Forest, which offers some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in Mississippi. The forest covers over 155,000 acres and features a variety of habitats, including hardwood forests, pine plantations, and clear streams.

Take a hike along one of the many trails in the forest, which range from easy to moderate difficulty. Along the way, you may spot some of the many animals that call the forest home, including deer, turkey, and black bears. The forest is also home to several lakes and streams, which are great for fishing, swimming, or just taking in the scenery.

Oxford, Home of Ole Miss and William Faulkner

Just off Highway 7 lies Oxford, a charming college town that's home to the University of Mississippi (commonly known as Ole Miss), and the famous American writer, William Faulkner. Faulkner lived in Oxford most of his life, and his home is now a museum that's open to visitors.

Ole Miss has a picturesque campus, with many of the buildings dating back to the antebellum period. Take a stroll through the Grove, a large park on campus, and a popular spot for tailgating during football season. While in town, be sure to visit Square Books, an independent bookstore that's a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

The Blues Trail in Clarksdale

If you're a fan of blues music, the town of Clarksdale is a must-see stop on your drive from Blue Mountain to Ridgeland. Located just off Highway 61 (also known as the Blues Highway), Clarksdale is known as the birthplace of the blues and has several sites dedicated to the genre's history.

Visit the Delta Blues Museum, which has an extensive collection of artifacts and exhibits on blues legends such as Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, and B.B. King. Take a tour of the Rock and Blues Museum, a private collection of blues memorabilia, or check out the live music at one of the town's many clubs and juke joints.

Jackson, the State's Capital City

Your journey comes to an end in the state capital city of Jackson, an urban oasis that's filled with a variety of attractions and things to do. Take a tour of the Mississippi State Capitol building, which was completed in 1903 and has a beautiful copper dome.

Visit the Mississippi Museum of Art, which has a collection of over 5,000 works of art, from contemporary to classics. Take a stroll through the Mississippi Freedom Trail, which highlights the state's role in the Civil Rights Movement. Finish off your journey with a meal at one of the many restaurants in the city, which offer a range of cuisines that reflect the state's diverse backgrounds.

Conclusion

Driving from Blue Mountain to Ridgeland is a journey through the heart of Mississippi that offers a glimpse into the state's rich history, diverse culture, and beautiful natural landscapes. From small-town charms to popular college towns to the capital city, there's something for everyone along this scenic route. So the next time you're planning a road trip, make sure to add these stops to your itinerary and experience all that Mississippi has to offer.