An "Old World" Shopping Experience ...

A touch of "Old World" style and elegance has arrived in Ridgeland, Mississippi, an upscale community a little to the north of Jackson, in central Mississippi.

Renaissance at Colony Park is a shopper's dream come true and an architectural masterpiece. Featuring elegant old world architectural designs, luxurious landscaping, and truly awesome water features, Renaissance is an enchanting and captivating shopping village offering unique and memorable shopping, dining, and entertainment experiences for all ages.

It is, without a doubt, my favorite place to shop, and I'd like to share it with those of you who live in Mississippi, or who will be traveling through the Jackson area during your summer vacation.

Last week, I happened to have my camera in my car when I visited Renaissance, and I captured a little of its charm to share with you (you can click on the photos to enlarge them, if you'd like).

This is the main entrance ...

This gorgeous fountain, reminiscent of the Trevi Fountain in Rome, never ceases to amaze and delight me ...

And this magnificent creature welcomes guests to P.F. Chang's ...

Biaggi's is our favorite Italian restaurant at Renaissance ...

This stunning clock tower is in the middle of the shopping center, and is always beautifully landscaped. I think they completely replace all the flowers and plants at the first sign of wilting or fading (I wish we could do that, don't you!) ...

A few of the shops ...

This shop sounds like my kind of place, and I can't wait until it opens ...

This little guy was having a ball running in and out of the fountains. I'm sure this will be popular with the little ones this summer ...

I almost forgot one of the shops at Renaissance that I love best -- the Fresh Market grocery store. Excuse me ... describing Fresh Market as a "grocery store" is like describing a Mercedes as just "a car."

Shopping at Fresh Market is truly an "experience," and a treat for the senses. Everywhere you look are beautiful displays of fresh vegetables, fruits, flowers, pastries and breads ... and its meat and seafood cases are filled with only the best and freshest. To add to its "old world" ambiance, classical music plays softly in the background. Buying groceries is one of my least favorite things to do, but I love shopping at Fresh Market.

I probably sound like a commercial for Renaissance, but if you are in the area this summer, I think it would be well worth the time to see it for yourself. I don't think you would be disappointed.

Here is a link to the web site, if you'd like more information: Renaissance at Colony Park.