About Madison County, MS

I.O. Metro Furniture Opens in Ridgeland, MS

A new I.O. Metro furniture store in Ridgeland, MS opens to the public Friday.

The store will be located in mixed-use development Renaissance at Colony Park on Highland Colony Parkway in Ridgeland MS.

Self-described as "not your typical furniture store," I.O. Metro offers eclectic import furniture, home accessories, art, lighting and more.

The Ridgeland, MS store is I.O. Metro's first entry into Mississippi. Arkansas-based I.O. Metro, LLC has 11 stores nationwide, concentrated in the Midwest and the South.

Renaissance is an open-air development, which includes 60 retail stores, several upscale restaurants, a gourmet grocery, a hotel and multiple office buildings.

About half of Renaissance's retail stores have opened. Retailers opening soon included Mint Restaurant, Maggie Moo's ice cream, Lucky Brand Jeans, Sleepstore by Miskelly, Bath Junkie, Red Square Clothing, Wine Bistro, Wine Market, a salon and day spa and Hyatt Place Hotel, said Renaissance spokeswoman Jan Mattiace.

Ready to make your next move? We have several Homes for Sale in Madison MS, Brandon MS, and Ridgeland MS. Search the local MLS for 1000's of homes in the Jackson, MS Metro area.

If you're Relocating to Brandon MS or live in this area and would like to view some of the homes currently listed on the market call Herrington Realty Co. today at 601-977-1114.

Looking for a home on the Reservoir? You will find everything you want in the Brandon MS area. The City of Brandon MS is a great place to live and is served by the Rankin County School District.

Welcome to Carlton Parke located in Ridgeland, MS. This subdivision has its own clubhouse, tennis court and swimming pool, along with a beautifully landscaped boulevard adn othe common areas. As a retiree, Bill Hill, Homeowners Association President, gives frequently of him time to maintaining the common areas of Carlton Parke, Ridgeland MS. He says the residents there work together, sharing skills and talent to maintain the property.

According to Hill there are 45 lots in the subdivision with 40 inside the gates and 5 outside. Two lots remain undeveloped. Carton Parke II, a section of approximately 35 to 40 houses, is available for future developemnt adjacent to the original section. Bill Hill says, "Lot sizes here are at least 1/2 acre to over 1 acre. Houses are a mix of architectural styles, from Acadian to Tudor. We don't allow the same floor plan for any of the houses, and there are all attractive."

Residents state that one of the great assets of Carlton Parke, Ridgeland MS is that it is a wonderfully diverse neighborhood. "People get along here very well," says Bill Hill. Carlton Parke, Ridgeland MS is a community that really comes together, appreciating differences and embracing their diversity. All ages of people live here and they are from all cultures and religions.

Location is another important and attractive feature of Carlton Parke, Ridgeland MS. You simply cannot beat the close proximity to upscale shopping, the high quality schoool options, the extraordinary eateries that are right down the road, the beautiful Natchez Trace Parkway nearby, the bike trails, and the extremely easy intersate access.

The neighborhood has a Halloween party where they "go to the clubhouse and enjoy hot cider, cupckes and leftover candy,", says Swenson. Sometimes a group of folks gather to decoreate teh entrace for Chrismas. There is an annual Pool Party in June where the adults visit and socialize, while all the kids play.

Swenson says that at least six different schoosl are represented in the neighborhood. Several school age children attend Madison County Schools in Ridgeland, MS and several attend private schools in Ridgeland MS, Jackson MS, and Madison County MS.

Carlton Park is a good example of what makes Ridgeland MS, Ridgeland MS. It consists of friendly residents who are involved in their neighborhood and community, looking out for each other.

Sure, it's romantic, but when comes right down to it, your fireplace is an energy hog. As one of the most energy inefficient features of your home it eats about 24,000 cubic feet of nice furnace warmed air each hour and spits it out the top of the chimney (Department of Energy). And as a bonus the air is replaced by cold air that comes in the opposite direction through the same opening, causing your furnace to work extra hard to keep your house nice and toasty. Yet, we love gathering round a warm hearth with a nice cup of hot chocolate as much as the next guy. Just remember to turn the thermostat down a little when you use it. Also, crack a window in the room where the fireplace is located and then close the door, so it doesn't suck too much warm air from the rest of the house.

Cost: $0. Payback: Immediate.

Today I was treated to a superb lunch at the Parker House Restaurant in Olde Towne Ridgeland. The Parker House has an interesting history that you can read about on their website, but suffice it to say that it is fine dining in a old English style residence-turned-restaurant in the heart of Olde Towne.

The food was exquisitely prepared and served in a timely fashion. Our meal began with a serving of fried green tomatoes, some of the best I've ever had. It was difficult deciding what to order--everything looked so GOOD! Although I strongly considered the shrimp and grits, ultimately I selected the fried catfish topped with sauteed mushrooms and lump crab-meat. Delicious! And the side of garlic smashed potatoes were just as yummy.

They have a daily luncheon special at The Parker House. Fried quail with (I think) the smashed potatoes was today's choice. I'm sure it was good, but my dinner companion and I chose to order off the menu. And we were very pleased with our meal. We skipped dessert and instead munched on dinner rolls topped with sweet honey butter.

The atmosphere of The Parker House is something to experience. We sat in one of the private booths, complete with curtains that can be closed for a more intimate setting. The booth was private enough to carry on a conversation with few distractions.

There is a bar and lounge in the back of the restaurant, which overlooks their pool and three-tired fountain. There is outdoor seating, too, if you care to dine in their courtyard. At night it is lit with soft accent lighting, making it a truly enticing place to dine.

The Parker House has dining rooms that can accommodate groups, so keep that in mind when planning holiday parties.

The Parker House is located just off Highway 51 and West Jackson Street on SE Madison Drive in "Olde Towne" Ridgeland.

Written and Published by Pat Starnes, McIntosh and Assoc., LLC

It's not too late to sign up for the inaugural "Run"dezvous and Bike Too Duathlon which will take place Saturday, November 15 at 7:30 a.m. on historic Jackson Street in Ridgeland, Mississippi. Proceeds will benefit Mississippi Children's Home Services' Jean Austin Bagley Campus.

Proceeds raised will benefit Mississippi Children's Home Services' expand their new campus and provide services to Mississippi children and youth, many victims of abuse and neglect. The new 21-acres Jean Austin Bagley Campus will provide a safe place, devoted to the nurture and care of those in need of residential treatment, special education, music and art therapy, and recreational therapy. On the corner of North West Street and Woodrow Wilson Avenue, staff and volunteers will be able to devote help to Mississippi children, youth and their families with behavioral health and educational issues.

Make plans now to be a part of the Jackson, MS Metro area's only duathlon of the year!

Beginning and ending on Historic Jackson Street in Ridgeland, Mississippi, the event will start with a 5K run, transition into a 22K bike, and finish with a 1 mile run. The gun will sound at 7:30 a.m. transition opens at 6:30 a.m. and will be located next to the railroad crossing.

Be sure and stick around after the event for great food and beverages provided by Blue Moon Café, Soulshine Pizza and Lazy Magnolia Brewery! Also, enjoy the festivities as Jackson Street will be hosting an art and blues festival celebrating the heart and soul of Mississippi.

Registration is $75 for individuals or register as a relay team to $150. There will be a lost chip fee of $30. NO RACE DAY REGISTRATION! Registrants will receive a long sleeve technical shirt. Proceeds to benefit the Mississippi Children's Home Services Jean Austin Bagley Campus "Coming Full Circle" Capital Campaign.

are awards for 1, 2, 3 overall male/female; overall masters male/female; overall grand masters male/female; overall Clydesdale/Athena; overall relay male/female/mixed; and three deep male/female in the following age categories: -19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, +60.

Packet pick-up will be at Fleet Feet Sports on November 14, 2008 from 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. The following items are required for packet pick-up: photo ID, proof of annual USAT Membership or a one-day membership (available at packet pick-up for $10), and a signed event waiver.

Click Here for Information on the City of Ridgeland, MS

Click Here For Ridgeland MS Real Estate Homes for Sale

Ready to make your next move? We have several Homes for Sale in Madison MS, Brandon MS, and Ridgeland MS. Search the local MLS for 1000's of homes in the Jackson, MS Metro area.

If you're Relocating to Brandon MS or live in this area and would like to view some of the homes currently listed on the market call Herrington Realty Co. today at 601-977-1114

Looking for a home on the Reservoir? You will find everything you want in the Brandon MS area. The City of Brandon MS is a great place to live and is served by the Rankin County School District.