Hotels logo

Hotels with Free Breakfast in Ridgeland

October 2026
November 2026

Free cancellation options if plans change

Earn rewards on every night you stay

Save more with Member Prices

Check prices for these dates

This weekend
Sep 25 - Sep 27
Next weekend
Oct 2 - Oct 4

Hotels with Free Breakfast in Ridgeland

Properties are selected based on real traveler reviews and popularity among guests who’ve booked a night in Ridgeland on Hotels.com. These Ridgeland Hotels with Free Breakfast consistently deliver on quality, location and traveler experience. Last updated on September 25, 2026.
A hotel with a modern design, featuring a prominent entrance and multiple parking spaces.
A swimming pool with a no diving sign, surrounded by a brick wall, a table with chairs, and a building with large windows.
A hotel room with a sofa, a chair, a wooden table, a lamp, a television, and a framed picture on the wall.
A hotel room with two beds, a desk, a TV, and two framed pictures on the wall.

1. Prado Hotel

Prado Hotel
Ridgeland
  • Breakfast included
  • Buffet breakfast
CNY569
CNY626 total
includes taxes & fees
Oct 26 - Oct 27
Prado Hotel
An outdoor seating area with a sofa, tables, and chairs, under a covered section with string lights.
A modern lounge area with sofas, chairs, and hanging chairs, featuring large windows and ceiling lights.
A modern hotel building with a brick facade, multiple windows, and a parking lot.
A modern breakfast area with a counter, seating, and large windows.

2. Tru By Hilton Ridgeland Jackson

Tru By Hilton Ridgeland Jackson
Ridgeland
  • Breakfast included
  • Buffet breakfast
CNY633
CNY697 total
includes taxes & fees
Oct 22 - Oct 23
Tru By Hilton Ridgeland Jackson
A swimming pool with four lounge chairs and a view of trees through large windows.
A modern breakfast bar with a coffee machine, yogurt, eggs, and milk dispenser.

3. Holiday Inn Express Jackson - Ridgeland by IHG

Holiday Inn Express Jackson - Ridgeland by IHG
Ridgeland
  • Breakfast included
  • Continental breakfast
CNY853
CNY938 total
includes taxes & fees
Oct 5 - Oct 6
Holiday Inn Express Jackson - Ridgeland by IHG
A hotel lobby with multiple seating areas, a reception desk, and a wall with framed pictures.
A Hampton Inn & Suites hotel with a brick facade, large windows, and a landscaped front yard with flowers and shrubs.
A hotel room with a large bed, a desk with a television, a chair, and a small kitchenette.
A swimming pool area with lounge chairs, a sunshade, and a view of the outdoors.

4. Hampton Inn & Suites Jackson-Ridgeland

Hampton Inn & Suites Jackson-Ridgeland
Ridgeland
  • Breakfast included
  • Buffet breakfast
CNY736
CNY810 total
includes taxes & fees
Oct 11 - Oct 12
Hampton Inn & Suites Jackson-Ridgeland
A Hyatt Place hotel entrance with a covered walkway, stone pillars, and a glass facade.
An outdoor patio with tables and chairs, a stone wall, and a view of a building in the background.
A spacious lobby with a seating area, a stone accent wall, and large windows.
A hotel lobby with seating areas, a reception desk, and a view of the outside.

5. Hyatt Place Jackson/ Ridgeland

Hyatt Place Jackson/ Ridgeland
Ridgeland
  • Breakfast included
  • To-go breakfast
CNY736
CNY809 total
includes taxes & fees
Oct 4 - Oct 5
Hyatt Place Jackson/ Ridgeland
A modern kitchen with a central island, bar seating, and a dining area.
A brick wall with the text "Jackson State University" in large letters.
A spacious lobby with a reception desk, seating area with armchairs and a round table, a potted plant, and a large window with curtains.
A modern interior with a seating area, a large wooden partition, and a white armchair.

6. Wingate by Wyndham Jackson/Ridgeland

Wingate by Wyndham Jackson/Ridgeland
Ridgeland
  • Breakfast included
  • Buffet breakfast
CNY570
CNY627 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 27 - Sep 28
Wingate by Wyndham Jackson/Ridgeland
A spacious lobby with a modern chandelier, seating area, and a large abstract sculpture.
A modern hotel room with a sectional sofa, a round ottoman, a flat-screen TV, a bed, and a large window with curtains.
A bar area with multiple seating options, a large TV, and shelves with bottles.
An indoor swimming pool with lounge chairs, a changing room, and a wooden wall with built-in lighting.

7. Embassy Suites by Hilton Jackson North Ridgeland

Embassy Suites by Hilton Jackson North Ridgeland
Ridgeland
  • Breakfast included
  • Cooked-to-order breakfast
CNY1,105
CNY1,216 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 27 - Sep 28
Embassy Suites by Hilton Jackson North Ridgeland
A modern dining area with multiple tables and chairs, large windows, and a television.
A hotel reception area with a modern design, including a curved reception desk, a minibar, and a wall with a word cloud display.
An outdoor patio area with a fire feature, seating, and a view of a building in the background.
A hotel room with a bed, desk, chair, TV, and large windows.

8. SpringHill Suites Jackson North/Ridgeland

SpringHill Suites Jackson North/Ridgeland
Ridgeland
  • Breakfast included
  • Full breakfast
CNY1,000
CNY1,100 total
includes taxes & fees
Oct 8 - Oct 9
SpringHill Suites Jackson North/Ridgeland
An outdoor seating area with a fire pit, yellow chairs, and a modern building in the background.
A hotel room with a large bed, a desk, a television, and a seating area with a chair and a small table.
A modern cafe with a long communal table, individual chairs, a coffee station, and a wall with a coffee and tea sign.
A gym with exercise equipment, a treadmill, dumbbells, and a spinning cycle area.

9. Home2 Suites by Hilton Jackson/Ridgeland, MS

Home2 Suites by Hilton Jackson/Ridgeland, MS
Ridgeland
  • Breakfast included
  • Full breakfast
CNY781
CNY860 total
includes taxes & fees
Oct 4 - Oct 5
Home2 Suites by Hilton Jackson/Ridgeland, MS
A multi-story hotel with a stone facade, large windows, and a welcoming entrance with a covered porch.
A spacious living area with a fireplace, a sofa, a dining area, and a balcony.
An outdoor patio area with a stone fire pit, seating, and a pergola structure.
A spacious hotel lobby with a large seating area, a coffee bar, and a television.

10. Staybridge Suites Jackson by IHG

Staybridge Suites Jackson by IHG
Ridgeland
  • Breakfast included
  • Buffet breakfast
CNY752
CNY827 total
includes taxes & fees
Oct 4 - Oct 5
Staybridge Suites Jackson by IHG
An outdoor patio with brick flooring, wooden chairs, a fire pit, and a view of a lake and buildings in the background.
A hotel room with a large bed, a desk, a chair, a small sofa, and a window with curtains.
A modern dining area with tables and chairs, a kitchen area, and a seating area with a wall-mounted artwork.
A hotel with a brick facade, a reflection in the water, and a sign reading "Towneplace Suites by Marriott".

11. TownePlace Suites Jackson Ridgeland/Township at Colony Park

TownePlace Suites Jackson Ridgeland/Township at Colony Park
Ridgeland
  • Breakfast included
  • Buffet breakfast
CNY896
CNY985 total
includes taxes & fees
Oct 24 - Oct 25
TownePlace Suites Jackson Ridgeland/Township at Colony Park
An outdoor patio with stone seating, a fire feature, and a dining area with umbrellas.
A spacious living area with a dining table, sofas, and a TV.
A spacious living area with a sofa, armchairs, and a coffee table. There is a dining area with chairs and a table, and a kitchen in the background.
A spacious lobby with a reception desk, seating area, and a dining setup.

12. Residence Inn by Marriott Jackson Ridgeland

Residence Inn by Marriott Jackson Ridgeland
Ridgeland
  • Breakfast included
  • Full breakfast
CNY710
CNY781 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 27 - Sep 28
Residence Inn by Marriott Jackson Ridgeland
A hotel room with two beds, a wooden headboard, a nightstand with a lamp, and a large landscape painting above the beds.
A modern kitchen with built-in appliances, a dining area with colorful chairs, and a large window providing natural light.

13. Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Ridgeland

Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Ridgeland
Ridgeland
  • To-go breakfast
CNY508
CNY559 total
includes taxes & fees
Oct 25 - Oct 26
Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Ridgeland
A modern hotel lobby with a central seating area, a fireplace, and a bar.
A hotel reception area with a white reception desk, a minibar, and a self-service beverage machine.
A modern hotel room with a living area, kitchenette, and a bed.
A hotel room with a bed, a TV mounted on the wall, a wooden floor, and a chair.

14. Homewood Suites by Hilton Jackson-Ridgeland

Homewood Suites by Hilton Jackson-Ridgeland
Ridgeland
  • Breakfast included
  • Full breakfast
CNY686
CNY754 total
includes taxes & fees
Oct 25 - Oct 26
Homewood Suites by Hilton Jackson-Ridgeland
A large brick building with a prominent 'Hilton Garden Inn' sign, featuring a symmetrical facade with large windows and a central entrance.

15. Hilton Garden Inn Jackson/Madison

Hilton Garden Inn Jackson/Madison
Madison
  • Cooked-to-order breakfast
CNY743
CNY795 total
includes taxes & fees
Oct 11 - Oct 12
Hilton Garden Inn Jackson/Madison
A modern cafe with wooden tables and blue chairs, green walls, and ceiling lights.
A modern hotel with a geometric facade, a covered entrance, and a well-lit parking area.
A laundry area with four stacked LG washing machines.
A hotel reception desk with a modern design, a green carpet, and a 'Hilton Honors' sign.

16. Spark By Hilton Jackson Ridgeland

Spark By Hilton Jackson Ridgeland
Jackson
  • Breakfast included
  • Continental breakfast
CNY499
CNY558 total
includes taxes & fees
Oct 12 - Oct 13
Spark By Hilton Jackson Ridgeland
A spacious lobby with a modern design, featuring a seating area with sofas and chairs, a kitchen area, and a dining space with tables and chairs.
A modern kitchen with a breakfast bar, granite countertops, and a coffee machine.
A hotel room with a large bed, a desk with a lamp, a chair, a coat rack, and a television.
A hotel room with a bed, a TV, a desk with a microwave, a chair, and a sofa.

17. Baymont by Wyndham Jackson/Ridgeland

Baymont by Wyndham Jackson/Ridgeland
Jackson
  • Breakfast included
  • Continental breakfast
CNY533
CNY602 total
includes taxes & fees
Oct 11 - Oct 12
Baymont by Wyndham Jackson/Ridgeland
A building entrance with a glass door and a security guard parking sign.

18. Comfort Inn Jackson North - Ridgeland

Comfort Inn Jackson North - Ridgeland
Jackson
  • Vegetarian breakfast
CNY478
CNY535 total
includes taxes & fees
Oct 25 - Oct 26
Comfort Inn Jackson North - Ridgeland
A large, historic building with a central dome and multiple wings, surrounded by a well-maintained park and modern buildings in the background.
A restaurant with a bar area, seating, and a kitchen in the background.
A hotel room with a bed, a small table, a sofa, a kitchenette, and a bathroom.
A spacious lobby with marble flooring, a reception desk, and seating areas.

19. Hilton Jackson

Hilton Jackson
Jackson
  • Full breakfast
CNY600
CNY671 total
includes taxes & fees
Oct 1 - Oct 2
Hilton Jackson
A hotel room with a desk, chair, bed, sofa, and a TV.
A modern kitchen with a built-in microwave, a sink, and a coffee maker. There is a dining area with a table and chairs, and a living room with a sofa and a lamp.
An outdoor patio with a long table and chairs, surrounded by umbrellas, and a pool in the background.

20. Home2 Suites by Hilton Jackson Flowood Airport Area

Home2 Suites by Hilton Jackson Flowood Airport Area
Flowood
  • Breakfast included
CNY726
CNY814 total
includes taxes & fees
Oct 4 - Oct 5
Home2 Suites by Hilton Jackson Flowood Airport Area
See more properties

Discover your perfect hotel with breakfast available in Ridgeland

Pool
4 stars
Wifi included
5 stars
Family-friendly

Hotels with free breakfast and pools in Ridgeland

A spacious lobby with a modern chandelier, seating area, and a large abstract sculpture.
A modern hotel room with a sectional sofa, a round ottoman, a flat-screen TV, a bed, and a large window with curtains.
A bar area with multiple seating options, a large TV, and shelves with bottles.
An indoor swimming pool with lounge chairs, a changing room, and a wooden wall with built-in lighting.

Embassy Suites by Hilton Jackson North Ridgeland

Embassy Suites by Hilton Jackson North Ridgeland
Ridgeland
CNY1,105
CNY1,216 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 27 - Sep 28
Embassy Suites by Hilton Jackson North Ridgeland
A hotel with a modern design, featuring a prominent entrance and multiple parking spaces.
A swimming pool with a no diving sign, surrounded by a brick wall, a table with chairs, and a building with large windows.
A hotel room with a sofa, a chair, a wooden table, a lamp, a television, and a framed picture on the wall.
A hotel room with two beds, a desk, a TV, and two framed pictures on the wall.

Prado Hotel

Prado Hotel
Ridgeland
CNY569
CNY626 total
includes taxes & fees
Oct 26 - Oct 27
Prado Hotel
A modern dining area with multiple tables and chairs, large windows, and a television.
A hotel reception area with a modern design, including a curved reception desk, a minibar, and a wall with a word cloud display.
An outdoor patio area with a fire feature, seating, and a view of a building in the background.
A hotel room with a bed, desk, chair, TV, and large windows.

SpringHill Suites Jackson North/Ridgeland

SpringHill Suites Jackson North/Ridgeland
Ridgeland
CNY1,000
CNY1,100 total
includes taxes & fees
Oct 8 - Oct 9
SpringHill Suites Jackson North/Ridgeland
A Hyatt Place hotel entrance with a covered walkway, stone pillars, and a glass facade.
An outdoor patio with tables and chairs, a stone wall, and a view of a building in the background.
A spacious lobby with a seating area, a stone accent wall, and large windows.
A hotel lobby with seating areas, a reception desk, and a view of the outside.

Hyatt Place Jackson/ Ridgeland

Hyatt Place Jackson/ Ridgeland
Ridgeland
CNY736
CNY809 total
includes taxes & fees
Oct 4 - Oct 5
Hyatt Place Jackson/ Ridgeland
A hotel lobby with multiple seating areas, a reception desk, and a wall with framed pictures.
A Hampton Inn & Suites hotel with a brick facade, large windows, and a landscaped front yard with flowers and shrubs.
A hotel room with a large bed, a desk with a television, a chair, and a small kitchenette.
A swimming pool area with lounge chairs, a sunshade, and a view of the outdoors.

Hampton Inn & Suites Jackson-Ridgeland

Hampton Inn & Suites Jackson-Ridgeland
Ridgeland
CNY736
CNY810 total
includes taxes & fees
Oct 11 - Oct 12
Hampton Inn & Suites Jackson-Ridgeland
An outdoor seating area with a fire pit, yellow chairs, and a modern building in the background.
A hotel room with a large bed, a desk, a television, and a seating area with a chair and a small table.
A modern cafe with a long communal table, individual chairs, a coffee station, and a wall with a coffee and tea sign.
A gym with exercise equipment, a treadmill, dumbbells, and a spinning cycle area.

Home2 Suites by Hilton Jackson/Ridgeland, MS

Home2 Suites by Hilton Jackson/Ridgeland, MS
Ridgeland
CNY781
CNY860 total
includes taxes & fees
Oct 4 - Oct 5
Home2 Suites by Hilton Jackson/Ridgeland, MS
A multi-story hotel with a stone facade, large windows, and a welcoming entrance with a covered porch.
A spacious living area with a fireplace, a sofa, a dining area, and a balcony.
An outdoor patio area with a stone fire pit, seating, and a pergola structure.
A spacious hotel lobby with a large seating area, a coffee bar, and a television.

Staybridge Suites Jackson by IHG

Staybridge Suites Jackson by IHG
Ridgeland
CNY752
CNY827 total
includes taxes & fees
Oct 4 - Oct 5
Staybridge Suites Jackson by IHG
A modern kitchen with a central island, bar seating, and a dining area.
A brick wall with the text "Jackson State University" in large letters.
A spacious lobby with a reception desk, seating area with armchairs and a round table, a potted plant, and a large window with curtains.
A modern interior with a seating area, a large wooden partition, and a white armchair.

Wingate by Wyndham Jackson/Ridgeland

Wingate by Wyndham Jackson/Ridgeland
Ridgeland
CNY570
CNY627 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 27 - Sep 28
Wingate by Wyndham Jackson/Ridgeland
An outdoor patio with stone seating, a fire feature, and a dining area with umbrellas.
A spacious living area with a dining table, sofas, and a TV.
A spacious living area with a sofa, armchairs, and a coffee table. There is a dining area with chairs and a table, and a kitchen in the background.
A spacious lobby with a reception desk, seating area, and a dining setup.

Residence Inn by Marriott Jackson Ridgeland

Residence Inn by Marriott Jackson Ridgeland
Ridgeland
CNY710
CNY781 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 27 - Sep 28
Residence Inn by Marriott Jackson Ridgeland
A modern hotel lobby with a central seating area, a fireplace, and a bar.
A hotel reception area with a white reception desk, a minibar, and a self-service beverage machine.
A modern hotel room with a living area, kitchenette, and a bed.
A hotel room with a bed, a TV mounted on the wall, a wooden floor, and a chair.

Homewood Suites by Hilton Jackson-Ridgeland

Homewood Suites by Hilton Jackson-Ridgeland
Ridgeland
CNY686
CNY754 total
includes taxes & fees
Oct 25 - Oct 26
Homewood Suites by Hilton Jackson-Ridgeland
View all properties

Hotels with free breakfast and free wifi in Ridgeland

A spacious lobby with a modern chandelier, seating area, and a large abstract sculpture.
A modern hotel room with a sectional sofa, a round ottoman, a flat-screen TV, a bed, and a large window with curtains.
A bar area with multiple seating options, a large TV, and shelves with bottles.
An indoor swimming pool with lounge chairs, a changing room, and a wooden wall with built-in lighting.

Embassy Suites by Hilton Jackson North Ridgeland

Embassy Suites by Hilton Jackson North Ridgeland
Ridgeland
CNY1,105
CNY1,216 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 27 - Sep 28
Embassy Suites by Hilton Jackson North Ridgeland
A modern dining area with multiple tables and chairs, large windows, and a television.
A hotel reception area with a modern design, including a curved reception desk, a minibar, and a wall with a word cloud display.
An outdoor patio area with a fire feature, seating, and a view of a building in the background.
A hotel room with a bed, desk, chair, TV, and large windows.

SpringHill Suites Jackson North/Ridgeland

SpringHill Suites Jackson North/Ridgeland
Ridgeland
CNY1,000
CNY1,100 total
includes taxes & fees
Oct 8 - Oct 9
SpringHill Suites Jackson North/Ridgeland
A hotel with a modern design, featuring a prominent entrance and multiple parking spaces.
A swimming pool with a no diving sign, surrounded by a brick wall, a table with chairs, and a building with large windows.
A hotel room with a sofa, a chair, a wooden table, a lamp, a television, and a framed picture on the wall.
A hotel room with two beds, a desk, a TV, and two framed pictures on the wall.

Prado Hotel

Prado Hotel
Ridgeland
CNY569
CNY626 total
includes taxes & fees
Oct 26 - Oct 27
Prado Hotel
A Hyatt Place hotel entrance with a covered walkway, stone pillars, and a glass facade.
An outdoor patio with tables and chairs, a stone wall, and a view of a building in the background.
A spacious lobby with a seating area, a stone accent wall, and large windows.
A hotel lobby with seating areas, a reception desk, and a view of the outside.

Hyatt Place Jackson/ Ridgeland

Hyatt Place Jackson/ Ridgeland
Ridgeland
CNY736
CNY809 total
includes taxes & fees
Oct 4 - Oct 5
Hyatt Place Jackson/ Ridgeland
A hotel lobby with multiple seating areas, a reception desk, and a wall with framed pictures.
A Hampton Inn & Suites hotel with a brick facade, large windows, and a landscaped front yard with flowers and shrubs.
A hotel room with a large bed, a desk with a television, a chair, and a small kitchenette.
A swimming pool area with lounge chairs, a sunshade, and a view of the outdoors.

Hampton Inn & Suites Jackson-Ridgeland

Hampton Inn & Suites Jackson-Ridgeland
Ridgeland
CNY736
CNY810 total
includes taxes & fees
Oct 11 - Oct 12
Hampton Inn & Suites Jackson-Ridgeland
A swimming pool with four lounge chairs and a view of trees through large windows.
A modern breakfast bar with a coffee machine, yogurt, eggs, and milk dispenser.

Holiday Inn Express Jackson - Ridgeland by IHG

Holiday Inn Express Jackson - Ridgeland by IHG
Ridgeland
CNY853
CNY938 total
includes taxes & fees
Oct 5 - Oct 6
Holiday Inn Express Jackson - Ridgeland by IHG
An outdoor seating area with a fire pit, yellow chairs, and a modern building in the background.
A hotel room with a large bed, a desk, a television, and a seating area with a chair and a small table.
A modern cafe with a long communal table, individual chairs, a coffee station, and a wall with a coffee and tea sign.
A gym with exercise equipment, a treadmill, dumbbells, and a spinning cycle area.

Home2 Suites by Hilton Jackson/Ridgeland, MS

Home2 Suites by Hilton Jackson/Ridgeland, MS
Ridgeland
CNY781
CNY860 total
includes taxes & fees
Oct 4 - Oct 5
Home2 Suites by Hilton Jackson/Ridgeland, MS
A multi-story hotel with a stone facade, large windows, and a welcoming entrance with a covered porch.
A spacious living area with a fireplace, a sofa, a dining area, and a balcony.
An outdoor patio area with a stone fire pit, seating, and a pergola structure.
A spacious hotel lobby with a large seating area, a coffee bar, and a television.

Staybridge Suites Jackson by IHG

Staybridge Suites Jackson by IHG
Ridgeland
CNY752
CNY827 total
includes taxes & fees
Oct 4 - Oct 5
Staybridge Suites Jackson by IHG
A modern kitchen with a central island, bar seating, and a dining area.
A brick wall with the text "Jackson State University" in large letters.
A spacious lobby with a reception desk, seating area with armchairs and a round table, a potted plant, and a large window with curtains.
A modern interior with a seating area, a large wooden partition, and a white armchair.

Wingate by Wyndham Jackson/Ridgeland

Wingate by Wyndham Jackson/Ridgeland
Ridgeland
CNY570
CNY627 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 27 - Sep 28
Wingate by Wyndham Jackson/Ridgeland
An outdoor patio with brick flooring, wooden chairs, a fire pit, and a view of a lake and buildings in the background.
A hotel room with a large bed, a desk, a chair, a small sofa, and a window with curtains.
A modern dining area with tables and chairs, a kitchen area, and a seating area with a wall-mounted artwork.
A hotel with a brick facade, a reflection in the water, and a sign reading "Towneplace Suites by Marriott".

TownePlace Suites Jackson Ridgeland/Township at Colony Park

TownePlace Suites Jackson Ridgeland/Township at Colony Park
Ridgeland
CNY896
CNY985 total
includes taxes & fees
Oct 24 - Oct 25
TownePlace Suites Jackson Ridgeland/Township at Colony Park
View all properties

Top landmarks in Ridgeland

Renaissance at Colony Park

If you like shopping, take time out to go to Renaissance at Colony Park when in Ridgeland.
See properties

Mississippi Crafts Center

7.4/10 (71 reviews)
Why not give yourself a treat with a trip to Mississippi Crafts Center, one of the family attractions located 2.6 mi (4.2 km) from central Ridgeland. If you'd also like to explore some of the parks in Ridgeland, Reservoir Overlook is nearby.
See properties

Topgolf

Topgolf is 1.4 mi (2.2 km) from central Ridgeland, why not stop by during your stay.
See properties

Ridgeland Tennis Center

You can catch an event at Ridgeland Tennis Center, located 1 mi (1.5 km) from central Ridgeland.
See properties

Ridgeland Recreation Center

Ridgeland Recreation Center is 3 mi (4.8 km) from central Ridgeland, why not stop by during your stay.
See properties

About the destination

Ridgeland is a family-friendly place known for its restaurants. Why not take time to see places like Renaissance at Colony Park and Mississippi Crafts Center? There's plenty more to see, including sights like Ridgeland Tennis Center and Topgolf.

Keep exploring