Life in Oxford may be in tune with the seasons and semesters of The University of Mississippi, but it is no ordinary college town. It is a literary town, a food town, a music town, an historic town, an art town. Equally celebrated for college sports and its cultural scene, this place attracts all kinds of residents, creating a vibrant community unlike any other.
When you consider the stately old homes (including Rowan Oak, the former residence of William Faulkner), a charming town square packed with shops, galleries, and restaurants, and welcoming locals, you’ve got a pretty ideal place to live or to visit. Unlike most small towns, there’s more to discover in Oxford than you can fit into a single weekend. Which is a good thing, because after one visit, you’ll definitely be back.
Read on for the best things to do while you’re visiting Oxford, Mississippi.
Tour The University Of Mississippi
This North Mississippi town’s academic roots run deep. In 1837, it incorporated and named itself after Oxford, England, with the hope that it would also be home to a great university one day. About 10 years later, The University of Mississippi opened, and in time, Oxford became the South’s quintessential college town. For 110 years, it was the state’s only comprehensive university, and it was also one of the first in the South to admit and hire women. Today, Oxford—on campus and off—reflects the diversity and creativity of our region.
It’s a beautiful campus, and a stroll among Ole Miss’s sprawling acres of magnolia trees and live oaks is well worth your time. Pack a picnic and spend an afternoon admiring the gorgeous landscape of the university. Visit the Lyceum, the gorgeous Ionic Greek Revival-style administration building completed in 1848, which was utilized as a hospital during the Civil War.
Get Lost In History At The University Of Mississippi Museum
While you’re on campus, visit the University of Mississippi Museum to dive deeper into the history of the school, Mississippi, and beyond. View one-of-a-kind exhibitions and participate in educational activities hosted by the museum.
While you are there, take a 30-minute peaceful walk on Bailey Woods Trail over to William Faulkner’s Rowan Oak, the former residence of the celebrated author. Originally labeled “The Bailey Place” when Faulkner purchased the home in 1930, he later renamed it Rowan Oak after the rowan tree which symbolized security and peace.
Explore The Historic Town Square
Known to locals as “The Square,” the Historic Oxford Square is the place to go for wonderful restaurants, shopping, art galleries, bookstores, museums, boutiques, and more. There is something for everyone at The Square. Check out Bottletree Bakery for fresh daily pastries, or hop on over to City Grocery for an “interesting” twist on Southern food and cocktails. If it’s shopping you’re looking for, stop by the oldest department store in the South, Neilson’s (More on this later!)
Browse The Shelves At Square Books
The South’s beloved independent bookstore, and the heart of Oxford’s literary scene (on The Square), Square Books regularly attracts a wide range of celebrated authors for readings and signings. (Or tune into Thacker Mountain Radio Hour, the store’s weekly live radio show that features musicians, writers, and other artists.)
Admire Some Art At The Southside Gallery
Nearby, Southside Gallery has been a community hub for the visual arts since 1993. Check out their monthly exhibits and participate in one of the frequent artist receptions.
To really experience art in Oxford, join the Oxford Arts Crawl which is hosted by the Yoknapatawpha Arts Council and held on the 4th Tuesday of each month. Besides the Southside Gallery, you will also get to stop by The Powerhouse Community Arts Center, The University of Mississippi Museum, and Gallery 130 in Meek Hall on campus via double-decker bus. Start at any location and wait till the bus comes along!
Listen To Live Music At The Lyric Theatre
If it’s music you’re after, head to the historic Lyric Theatre. The theatre, which has been a staple in Oxford since the late 1800s didn’t begin as a theatre. In fact, the now-theatre was first a livery stable owned by William Faulkner’s family. In the 1920s, the stable was turned into a theatre for live performances and silent films—and was then when it was named The Lyric Theatre. Later, The Lyric became solely a movie theater, and in 1949, William Faulkner walked from his Rowan Oak to the livery stable from his childhood to watch MGM’s “Intruder in the Dust,” a movie adaptation of one of his novels.
Today, after an extensive renovation in 2007, The Lyric Theatre is Oxford’s center for performing arts—mostly concerts. While you’re in town, check out the venue’s calendar to see if there are any events.
Enjoy Delicious Food And Drinks
Like many places in the South, Oxford’s dining scene continues to gain national acclaim. Pop over to St. Leo for wood-fired pizzas and sophisticated small plates, or head to Snackbar for raw oysters and a plate of Sweet Potato Chaat, one of chef Vishwesh Bhatt’s glorious international spins on Southern cooking. Head to Bar Muse for Joseph Stinchcombe’s constantly changing, refreshingly creative takes on craft cocktails. Or, for a classic Mississippi experience, head just outside of town to Taylor Grocery, which has long served some of the best fried catfish around.
Go Hiking At Holly Springs National Forest
If you’re looking for some rest and recreation, head on out to Holly Springs National Forest for a day surrounded by pine trees and cerulean lakes. Take some lunch with you and eat by one of the lakes, and after, go on a beautiful hike and experience Mississippi wildlife. You can fish and take a boat out on Chewalla Lake, Lake Tillatoba, or Puskus Lake, all lakes within the national forest’s 155,000 acres.
Shop At The South’s Oldest Store
As the oldest store in the South (and the 16th oldest in the nation), Neilson’s has a reputation for offering Oxford the latest fashion and specialty gifts. Shop for women’s, men’s, and children’s clothing, or look for a gift for an upcoming celebration. The store located on The Square also sells cosmetics, accessories, and shoes. Feel free to shop till you drop.
Spend A Game Day At The Grove
If you’re looking to experience an Ole Miss game day while in Oxford, do it the right way by setting up your tent at The Grove, a popular tailgating spot where up to 100,000 gather on game days. The Grove is named for the beautiful magnolia, elm, and oak trees it’s surrounded by. Arrive early to set up to ensure you get a spot.
