In a sea of charming Southern towns, Oxford, MS, continues to stand out. From the home of Ole Miss and tailgates to an under-the-radar culinary scene, there’s something for every type of traveler to enjoy. Whether you’re looking to stay for a weekend or longer, here are a few reasons Oxford deserves a spot on your travel bucket list!
Where to Shop & Eat on The Square
Oxford’s Historic Downtown Square (often referred to as just “The Square”) has remained a local staple for nearly 190 years. With some of the best boutique shops and culinary delights, a stroll through The Square is an absolute must during your visit.
Perhaps one of the area’s most well-known stores is Square Books. More than a bookstore, the two-story building is a literary landmark. In addition to its wide range of titles and genres, the store hosts nearly 150 in-store author events annually.
Once you’ve found your perfect book, head upstairs to enjoy coffee from the café or take in views of The Square below.
SB Tip: If you’re still looking for more books, visit Off Square Books, Square Books, Jr., or Rare Square Books — all within walking distance of the main building!
To enjoy beautiful sunset views of The Square, head to The Graduate Oxford’s rooftop bar, The Coop. Nestled on the hotel’s fourth floor, the open-air space offers a chic atmosphere alongside a menu of craft cocktails and classic Southern comfort food.
Another popular stop along The Square, Bar Muse is discreetly tucked in the Lyric Theater and offers an ever-rotating mixology program. Whether you’re in the mood for wine, beer, or a seasonal cocktail, you’re sure to find something to satisfy your taste buds.
Tour Rowan Oak
As the hometown of American author William Faulkner, a visit to Rowan Oak is also a must during your time in Oxford. The author’s historic home sits on 33 pristine acres and is open for public tours year-round. The house offers a close-up look at some of William Faulkner’s personal belongings as well as a few of his handwritten notes. Meanwhile, the surrounding grounds are home to a barn, horse stables, an English knot garden, and more.
Ole Miss & Tailgating
As the state of Mississippi’s flagship college, Ole Miss is steeped in history. We recommend spending an afternoon strolling through the campus to see legendary landmarks like The Lyceum, The Circle, and the University of Mississippi Museum.
If you’re visiting during football season, swing by The Grove on game day. As one of college football’s best tailgating locations, the famous green space is a lively spot offering beautiful sights alongside sweet smells and tastes.
Enjoy a Delicious Meal (Or Two)
Despite its location in a nondescript building, the menu at Snackbar alone is worth a trip to Oxford. James Beard Award winner John Currence’s restaurant showcases the culinary talents of Executive Chef and fellow James Beard Award winner Vishwesh Bhatt, resulting in a menu of fresh oysters, creative cocktails, and innovative international dishes.
Just a short drive from Snackbar, City Grocery is another popular restaurant from Chef John Currence. Offering a more upscale fine dining experience, entrées include Coca-Cola braised pork belly, shrimp and grits, and fried catfish.
Tour Wonderbird Spirits Distillery
Just 10 minutes outside of Oxford is the state of Mississippi’s first gin distillery. Using rice sourced from the Delta, Wonderbird Spirits crafts its gin in the heart of the Magnolia State. The brand’s Oxford distillery hosts tours and tastings Monday through Saturday. Tours offer an inside look at the brand’s unique fermentation process, which results in delicious-tasting, botanical-infused gin. At the end of your tour, you’re invited to the distillery’s tasting room to sample some of its signature gins and handcrafted cocktails.
Stay Overnight at The Oliver Hotel
To make the most of your visit to Oxford, book an overnight stay at The Oliver Hotel. The well-appointed hotel boasts 40 luxurious guest rooms, the perfect blend of nostalgia, Southern hospitality, and modern amenities. During your stay, visit the hotel’s on-site dining options, Kingswood Bar & Restaurant and Nightbird, the hotel’s speakeasy. Whether you’re looking for a filling dinner or a nightcap, each restaurant offers something unique.
Ready to start planning your Oxford adventures? Visitoxfordms.com is a great resource to help you get started!
This article is sponsored by Visit Oxford.
