See You in Oxford, Mississippi
Whether you’re an Ole Miss Rebels fan or not, a visit to Oxford, Mississippi, is always a good idea. On game weekends, the downtown square and campus are packed with students and alumni donning red and blue, but when the Rebels are on the road, you can enjoy this quaint, sophisticated town like a local. Pepper your itinerary with equal parts history, literature, fine dining, music, and time exploring outdoors.
Where to stay in Oxford, MS
The Graduate and The Inn at Ole Miss are easy choices, but the new Oliver Hotel, just off The Square, is a true gem. The former Chancellor’s House Hotel has been completely updated (modeled after their downtown Knoxville, Tennessee location) and features light-filled rooms with tall ceilings, bespoke bathroom amenities, and the cozy Kingswood restaurant. Enjoy cocktails or dining on the outdoor patio—a great place to begin an evening. Chef Joel Miller’s menus play off the seasons and ingredients from local purveyors. Enjoy a nightcap at the Oliver’s Nightbird speakeasy, just off the lobby. Follow them on Instagram @NightbirdParlour for clues on how to enter this ‘secret’ spot.
What to do in Oxford, MS
Whether you’ve never been to Oxford or have been making the trip for years, the go-to favorites and hotspots still stand the test of time.
- Rowan Oak, William Faulkner’s Greek Revival home, is open to the public year-round from dawn to dusk. Visitors can take the Bailey Woods Trail to the adjacent University of Mississippi Museum. There is an old moss-laden labyrinth before you reach the oaks; spend a minute there (barefoot, if you like) to connect with this famous Southern author. Tour the home and imagine it back in its day, without the roar of a college town just outside.
- Everyone has their favorite spots on the famous square that anchors downtown Oxford. Of course, Square Books cannot be missed. Look for first editions and signed copies from writers who helped put Oxford on the literary map: William Faulkner, John Grisham, Larry Brown, Barry Hannah, and Willie Morris to list a few. Billed as the “South’s Oldest Store,” Neilson’s has been an Oxford staple since 1839, outfitting locals and visitors alike. Located just off The Square is Blue Delta Jeans where you can be custom- fitted for your next pair of these bespoke britches. Call ahead to make an appointment.
- Follow the Mississippi Blues Trail where physical markers around town document important contributors to the Blues. Keep that music vibe alive with a visit to Proud Larry’s; pop in to The End of All Music, Oxford’s independent record shop; and check the concert schedule at The Lyric.
- Take a walk through the Ole Miss campus and admire the Greek Revival buildings, and The Grove—the center of the tailgate scene and the landscape originally designed in the mid 1800s by Frederick Law Olmsted, Sr.
Dining Out in Oxford, MS
Oxford has a long-tradition of being a great eating town. From James Beard Award-winning Chef John Currence’s outposts (Big Bad Breakfast, City Grocery, Bouré) to Saint Leo, Tarasque Cucina, and Snackbar, there is no shortage of great food. The biggest challenge might be finding a table on game weekends. Aside from his own spots, Currence recommends Mama Jo’s Country Cookin. Owned and helmed by the matriarch and namesake, always dressed in her Sunday best, she serves up an old school meat-and-three as good as you’ll find anywhere.
Cocktail options are plentiful in this college town. Students gravitate to The Library, Rooster’s, and Harrison’s, but for a more intimate spot, John T. Edge, author of The Potlikker Papers: A Food History of the Modern South and host of “TrueSouth” on ESPN and the SEC Network, says, “If you haven’t been to Bar Muse, go there for cocktails. It’s elegant, delicious, and offers great service.” Located inside the Lyric Theatre, Bar Muse offers craft cocktails curated by James-Beard nominee Joseph Stinchcomb.
If Big Bad Breakfast is too crowded in the mornings, stop in Bottletree Bakery or go for a Sunday bagel at The Luv Shak. Owner Dennis van Oostendorp has a cult-like following at this funky dive. He serves Italian fare during the week, but go early for the Sunday bagels because when they’re gone, they’re gone.
Discover the unique charm of nearby Taylor, Mississippi, home to Wonderbird Spirits, where award-winning gin is crafted using local ingredients and innovative techniques. Learn more about your next adventure in this vibrant town here.