When I think of my favorite place in the world, I think of Oxford, Mississippi. Whether it’s the friendly locals, award winning food, fantastic University, or charming square, I’ll never be sure. I do know I just have to share about the college town that should be on everyone’s travel bucket list. Learn how to visit Oxford, MS like a local!
Fondly referred to as “God’s country” and “the cultural Mecca of the south”, Oxford, Mississippi is nestled off the beaten path in the mid-south. About 65 miles south of Memphis, it’s not somewhere you take a quick pit stop at on your way through. You have to purposely detour to find yourself in Oxford, and I sure hope you do. I’m going to share my favorite things to do, places to eat, and accommodations for stay so that you too can enjoy the nostalgic beauty and magic that is Oxford, MS.
Time for a quick history lesson before you visit
Oxford, Mississippi was incorporated in 1837 and named after the University town in Oxford, England.
Can you tell which Oxford is which? We have had the pleasure to tour Oxford, England as well, and highly recommend. You can find the all inclusive day trip guide here!
Residents (including Thomas Dudley Isom) hoped this Oxford in Mississippi would also become a great college town. The University of Mississippi, (also known as U of M or Ole Miss) was established in 1848.
Source: Photo of the Lyceum on campus, taken in 1861
Oxford was nearly devastated during the Civil war when the courthouse, square and many homes were burned to the ground in 1864. The town didn’t finish reconstruction until 1878.
In 1883, Ole Miss became one of the first universities in the south to admit women and in 1885, the first to hire a female faculty member- Sarah McGehee Isom.
*Fun fact- Thomas Dudley Isom, father to Sarah McGehee Isom, built a beautiful home in the 1830’s just off the square. Today, it is on the National Register of Historic Places and this year it became a wedding venue!
In 1962, James Meredith became the first African American student to attend Ole Miss. Today, more than 20% of UM students are minorities, and come from more than 70 countries around the world.
Now home to over 23,000 students, the University is no stranger to being awarded spots on nation-wide lists including most beautiful campus, safest campus, best tailgate and top college town.
Your locals guide to visit Oxfod, MS.
To find a fast itinerary with quick links to all my recommended places, scroll to the end! Or download one of the google maps with all my locations marked to keep your plans together in one place.
Visit Oxford: WHERE TO STAY
The Graduate
If you are looking for a fun and funky hotel right off the square, then look no further than The Graduate. Decorated with bright colors and a college school theme, we always enjoy our time at the Graduate. With Cabin 82 downstairs serving breakfast and lunch, and The Coop rooftop restaurant and bar upstairs, you don’t have to leave! But, just because you don’t have to leave doesn’t mean you shouldn’t. You have to explore the rest of what Oxford has to offer!
Castle Hill Bed & Breakfast
This is one of my favorite stays in Oxford. A short drive from the hustle and bustle of town down Highway 6, this bed and breakfast fashioned after an antebellum home in Natchez, MS is sure to exceed your expectations.
Castle Hill offers seven unique rooms and a gourmet breakfast served in the main ballroom in the morning.
*Did you know: Castle Hill is also a wedding venue! It is where my husband and I celebrated our wedding reception. So many fond memories here. We love it so much we make our way back for at least a one night stay in their “honeymoon suite” every year for our anniversary.
Airbnb
Last but not least, I would also recommend checking Airbnb to see what options are available for your planned travel dates. Since Oxford is a college town, a lot of folks own game day condos or weekend houses they rent out. There are abundant short term rental options.
If you have a larger group, I recommend the Price Street Retreat! This home easily accommodates a big party (sleeps up to 13), and is in walking distance to the square! And you are sure to love the funky mid century modern style.
Visit Oxford: EAT
Volta
Volta is your go to for traditional Greek food. Hummus, gyros, pizza, frozen mojitos, and Hotty Toddy balls, oh my! What is a Hotty Toddy ball you ask? Garlic mashed potatoes, bacon, and cheese mixed together and fried. My mouth is watering just typing this… Volta is a must every time we visit.
Bouré
Housed in the old Leslie’s Drug Store on the Square, Bouré offers casual dining and the best balcony in town. Owner John Currence created a Creole inspired menu that is more moderately priced than some of his other restaurants (we will get to those later). Bouré is always a good idea. If not for dinner, definitely for drinks upstairs on their balcony.
Big Bad Breakfast
Another of John Currence’s creations, Big Bad Breakfast has earned its title as a bustling weekend breakfast spot. Reminiscent of an old diner, BBB has the best grits, andouille sausage and red eye gravy in town. They have recently franchised, and have a locations around the southeast including one in Memphis!
Snack Bar
Snack Bar shares a kitchen with its next door neighbor, Big Bad Breakfast, and is also owned by (you guessed it) John Currence. The main chef at Snack Bar is Vishwesh Bhatt, who was awarded the title of Best Chef – South by the James Beard Foundation in 2019. We love Snack Bar for a quieter date night spot. It has great ambience and a fun, southern inspired French menu. With plenty of higher priced entree options, they also have more moderately priced choices like a burger (which I may argue is the best in town).
Saint Leo
Did someone say Prosecco Pop? Although by far not the best thing Saint Leo has to offer, the Prosecco cocktail finished off with an organic Italian ice pop may be the most fun. A great Italian option, they are known for their artisanal wood-fired pizzas, seasonal pasta options and a great chopped salad.
South Depot
I had to throw a more casual dining option in. South Depot is the Oxford square’s local version of Chipotle, Q’doba, Moe’s, etc. A build your own line of quesadillas, tacos, burritos and more, South Depot never disappoints. Great for lunch or a quick dinner.
Taylor Grocery
Last but not least, Taylor Grocery is just as much about the experience as it is the food. Built around 1889, Taylor Grocery has a long history of being a dry goods store, general store, and then a catfish restaurant.
Fifteen minutes outside of Oxford, Taylor Grocery is located in Taylor, Mississippi. They have the best fried catfish around, live music on the weekends and southern sides like fried okra and mac and cheese.
Visit Oxford: DRINK
Funkys
Funky’s is a New Orleans style daiquiri bar located in the heart of the Oxford square, serving Daiquiris and homemade pizza daily.
The Library Sports Bar
The Library is Oxford’s largest bar. Inside you will find 10 TV’s in the sports bar, a patio bar, an upstairs bar, and dance floor with live music and a stage. The Library is typically always Oxford’s busiest bar and a great place to watch any game. But be prepared to pay a cover!
Bar Muse
Bar Muse is a newer spot in town. It is a small speakeasy style bar in a small and intimate setting down an alley off the square. The owner proudly serves unique craft cocktails, with beer and wine on the menu as well.
Chicken on a Stick
This is your must stop spot after a night of fun! If you find yourself hungry (or curious), step into the Chevron off the square. There is no better late night food! You’ll find an array of freshly fried goods including the famous chicken on a stick, southwest eggrolls, pizza sticks, crispitos and more.
Visit Oxford: THINGS TO DO (besides shopping, drinking and eating…)
Visit Rowan Oak
Built in 1848, Rowan Oak became home to Nobel Prize winning author William Faulkner in 1930. While residing there with his family, he wrote works including As I Lay Dying, Absalom, Absalom!, Light in August, and A Fable. The house is now owned by the University and maintained for memorial and educational purposes. If you want to explore more than just the grounds and go inside, it’s $5/person. Check the website for opening hours and tour info!
Ole Miss Campus
A tour of Oxford is not complete without exploring the award winning campus. If you happen to be visiting while the Ole Miss Rebels have a home game, I would recommend attending (any sport, they are all a blast!). But sometimes, the campus is just as enjoyable when it is slow and empty. Spots I would recommend walking around include The Grove, The Lyceum, and Sorority/Fraternity Row.
Maybe you are hosting a tailgate or party in Oxford. Let me help inspire your party decor with these quick and easy custom cupcake toppers! Read more here.
Or maybe you can’t make it to Oxford? The next best thing is playing cornhole on my custom painted boards in the comfort of my own home. Maybe your school isn’t Ole Miss, but you can always DIY your own school and mascot on your own! I share my step by step tutorial here.
Fast Itinerary to visit Oxford, MS
STAY:
Airbnb- the Price Street Retreat
EAT:
DRINK:
TO DO:
Ole Miss Campus
My husband is from Oxford, so it has truly become a second home to me even though I only spent my four years of college there (so far ;). I hope you pay Oxford a visit, and let me know what you think!
Enjoy the journey,
Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out my other travel guides here!
Northeast
-Newport, Rhode Island
Southeast
Midwest
West
Going International? Find more travel guides to inspire a trip across the pond!
–Tour London, England in 3 Days
–Take a Day trip to Oxford, England
-See Liverpool, England like a local!
–Travel through The Lake District National Park, England
-Explore the Incredible City of Bath, England
–Discover 13 Hidden Gems in Edinburgh, Scotland
-Experience the Highlands of Scotland on a Road trip
