Oxford, Mississippi
Oxford is a vibrant city in the hills of north Mississippi known as the home of William Faulkner and the University of Mississippi, commonly referred to as 'Ole Miss' and voted “America’s Best College Town” by ESPN.
Courthouse Square
The cultural and economic hub of Oxford since the town's founding in 1837 is the historic Courthouse Square. It thrives with businesses such as Neilson's, the oldest continuously operating department store in the South and nationally famous independent bookstore, Square Books.
Live Music
Oxford's thriving nightlife abounds with a variety of local musical offerings. The Lyric Theatre is a permier live music venue and the Thacker Mountain live radio show is broadcast live at Off Square Books on Thursday nights and features music and literature from visiting musicians and authors.
Dining
Writers and readers may visit Oxford, but those with a culinary interest will also find Oxford's many eclectic dining options have put it on the map as well. Chef and James Beard Winner - James Currence - owns four unique eateries that have garnered national attention.
History
If history is you interest, Oxford and Ole Miss certainly have a story to tell. The university of Mississippi and Oxford played a significant part in the American Civil Rights movement during the integration of Ole Miss. The campus monument and historic marker on the Freedom Trail paint a picture of the events that took place during a challenging and significant time in American history.
William Faulkner
William Faulkner grew up in Oxford and studied for a while at Ole Miss before he worked briefly in New York and New Orleans. Except for some trips to Europe and Asia, and a few brief stays in Hollywood as a scriptwriter, he worked on his novels and short stories on his farm in Oxford, Rowan Oak.
Come for the Hoops
Although January and February are the coldest months of the year, spending time at an Ole Miss basketball game makes the perfect activity for a warm, Southern family-friendly weekend! Enjoy a mid-week game or a weekend in Oxford and you’ll see why it was voted “America’s Best College Town” by ESPN. Several weekends line up to host a men’s basketball game on a Saturday, then a women’s basketball game on the Sunday. You'll get the most hoops in one weekend!
Tailgating
On Saturdays in the Autumn, there is no better place to be than at The Grove, the legendary tailgating area located at the centre of Ole Miss campus. Tailgating is an urban picnic party with participants preparing food and drink before the kick-off of the Ole Miss football game. For visitors, locals and Ole Miss students, fall is arguably the best time of year in Oxford, Mississippi. Though cooler temps and leaves changing colours are nice features, the star of the show is football and what that entails!
Ole Miss Hosts The Fanciest Tailgate You'll Ever See by Southern Living - read more...
At the end of the day, rest easy at one of Oxford's brand name hotels or cosy up in a bed & breakfast.
For more information on Oxford, email mississippi@deep-south-usa.com
