24 Hours in Oxford
Spend a horizon-expanding day in Mississippi's Hills region, discovering the town often touted as the 'cultural mecca of the South'
While its reputation as an eccentric little college town and home to “Ole Miss” might precede it, Oxford is anything but just a college town. It boasts a rich literary tradition as the preferred stomping ground for American authors including William Faulkner, Barry Hannah, John Grisham, and Larry Brown. Even so, the town remained a mostly unassuming hidden gem until 1949, when William Faulkner won the Nobel Prize in Literature, garnering international acclaim and bolstering Oxford’s place in the public eye.
Things to Do and See:
At the top of any must-see list about Oxford will be the town square, referred to as just The Square, where some of the city’s best-loved shops, eateries, and art galleries have been in business for generations.
A visit to vaunted independent booksellers Square Books is essential for bookworms and aspiring writers alike. Encompassing four stores on five floors across three buildings, Square Books has endured for more than forty years, and anchors many of the town’s cultural happenings and events.
Local art galleries Oxford Treehouse Gallery (where visitors enter an unconventional, beautiful interior with much to appreciate), Southside Gallery, and Gallery 130 at Ole Miss all warrant perusing.
Architectural Digest named the Ole Miss campus one of the most beautiful in the country, so it’s worth wandering the grounds and The Grove of the “Harvard of the South” to see why. While you’re there, stop by the University of Mississippi Museum, which includes the estate of Rowan Oak, south of campus, the beautiful 1840 Greek Revival home where Faulkner spent his days imagining fictional worlds, until his death in 1962.
Where to Eat (and Wander):
National chain restaurants are not permitted in The Square. So every eatery is locally owned—many by chefs with the highest credentials, including James Beard Awards and nominations.
Helmed by Chef Joel Miller, The Ravine delivers some of the best fine dining in the region, with sophisticated and sumptuous fare all made in-house.
Ajax Diner is an Oxford landmark known for its down-home southern plate lunches that even the hungriest tailgaters will wait hours in line for on a busy gameday.
Tarasque Cucina is a mom-and-pop Italian family spot featuring classic pastas and rotating small plates sourcing Mississippi’s seasonal produce.
At Mama Jo’s Country Cookin’, the beloved, home-style soul and country cuisine served by Mama Jo has filled local bellies for years, with everyone from workers on their lunch breaks, to the Chancellor of Ole Miss, stopping in for a slice of cake and sweet tea.
For a sweet treat, head to Bottletree Bakery for fresh bread and pastries baked daily.
Where to Stay:
Local luxury boutique hotels The Graduate Oxford and the Chancellor’s House Hotel both offer top-flight amenities like The Graduate’s rooftop bar, The Coop. You can also enjoy a beverage at the Chancellor’s Lounge before settling into one of its thirty-eight sumptuous rooms. For the complete college experience, stay on campus at The Inn at Ole Miss, which recently added a bar and grill to what was already a winning playbook.
For comfortable and cozy accommodations that feel just like home, Oxford has several bed and breakfasts perfect for a couple’s getaway or girls' trip. Check out Willowdale Farm B&B, The Nests at Holly Grove Farm, and The Z Oxford.