Benable — create shareable lists of things you recommend!
E.g., products you love, local businesses, travel recs - you can add anything to a Benable list!
Oxford MS Local's Guide: Best Boutiques, Dining & Square Gems
15
items I moved to Oxford exactly one year ago and have spent every weekend exploring the historic Square and surrounding hills. As a professional content creator, I've vetted every shop, cafe, and hidden corner to find the spots that truly capture the 'Velv...
Map
Sections
4
The Square's Premier Boutique Shopping
Curated Gifts & Home Decor
The Local's Culinary & Lifestyle Essentials
Off-The-Beaten-Path Finds
The Square's Premier Boutique Shopping
These are the anchor stores of Oxford's historic downtown that offer a balanced mix of high-end fashion and timeless Southern charm. I've spent many afternoons here finding the perfect pieces that balance modern trends with the classic aesthetic requ...
This is the oldest department store in the South, and honestly, it’s the first place I go when I need a polished outfit for an Ole Miss game day. It feels incredibly nostalgic but the brands are modern. If you’re looking for high-quality staples that...
Neilson's Department Store
For my fellow fashionistas who want that 'worth the splurge' designer find, Cicada is the spot. I found my favorite pair of boots here last fall. They carry contemporary labels you usually only find in big cities, making it the premier destination fo...
Cicada
If you are shopping for the man in your life, this is the gold standard for Southern gentleman style. From Barbour jackets to custom tailoring, it is the best place for high-quality outdoor and formal wear. The service is impeccable, and the vibe is ...
Hinton & Hinton
You cannot visit Oxford without stopping here. As a local, I spend my Sunday mornings browsing the upstairs section. It’s the best place to find signed first editions from Southern authors. If you're a book lover, it's a non-negotiable stop that perf...
Signed Firsts | Square Books, an Independent Bookstore in Oxford, MS
Curated Gifts & Home Decor
Oxford is a treasure trove for unique home goods and thoughtful gifts that you won't find in a big-box store. These shops are where I go to find those 'one-of-a-kind' items that make my apartment feel like a home and my gifts stand out.
This is my favorite spot for finding a hostess gift or a unique piece of home decor. They have a stunning selection of candles, table linens, and jewelry. It’s the one shop I tell everyone to visit if they want to bring a piece of Oxford's elegant li...
Katherine Beck - Katherine Beck
Finally, a version of a boutique that always has the latest trends for a night out. Hemline is where I go when I need something trendy and fun for a concert or dinner. It is very travel-friendly because their pieces are versatile and easy to pack. It...
Hemline Oxford
The name says it all. If you struggle with finding the perfect pair of shoes that are both stylish and walkable for the Square's brick paths, come here. They have a fantastic range of designers. It’s the only place in town I trust for high-end heels ...
My Favorite Shoes
For anyone with kids, this boutique is a dream. They carry the most beautiful traditional Southern children's clothing. It is the best place to find smocked outfits and high-quality baby gifts. I always come here when I need a special birthday presen...
Belles & Beau Children's Boutique
The Local's Culinary & Lifestyle Essentials
Shopping in Oxford is an athletic event, and you need the right fuel and atmosphere to keep going. These are the places I frequent to recharge and experience the local hospitality that makes this town so special.
This is the 'worth the splurge' dining experience in Oxford. Sitting on the balcony overlooking the Square with a drink is the quintessential local experience. The shrimp and grits are legendary. I recommend making a reservation weeks in advance, esp...
City Grocery
This is the one place I tell everyone to get to early if they want the best pastries in Mississippi. The atmosphere is eclectic and cozy. Their brioche is life-changing. It’s my favorite spot to grab a coffee before starting a day of boutique shoppin...
Bottletree Bakery | Oxford MS
If you want the best budget option for a massive, delicious Southern meal, Ajax is it. It’s loud, it’s crowded, and it’s perfect. Their meat-and-three plates are the stuff of legends. It’s the place I take my friends when they want an authentic taste...
Ajax Diner
This is the most travel-friendly and stylish place to stay in town. The decor is a love letter to Oxford and Ole Miss history. Even if you aren't staying here, the rooftop bar, The Coop, offers the best views of the city. It’s the perfect home base f...
Graduate by Hilton Oxford Hotel near University of Mississippi
Off-The-Beaten-Path Finds
While the Square is the heart of the city, some of the best shopping and vibes are found just a few blocks away. These spots offer a more relaxed atmosphere and unique products that reflect the creative spirit of the community.
Finally, a version of a record store that feels curated and cool without being intimidating. This is where I go to find rare vinyl and local music. It’s a great place to escape the hustle of the Square and find a unique souvenir that isn't a t-shirt....
End of All Music
Located in a renovated garage, this is the best spot for a quick, high-quality lunch. Their beef brisket grilled cheese is the one product I tell everyone to get if they want a gourmet twist on a classic. It’s fresh, local, and incredibly consistent....
Ajax Diner
This James Beard-nominated spot is my go-to for a chic dinner. The aesthetic is very modern-industrial, and the food is consistently amazing. Their chopped salad is famous among locals for a reason. It’s a great 'splurge-worthy' spot for a girls' nig...
Saint Leo