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Oxford MS Insider: The ultimate game day & literary escape
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items Oxford, MS Local’s Guide - Where to Eat, Shop, and Roam. I moved to Oxford area exactly one year ago and have spent every weekend since uncovering the hidden gems that go beyond the typical tourist traps. From game days in The Grove to the quietest r...
Map
Sections
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The Iconic Square Essentials
Game Day & Campus Essentials
Outdoor Escapes & Literary History
Boutique Stays & Local Shopping
The Iconic Square Essentials
THE SQUARE & CULINARY CLASSICS
These are the absolute pillars of Oxford’s food scene that I find myself returning to whenever friends visit from out of town. Whether you're looking for a high-end dinner or a casual lunch, these spots define the flavor of the town and offer the bes...
Places like City Grocery: After hearing everyone in town talk about this place, I finally snagged a table. Chef John Currence is a legend for a reason—the shrimp and grits lived up to every bit of the hype. It’s become my favorite spot for a sophisti...
This is the one place I tell everyone to go if they want a true taste of Oxford's culinary soul. Chef John Currence is a legend for a reason, and the shrimp and grits are life-changing. It is the best splurge option for a sophisticated dinner on the ...
City Grocery
Finally, a bookstore that feels like a home rather than a retail chain. I always head straight to the upstairs cafe for a coffee before browsing their incredibly curated local author section. It is the ultimate spot to find a signed first edition or ...
Home Page | Square Books, an Independent Bookstore in Oxford, MS
If you are looking for the best budget-friendly soul food that will keep you full until tomorrow, this is it. Their vegetable plate is legendary, and the casual, loud atmosphere is exactly what a college town should feel like. Do not skip the cornbre...
Ajax Diner
After hearing everyone in town talk about this place, I finally snagged a table. Chef John Currence is a legend for a reason—the shrimp and grits lived up to every bit of the hype. It’s become my favorite spot for a sophisticated dinner when I want t...
City Grocery
This is my favorite morning ritual in town. Their brioche and ginger cookies are famous for a reason, and it is the best travel-friendly breakfast if you are heading out for a day of exploring. The eclectic decor makes it feel incredibly cozy and aut...
Bottletree Bakery
Game Day & Campus Essentials
You cannot experience Oxford without understanding the energy of an Ole Miss game day or the beauty of the campus. These selections cover the must-see landmarks and the gear you'll need to blend in perfectly with the local crowd during the electric f...
If you are coming for a game, you absolutely have to dress the part. I tell everyone to grab their red and blue gear here before arriving because local shops often sell out of the best sizes on Friday afternoons. This is the best quality option for o...
Ole Miss Rebels Apparel & Sugar Bowl Champions Gear
This isn't just a park; it's the holy grail of tailgating. Even if you don't have a ticket to the game, walking through the ten acres of chandeliers and fine china on a Saturday is a must-do activity. It is the most iconic experience in Oxford and co...
Take it to the Grove – Ole Miss Tailgating at it's finest.
Ole Miss Rebels Football Tickets
Ole Miss Rebels Football Tickets
For sports fans, visiting the stadium is a non-negotiable. Whether you're attending a game or just snapping a photo outside the Walk of Champions, the energy here is unmatched. It’s the perfect spot for families and students alike to soak in the deep...
Buy Ole Miss Rebels Football Tickets | 2026 Event Dates & Schedule
As the oldest building on campus, the Lyceum is a beautiful spot for photography and history buffs. I love walking past the columns in the evening when the lights hit the brick just right. It's a quiet, peaceful contrast to the high-energy areas of c...
Lyceum – The Circle Historic District, University of Mississippi
Outdoor Escapes & Literary History
When the Square gets too crowded, these are the places I go to clear my head and enjoy the Mississippi landscape. This section highlights the best spots for a morning hike, a quiet afternoon walk, or a dose of local history away from the hustle of th...
You can't live in or visit Oxford without paying respects to William Faulkner. Walking the grounds is free, and the house tour is very affordable. I find the 'Bailey’s Woods' trail that leads from the house to the University Museum to be the best hid...
Rowan Oak | Oxford, MS – Home of William Faulkner
This is where the locals go to exercise. It’s an arboretum with beautiful water features and paved paths. If you struggle with hilly hikes, this is the best flat option for a morning jog. I bring my dog here at least three times a week because the at...
Lamar Park
This is a great version of a woodland escape right in the middle of town. It connects the University Museum to Rowan Oak, making it a perfect cultural hike. It's shaded and cool, which is essential during the humid Mississippi summers, and offers a m...
Bailey Woods Trail - Oxford
Boutique Stays & Local Shopping
Finding the right place to stay can make or break your trip, especially during high-traffic graduation or football weekends. I’ve selected these accommodations and shops because they offer a unique aesthetic that feels authentically 'Oxford' while pr...
This is the best splurge-worthy stay right on the Square. The decor is a love letter to Oxford’s history, featuring seersucker patterns and local art. It's the most travel-friendly option for those who want to park their car and walk to every restaur...
Graduate by Hilton Oxford Hotel near University of Mississippi
If you want a quieter, more sophisticated experience than the standard hotels, this is it. It feels like an old-world Southern mansion with modern amenities. I always recommend their lounge for a quiet cocktail if you want to escape the loud college ...
The Chancellor's House Bed and Breakfast: Luxury Stays in Bedford, PA
Finally, a department store with real history—it’s the oldest in the South! I love coming here for high-quality clothing and unique gifts. It's the perfect place to find a 'Grove-ready' outfit if you forgot to pack something dressy. The staff provide...
Neilson's Department Store