Oxford Travel Guide: Things to Do, Best Time to Visit & Itinerary
Immerse yourself in the charm of the 'Velvet Ditch,' where William Faulkner's literary legacy meets the electric energy of SEC football and world-class Southern cuisine. This sophisticated small town offers historic architecture, a vibrant town square, and a cultural depth that rivals major cities.
Oxford, Mississippi, is often called the “Velvet Ditch” because it is so easy to fall into and so hard to leave. This small town punches well above its weight class, blending the sophistication of a literary capital with the rowdy charm of a college sports powerhouse. It is a place where Nobel Prize laureates once walked the same streets that now teem with students and visitors seeking the perfect plate of soul food.
Beyond the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss), Oxford serves as a pilgrimage site for readers and writers. The town square remains the beating heart of the community, preserving a slow-paced Southern lifestyle that feels both historic and surprisingly modern. Whether you are here to shout “Hotty Toddy” in a stadium of 60,000 or quietly read a first edition in a corner of Square Books, Oxford offers a cultural richness that lingers long after you depart.
Seasonal Weather Guide
Plan your perfect getaway with our detailed seasonal forecast.
The Literary Legacy
What truly sets Oxford apart is its deep-rooted literary history. As the home of William Faulkner, the town served as the inspiration for his fictional Jefferson in Yoknapatawpha County. You can feel this legacy everywhere, from the statue of the writer sitting on a park bench near City Hall to the preserved sanctity of Rowan Oak. The town continues to attract writers like John Grisham and maintains a reverence for the written word that is rare in the modern world.
This devotion to culture extends to the arts scene, with the Double Decker Arts Festival drawing crowds every spring and the Oxford Film Festival showcasing independent cinema. The collision of high art and Southern hospitality creates an atmosphere that is intellectual yet entirely unpretentious.
Things to Do
Unforgettable experiences await you.
Explore Rowan Oak
Walk the grounds and tour the Greek Revival home where Nobel Prize laureate William Faulkner lived and wrote his masterpieces. The outline of 'A Fable' is still scribbled on the walls of his study.
Stroll The Square
The cultural and economic hub of the city, this historic town square is lined with local boutiques, renowned bookstores, and some of the best restaurants in the South.
Tailgate at The Grove
Experience 10 acres of century-old oak trees that transform into a sea of red and blue tents, chandeliers, and fine china during football season.
Hiking at Bailey's Woods
Take a serene 20-minute walk through this protected wooded trail that famously connects the University Museum to Faulkner's Rowan Oak.
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The Icons You’ll Want to See
Rowan Oak - The historic home of William Faulkner is a Greek Revival house set on 29 acres of woods. It is open year-round, and for a modest fee ($5), you can see the outline of his novel A Fable written in pencil on the walls of his study.
Square Books - Consistently voted one of the best independent bookstores in the nation. It is actually three separate stores on the Square: the main store, Off Square Books (lifestyle/cookbooks), and Square Books Jr. (kids). Author readings here are legendary events.
The Grove - Located in the center of the Ole Miss campus, this 10-acre plot is holy ground for college football fans. Even if you visit outside of football season, the towering oak trees and lush grass provide a perfect setting for a picnic.
Vaught-Hemingway Stadium - The largest stadium in the state of Mississippi. While access to the field is restricted on non-game days, the exterior architecture and the surrounding “Walk of Champions” arch are must-see photo ops for sports fans.
Essential Guide
Everything you need to know.
Must-Visit Spots
Local Cuisine
Where to Stay
Travel Tips
Insider Tips
Planning Your Visit
Most visitors fly into Memphis International Airport (MEM), which is a straightforward 75-minute drive north of Oxford. While there is a shuttle service, renting a car is highly recommended to explore the outskirts, including Taylor and the various trailheads. Once you are in Oxford, the downtown area and the university campus are very walkable, but they are hilly, comfortable shoes are a must.
When packing, keep in mind that Oxford has a “dressy” culture. In the evenings, especially on weekends, locals and students tend to dress up for dinner. If you are visiting during football season, booking your accommodation a year in advance is not an exaggeration, as the town’s population effectively triples on game days.
When to Visit
Choose the perfect time for your adventure.
Peak Season: Fall (September - November)
Pros
- Incredible atmosphere during football weekends
- Perfect weather with low humidity
- Vibrant nightlife and social scene
Cons
- Hotel prices skyrocket (often 3x normal rates)
- Restaurants require reservations weeks in advance
- Heavy traffic on game days
Shoulder Season: Spring (March - May)
Pros
- Beautiful blooming gardens and campus
- Double Decker Arts Festival
- Pleasant walking temperatures
Cons
- Frequent thunderstorms
- Graduation weekends can be crowded
Off-Peak: Summer (June - August)
Pros
- Lowest accommodation rates
- Easy access to popular restaurants
- Quiet, relaxed pace on campus
Cons
- Oppressive heat and humidity
- Student population is gone, reducing energy
Oxford is a town of seasons, each offering a distinct personality. Fall brings the roar of the stadium and the most electric atmosphere, but spring offers the beauty of blooming dogwoods and the best arts festivals. No matter when you choose to visit, the “Velvet Ditch” is ready to welcome you with open arms and a glass of sweet tea.
Sample Itineraries
The Literary & Culinary Weekend
A relaxed weekend focusing on Oxford's rich literary history and award-winning food scene.
Day 1: Immersion in History and Southern Flavors
- Morning: Start your day with a hearty Southern breakfast at Big Bad Breakfast, spending around $40 for two massive skillets and coffee. Afterward, take a short drive to Rowan Oak to tour William Faulkner’s home for $5 per person, walking the grounds where he found his inspiration.
- Afternoon: Drive to The Square and spend hours browsing the three distinct Square Books locations, famously known as one of the best independent bookstores in America. For lunch, grab a ‘Meat and Three’ plate at Ajax Diner for approximately $30, making sure to try their famous sweet tea.
- Evening: Enjoy a sophisticated dinner at City Grocery, where the shrimp and grits are legendary, with the bill likely running $100-$150 depending on wine selection. End the night with a cocktail on the balcony of The Coop at The Graduate hotel for rooftop views.
Day 2: Art, Campus Culture, and Catfish
- Morning: Grab coffee and a pastry from Bottletree Bakery for about $15 and take a walking tour of the University of Mississippi campus. Be sure to see the Lyceum and the monument to James Meredith, the first African American student admitted to the university.
- Afternoon: Visit the University of Mississippi Museum to see their collection of Greek and Roman antiquities and Southern folk art, which is free to the public. Take the Bailey’s Woods Trail from the museum for a shaded 20-minute nature walk that connects back near the town center.
- Evening: Drive 15 minutes south to the tiny town of Taylor for dinner at Taylor Grocery, a rustic spot famous for whole catfish and hushpuppies, costing around $50 for two. Note that it is BYOB, so pick up your preferred beverage in Oxford before you head out.
The Ultimate Ole Miss Experience
Dive into the vibrant energy of the university town, perfect for sports fans and those who love a lively social scene.
Day 1: The Square and The Spirits
- Morning: Kick off with brunch at The Sipp on South Lamar, enjoying tapas-style dishes and mimosas for about $60. Spend the late morning shopping at the high-end boutiques along the Square, such as Neilson’s Department Store, the South’s oldest store of its kind.
- Afternoon: Head to the Ole Miss campus to walk through The Grove, visualizing the 10-acre tailgate setup, and visit the Vaught-Hemingway Stadium exterior. Stop by the intense collection of football memorabilia at the Rebel Rags store to pick up some gear for roughly $40-$80.
- Evening: Experience the nightlife by starting with dinner at Bouré for upscale Creole favorites on the balcony, costing around $90. Afterward, experience the ‘Library’ sports bar or Funky’s for a true college-town atmosphere, where cover charges are usually $5-$10.
Day 2: Local Secrets and Relaxation
- Morning: Recover with a quiet breakfast at Beacon Restaurant, a local diner staple that has served the community for decades, where a classic breakfast costs under $25. Drive out to Lamar Park for a leisurely 1.5-mile walk around the lake to enjoy the open green space.
- Afternoon: Drive to St. Leo for a wood-fired pizza lunch and prosecco, an ultra-hip spot that will cost about $50 for two. Afterward, visit the L.Q.C. Lamar House Museum to learn about the statesman who helped heal the North-South divide, with free admission.
- Evening: Treat yourself to a high-end steak dinner at Chancellor’s House Grill, expecting to spend $200+ for a premium experience. Cap off the trip with a nightcap at The Gin, a staple Oxford watering hole, before heading back to your hotel.
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