Oxford Mississippi is in northern Mississippi, about 75 miles southeast of Memphis Tennessee. Tupelo Regional Airport (TUP) is the closest major airport to Oxford MS.
Established in 1837, the town was named after Oxford in England due to the intention of establishing an educational institution in the town.
In 1848 the University of Mississippi opened, it is commonly referred to as “Ole Miss” and the city is wild about their football team, the Ole Miss Rebels. Epic tailgating parties happen at the Grove at Ole Miss.
In this post I’m sharing 7 things to do in Oxford Mississippi including some cool day trips.
Hotty Toddy! That’s the all-purpose greeting you will hear around Oxford.
1. Town Square
In the center of Oxford, you’ll find the Courthouse Square, or simply “The Square” as it is known locally. Visit the boutique shops, art galleries, museums, and restaurants at the Square.
For book lovers and those shopping for unique gifts visit Square Books at Courthouse Square, one of the best independent bookstores in the nation.
They also have three other sister shops nearby, visit Square Books Jr, Rare Square Books, and Off Square Books.
Be sure to visit Oxford City Hall on the Square, where you’ll find an original red telephone booth from Oxford, England.
The phone booth was shipped to Oxford MS by local resident John Valentine who purchased the iconic red booth while serving for the US Air Force in Oxford, England.
2. Rowan Oak
When it reopens you can visit the home of Nobel Prize winning author William Faulkner who bought the house in 1930 and later named it Rowan Oak.
This museum house is open to visitors year-round on Tuesday – Saturday from 10 am -4 pm and Sunday from 1 pm – 4 pm. Note that admission is $5 per person and CASH ONLY.
You can also visit the grounds and walk the Bailey Woods Trail. There is a beautiful old barn on the grounds.
3. Southern Food
There is no shortage of excellent Southern cuisine in Oxford where you can select from cozy and casual to fine dining experiences.
Try the classics like Shrimp and Grits, Fried Chicken, Crawfish, Fried Catfish, Biscuits and Gravy, Collard Greens, and Cornbread.
Here are a few restaurants on the Square that you should try.
Ajax Diner will satisfy your comfort food cravings. Great place to grab a plate lunch.
Boure Restaurant upscale down home fine dining with a great atmosphere. Try the Jambalaya or Crab Cakes. Good selection of burgers, also a Bun Less Burger Bowl.
City Grocery offers creative takes with classic southern ingredients, like Shrimp and Grits with mushrooms and bacon. Yum!
4. University of Mississippi
Visit the University of Mississippi Museum on the main campus and explore the art and antiquities collections including Southern Folk Art, outdoor sculptures, and a fine collection of Greek and Roman antiquities.
If your timing is right, you’ll get to attend a football game or a basketball game at Ole Miss. Tailgate parties at the Grove are legendary. As the saying goes Ole Miss never loses a party.
Tailgating at the Grove is cool because the players walk right through the Grove on their way to the Vaught-Hemingway Stadium, giving fans a chance to cheer them on before they get on the field.
5. Clarksdale Day Trip
Put this on your bucket list – drive to Clarksdale for some Mississippi Delta blues.
Visit the crossroads at Old Hwy 61 and Hwy 49 where famed musician Robert Johnson is said to have made a deal with Lucifer.
Have lunch at Abe’s BBQ.
Go to Red’s Lounge for a real Juke Joint experience and listen to the blues. Visit the Bluesberry Café for live blues on Saturday and Sunday mornings.
Shop for music and art at Cat Head Delta Blues and Folk Art and also check out Ground Zero Blues Club.
A couple of big music festivals in Clarksdale are the popular Juke Joint Festival happening every April, and Deep Blues Fest in October.
6. Memphis Day Trip
Memphis Tennessee is great day trip from Oxford and even better for a weekend getaway.
During the day visit the National Civil Rights Museum to learn about the history of the civil rights movement in the United States. This exceptional and informative museum is open from 9 am – 5 pm Thursday to Monday.
Walking around Memphis you will notice an abundance of art murals in the city. Check out the downtown mural guide and explore art outdoors.
You can visit Graceland and tour the mansion where Elvis Presley lived. He purchased the estate in March 1957 for $102,500.
Graceland tours range from the Elvis Presley Memphis and Planes Tour to the Ultimate VIP Tour.
In the evening visit Beale Street for music, food, and fun. Almost two miles of shops, nightclubs, and restaurants for your enjoyment.
7. Tupelo Day Trip
Take a day trip to Tupelo Mississippi and visit the birthplace of Elvis Aaron Presley. You can go see the childhood home of Elvis and visit the Elvis Presley Museum.
Elvis was born on January 8, 1935 and lived in Tupelo until he was 13 years old, when the family moved to Memphis Tennessee.
Take a walk downtown and enjoy lunch or coffee at one of the restaurants or cafes.
History buffs will want to visit Tupelo National Battlefield, a national monument and commemorative site of the Battle of Tupelo, a Civil War battle in July 1864.
Enjoy traveling around Mississippi and visiting Oxford.
Here are a few more ideas for a Southern US road trip vacation.
Lafayette Louisiana is the heart of Cajun Country – enjoy great food, music, and dancing
Learn about the legend of the Evangeline Oak tree
Explore all the fun things to do in Chattanooga Tennessee and cool things to do in Gatlinburg Tennessee
Visit the horse capital of the world – Lexington Kentucky
Find beautiful beaches and fascinating historical sites in St Augustine Florida
Discover fun things to do in Orlando other than theme parks!
Austin Texas is live music capital of the world a great place to spend a few days
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