Oxford

Oxford is a historic, picturesque town in North Central Mississippi, widely regarded as one of the finest small towns in America. With its scenic town square, acclaimed restaurants, unique boutiques, oak-shaded neighborhoods, and friendly people, Oxford is the model Southern town. Named after Oxford, England, in hopes of attracting a university, the town was selected as the home of the University of Mississippi in 1848 — affectionately known as Ole Miss — which dominates life here today.

Oxford also served as the inspiration for Nobel Prize winner William Faulkner's fictional Jefferson, with Lafayette County being the model for his Yoknapatawpha County. The town is a literary center with many writers calling it home, including John Grisham, an Ole Miss Law alum who still owns a house here. Locals, partially jokingly, refer to the Square as the "Center of the Universe" and describe the town with the motto: "We may not win every game, but we never lose a party." Many residents call Oxford the "Little Easy," seeing it as a small-town New Orleans.

The Square is the heart of downtown, with the town's best restaurants, shops, bars, and architecture. Most locals are staunchly anti-chain, having protested the arrival of Applebee's and Walmart. To truly enjoy Oxford, visit the Square and patronize locally-owned establishments. As National Geographic Traveler wrote: "Sophisticated little Oxford is waiting for you."

Oxford's climate features warm, humid summers (highs in the 90s°F/32°C) and mild winters (highs in the 50s°F/10°C). Spring (March–May) brings blooming dogwoods and azaleas. Fall (September–November) offers beautiful foliage. Football season (August–November) brings the biggest crowds.

By Plane

The closest airports with airline service are Memphis (MEM), 70 miles north (major Delta hub), and Tupelo (TUP), 45 miles east with daily flights to Memphis and Atlanta. University-Oxford Airport (Clegg Field) serves private planes with a 5,600-foot runway.

By Train

The nearest Amtrak stops are on the City of New Orleans line in Memphis and Greenwood, Mississippi.

By Car / Road

Major highways include State Highways 6, 7, 9, and 30. Highway 6 connects with Interstate 55. From Memphis or Jackson, take I-55 to Batesville and exit MS Hwy 6 East. Oxford is approximately 25 miles from Batesville. Travel times: ~1 hour 15 minutes from Memphis, ~2.5 hours from Jackson, ~45 minutes from Tupelo.

The public transportation is called the O-U-T with several lines through major points. The best way to get around is by foot — Oxford is a beautiful town to walk and parking is scarce downtown and on campus. Once you find parking, stay there and walk. Oxford is a certified Bicycle-Friendly Community with bike paths via LOU Pathways. Oxford Taxi (+1 662-701-7310) and Enterprise Rent A Car (201A Ricky D Britt Sr Blvd, +1 662-281-0508) are available.

• Rowan Oak (+1 662-234-3284, Old Taylor Road): The home of Nobel Prize-winning author William Faulkner, just blocks from the Square. Faulkner even wrote part of a novel on his bedroom wall. Free admission Wednesdays, $5 other weekdays. Grounds open until sunset.

• The Historic Oxford Courthouse: In the heart of the Square. Burned by federal troops in 1864, rebuilt after the war. Visitors can browse the building; the upstairs courtroom is a step back in time.

• The Grove: On the Ole Miss campus. During early spring, it looks like a manicured park; during football season, it becomes the most revered tailgating locale in college football. Sports Illustrated rates it No. 3 on a list of 100 things to do before graduating.

• Oxford Cemetery: Burial place of William Faulkner and LQC Lamar. Tradition calls for visitors to leave a pint of whiskey at Faulkner's grave (scotch preferred).

• The Lyceum: The first building on the Ole Miss campus, used as a Confederate hospital. Front columns contain bullet holes from the integration of James Meredith. The Chancellor's office on the first floor offers tours.

• Ventress Hall: 19th-century Victorian building with a Tiffany Glass stained glass window honoring the University Greys and a winding staircase filled with 100+ years of graffiti.

• University Museum (5th & University Avenue, +1 662-915-7073): Tu-Sa 9:30AM–4:30PM, Su 1–4PM. Greek and Roman antiques, Theora Hamblett collection, and Southern folk art. Unpaved trail to Rowan Oak.

• Ole Miss Blues Archives (+1 662-915-7753): The world's most extensive collection of blues recordings. B.B. King recorded Live at Ole Miss in the Grove.

• Southside Gallery (150 Courthouse Square, +1 662-234-9090): Changing art exhibits. Free admission.

• Center for the Study of Southern Culture (Barnard Observatory): Antebellum building originally built for the world's largest telescope.

• Confederate Cemetery: Behind Tad Smith Coliseum on Ole Miss campus. Resting place of 700+ Confederate dead, mostly from the Battle of Shiloh.

• UM Department of Archives and Special Collections: Must for Faulkner aficionados, in the J.D. Williams Library.

• Football Tailgating in The Grove: Experience the legendary Ole Miss tailgating tradition. Dress in your Sunday best and bring refreshments.

• Square Shopping and Dining: Explore locally-owned boutiques, bookstores, and restaurants around the historic courthouse square.

• Walking Tours: Self-guided tours of the Ole Miss campus, the Square, and Faulkner-related sites.

• Double Decker Arts Festival: Annual celebration of music, food, and arts in the Square.

• Biking: LOU Pathways system and Oxford Cycling Club organize rides including the Double Decker Spring Ride and Clear Creek Challenge.

• Memphis, Tennessee (70 miles north, ~1 hour 15 minutes): Beale Street, Sun Studio, National Civil Rights Museum, and legendary barbecue.
• Clarksdale (75 miles northwest, ~1 hour 30 minutes): Blues capital of the Delta with Ground Zero Blues Club and the Crossroads.
• Tupelo (70 miles east, ~1 hour 15 minutes): Birthplace of Elvis Presley and Civil War battlefields.
• Oxford Lake and Sardis Lake: Nearby lakes for fishing, boating, and camping.
• Vicksburg (200 miles southeast, ~3.5 hours): Vicksburg National Military Park and Mississippi River history.