48 Hours in Oxford: An Oxford, MS Travel Guide

Oxford, Mississippi is exactly one Spotify playlist of Kaytranada, Tom Misch, The Black Keys, Goldlink, and Hiatus Kaiyote away—that is to say it is just over an hour’s drive from Memphis. As mentioned in my Graduate Oxford review, I couldn’t have been happier when my friends suggested the trip. Although I gained admission to and was >THIS< close to attending graduate school at Ole Miss, I hadn’t visited Oxford before this trip. So, of course, at top of my list was to visit the campus, feast on some delicious cuisine, and do some damage shopping.

WHERE TO STAY

If style, comfort, and a convenient location is your thing, look no further than the Graduate Oxford. The hotel is located just on the edge of the square, has amenities to boot, delicious dining, and is beyond Instagrammable. I loved the consistency of the college theme throughout the property and was wowed again and again by their team. Check out my full review here.

THINGS TO DO

• Shopping On the Square – I love experiencing local shops while traveling and Oxford has plenty! My favorites were Cicada for shoes, Hemline for clothing and accessories, Hinton & Hinton for basics, Neilson’s for that old school quality service, and Off Square Books for more eclectic and alternative offerings to their iconic Square Books store.
• Visit Ole Miss/ Attend a Game – We were too early for football season. However, it was awesome to take in the campus and finally see some of the historic markers IRL. The campus is absolutely gorgeous and I cannot imagine what a game day must feel like with the entire town and campus packed with a sea of red and navy.
• Satisfy Your Inner Literary Nerd – My friends on the trip were hyped to visit Square Books, Off Square Books, and Rowan Oak, former home of William Faulkner. I loved the vintage vibes of Square Books and was pleasantly surprised at the more alternative magazines and contemporary selections at Off Square Books. My friends also raved about their experience at Rowan Oak, although it was smaller than they imagined.

WHERE TO EAT

• Saint Leo – I constantly consider driving down to Oxford just to experience another brunch at Saint Leo. The space is gorgeous, the food is beautifully presented and incredibly delicious, and service is great. They’re known for their artisanal wood-fired pizzas and Prosecco Pop cocktails. Yes, they will pour you a glass of Prosecco then pretty it up with an organic Italian ice pop!
• Jinsei – This unassuming sushi spot is located in a shopping center next to a thrift store that had all the things. (I am kicking myself for forgetting the name of the thrift store. Drop a comment below if you know the one!) Back to the sushi, I left super satisfied. Their vegetarian roll offerings are pretty limited, but they have lots of veg friendly starters: chili miso soup, edamame, and plenty of other tempura, steamed, and grilled veggies.
• Cups of Oxford – I found Cups on Instagram and immediately added it to my list of places to visit. The shop is super inviting and cozy. The team seemed genuinely interested in the coffee and there were a few folks inside who appeared to be regulars. Try the cortado!
• City Grocery – Nearly every search for Oxford restaurants included a recommendation to dine at City Grocery. After spending some time doing just that, I completely understand. We stopped in for a snack, as we had already nearly eaten ourselves into another existence, but couldn’t leave Oxford without the City Grocery experience. I tried and loved my first Pimm’s Cup. Our group shared the turmeric roasted cauliflower, fried salt brussels sprouts, frites with comeback sauce, and the bread basket. It was as good as it sounds and that comeback sauce… *those ellipses are representative of me enthusiastically waving my hand at the thought of it*
• Big Bad Breakfast – My first time at a BBB was during my Birmingham trip. I am happy to report that my second visit blew the first one away. Maybe it was the retro decor and vibes at this location or perhaps it was my hilarious group of travel buddies. Either way, I enjoyed quite a bit of the menu, a couple of mimosas, and lots of laughs. I highly recommend the yard work skillet!

PLACES TO GET YOUR ART + CULTURE ON

• Southside Art Gallery– Southside was one of my favorite stops in Oxford. Contemporary works from Andrew Blanchard, Terry Lynn, and William Dunlap were on view throughout the space. We chatted up the owner and checked out the upstairs area that is frequently rented as an event space. I also learned that the gallery regularly hosts artist receptions, live music, and participates in the Oxford Art Crawl.
• Oxford Art Crawl – The monthly crawl, hosted by the Yoknapatawpha Arts Council, hits traditional gallery and museum spaces, pop up arts events, and the Powerhouse Community Arts Center. Follow their calendar to jump on the next crawl!
• University of Mississippi Museum – We had the misfortune of visiting while the museum was closed. However, I’ve heard and read enough great things about their collections, exhibitions, and events that will surely bring me back in town.
• Oxford Treehouse Gallery– Step into this gorgeous home, gallery, and work space that’s been featured on Design*Sponge and you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to the ultimate happy place. It’s well worth the 15-minute drive from the square.

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