Oxford didn’t unfold all at once—it revealed itself like a favorite novel, one chapter at a time. I came here expecting charm and maybe a little literary history. But what I found was something more grounded: a sense of rhythm, a deep current of creativity, and a town that knew how to hold space for both memory and momentum.
Best Things to Do in Oxford, MS
Stillness and Story at the University of Mississippi Museum
The University of Mississippi Museum surprised me. I thought I’d pop in for a quick visit—but an hour passed before I realized I hadn’t even looked at my phone. There was a quiet reverence inside—rooms filled with folk art, ancient pottery, Civil War artifacts, and Southern landscapes that stopped me mid-step. I remember standing in front of a Theora Hamblett painting, her bright trees glowing against white walls, and thinking, “This is someone’s dream, still alive in color.”
What I Loved Most: The permanent collection of Southern folk art, especially Hamblett’s work. Her use of color made even everyday scenes feel like memories I had forgotten I owned.
My highlights? After leaving the museum, I walked to BottleTree Bakery for a midday treat. I had a toasted slice of their famous orange-cranberry bread with whipped butter and a big mug of coffee. It was the kind of snack that felt both cozy and celebratory, like I’d earned it simply by being still for a while.
University of Mississippi Museum At a Glance
- Drive Time from Oxford Square: ~5 minutes or a 15-minute walk
- Vibe: Academic, intimate, quietly powerful
- Highlights: Folk art, Greek and Roman artifacts, Civil War collection
- Best Time to Visit: Weekday mornings for peaceful browsing
- Cost: Free admission
- Hours: Tues–Sat 10am–4pm
- Address: Fifth St. & University Ave, Oxford, MS 38655
Ghosts and Genius at Rowan Oak
Rowan Oak felt like stepping into a whisper. The moment I crossed the long tree-lined driveway, the noise of the world softened. William Faulkner’s former home sat quietly beneath the oaks, white and worn and elegant in its stubbornness. I walked the creaking floors slowly, passing through rooms filled with books, riding boots, handwritten outlines scrawled across the walls. I remember thinking, “This isn’t a museum—it’s still his house.”
What I Loved Most: Standing in Faulkner’s study, imagining him pacing those floorboards, the smell of pipe smoke in the air, drafts scattered like breadcrumbs.
My highlights? After wandering the grounds, I walked to Square Books downtown and found a sunny table upstairs with coffee and a slice of chess pie from their in-house café. It felt like a small ritual in a literary town—read a little, sip a little, just let the story soak in.
Rowan Oak At a Glance
- Drive Time from Oxford Square: ~5 minutes or a scenic 20-minute walk
- Vibe: Literary, reflective, southern-gothic
- Highlights: Faulkner’s home and grounds, walking paths, study with original notes
- Best Time to Visit: Spring or fall for cooler walks under the trees
- Cost: $5 admission (grounds are free to roam)
- Hours: Tues–Sat 10am–4pm
- Address: 916 Old Taylor Rd, Oxford, MS 38655
Fresh Moments at Oxford Community Market
The Oxford Community Market was full of quiet joy—no rush, no stress, just people sharing the best of what they’d grown or made. Set up in a church parking lot, it felt homey and real. Tents fluttered in the breeze, kids danced to live music, and fresh peaches spilled out of baskets like summer itself. I remember thinking, “This is what belonging feels like.”
What I Loved Most: Talking to a farmer about how long it took to grow her heirloom tomatoes. She handed me one with dirt still on the skin—it was perfect.
My highlights? I picked up a hand-pie filled with spiced apples and ate it on the spot. Warm, flaky, with a hint of lemon—it might have been the best thing I ate all week.
Oxford Community Market At a Glance
- Drive Time: Right in town, often at the Old Armory Pavilion
- Vibe: Friendly, fresh, community-driven
- Highlights: Produce, baked goods, crafts, live music
- Best Time to Visit: Tuesday afternoons (seasonal market)
- Cost: Free entry; vendor prices vary
- Hours: Tuesdays 3–6:30pm (March–December)
- Address: 1801 University Ave, Oxford, MS 38655
A Window into the Past at the L.Q.C. Lamar House Museum
The L.Q.C. Lamar House Museum didn’t draw a crowd—but that made it all the more powerful. Tucked in a residential neighborhood, this unassuming home held layers of political history and quiet complexity. Lamar was a senator, a Confederate, a U.S. diplomat—and a man whose contradictions shaped an era. I remember standing in the library and thinking, “History is never simple.”
What I Loved Most: The docent’s quiet passion—he didn’t just talk about history, he made it feel urgent and relevant.
My highlights? After the tour, I found a quiet corner at Boulevard Bread Co. and had a turkey brie sandwich on baguette with a cup of sweet tea. I ate slowly, still turning over what I’d learned.
L.Q.C. Lamar House Museum At a Glance
- Drive Time from Oxford Square: ~5 minutes
- Vibe: Historical, contemplative, quietly charged
- Highlights: House tour, political history, civil discourse themes
- Best Time to Visit: Late morning or early afternoon (call ahead for tours)
- Cost: Free (donations welcome)
- Hours: Varies; often by appointment or limited hours
- Address: 616 North 14th St, Oxford, MS 38655
Quiet Miles on the Thacker Mountain Rail-Trail
The Thacker Mountain Rail-Trail was where the noise dropped away. I started at the trailhead just outside town, unsure of how far I’d go, but the rhythm of crushed gravel beneath my shoes made it easy to keep walking. Trees arched overhead like cathedral beams, and for long stretches, it was just me, the wind, and the steady pulse of my own breath. I remember thinking, “This is the kind of silence that feels earned.”
What I Loved Most: That sense of being suspended—between destinations, between thoughts—just moving gently through the green with no real goal but to keep going.
My highlights? I brought a cold brew from Heartbreak Coffee and sipped it slowly while sitting on a bench mid-trail. It was just me, the trees, and the sound of birdsong threading through the summer air.
Thacker Mountain Rail-Trail At a Glance
- Trail Access: Multiple points near downtown and South Lamar Blvd
- Vibe: Peaceful, local, grounding
- Highlights: Tree-lined trail, walking, running, biking, birdwatching
- Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon for shade
- Cost: Free
- Hours: Open daily dawn to dusk
- Address: South Trailhead: 100 Depot St, Oxford, MS 38655
Travel Tips: How to Get to Oxford, MS
- If you are traveling by car: I’ve driven in from Memphis—it’s a scenic 1.5-hour ride via MS-6 and MS-7. You can also head up from Jackson in about 3 hours.
- By Air: I flew into Memphis International Airport and rented a car. The drive to Oxford was smooth and easy.
- By Bus: If you’re not driving, Greyhound and shuttle options connect Oxford to Memphis and other nearby cities. I’ve met folks who used them and said it was simple and affordable.
Where to Stay in Oxford, MS
- The Graduate Oxford – I stayed here once, and it was a blast. You’re right by the Square, the rooftop bar is perfect at sunset, and the decor has that quirky, college-cool vibe.
- Chancellor’s House – If you’re in the mood for something elegant, this boutique hotel nails it. I toured it on a past trip—it’s classy, luxurious, and oozes Southern charm.
- Hampton Inn Oxford/Conference Center – I’ve recommended this to friends with kids. It’s clean, convenient, and offers breakfast and a pool just a short drive from downtown.
Conclusion: Letting Oxford Linger
Leaving Oxford felt a little like putting down a good book—you’re satisfied, but you’re not quite ready to let go. The town stays with you in small ways: the sound of gravel underfoot on a quiet trail, the tang of sweet tea after a museum visit, the weight of old stories told in present tense.