Oxford, Mississippi Trip Ideas: History, Culture & Dining

With more than 20,000 objects on display, The University of Mississippi Museum caters to people with a variety of historic and modern interests, and is one of the top Oxford attractions. Some of its unique features include collections of Greek and Roman artifacts, scientific instruments, and American art. Several private collections of artwork are on display at the museum, and the UM museum also has a series of rotating exhibits to supplement its permanent attractions.

Families can take advantage of the UM Museum's educational programs and summer camps, which encourage children to explore their artistic side.

University Avenue and 5th Street, 655-915-7073

Rowan Oak, a stately home located in Oxford, Mississippi, was first built in 1844, and Nobel Prize-winning author William Faulkner purchased the property and its surrounding 29 acres in 1930. People close to Faulkner say that the beauty and solitude of Rowan Oak inspired many of his stories and novels, and visitors can freely explore the grounds surrounding Faulkner's home from dawn to dusk each day.

A tour of the home is very affordable, and explanatory materials are available in multiple languages. Tour hours vary depending on the season.

916 Old Taylor Road, 662-234-3284

The Vaught-Hemingway Stadium at the University of Mississippi campus seats more than 60,000 football fans, and it has been an iconic feature of the Ole Miss campus since it was built in 1915. In recent years, Vaught-Hemingway has experienced several expansions and upgrades. Thanks to a $150 million campaign, the stadium is receiving hundreds of new club level seats as well as 30 luxury suites this year.

Construction scheduled for 2016 will increase the stadium's capacity by almost 5,000, and plans for the installation of a plaza and bell tower are also underway.

All-American Drive and Hill Drive, University, MS 38677, 662-236-1931

Attractions for Couples

The Oxford Community Market serves the dual purpose of uniting the community and helping Oxford residents sell their produce, homemade goods, and handicrafts. The market is organized by a small group of locals and sponsored by a handful of Oxford businesses and individuals. In addition to helping market locally produced items, the OXCM hosts programs to engage and educate the Oxford populace. If you are wondering what to do in Oxford, Mississippi with kids, this is a great place to visit.

The OXCM takes place in the Community Pavilion along University Avenue every Tuesday from mid-April to late November.

Community Pavilion (Old Armory) on University Ave., 662-832-7257

This performing arts center at the University of Mississippi is named after Gertrude Ford. Ford was an avid reader and an accomplished musician, and she had the ability to speak three languages. Above all, she loved the performing arts. The 88,000-square foot center that bears her name has two main performance areas and seating for more than 1,000 people. If you are looking for romantic date ideas in Oxford, watch a performance at the Gertrude C. Ford Center for the Performing Arts.

Vocal performances, dance productions, and plays are held there on a regular basis. The center also hosts educational programs geared toward youth and teenagers.

Gertrude C. Ford Center for the Performing Arts, 100 University Avenue, 662-915-2787

The L.Q.C. Lamar House was built in the late 1860s by Lucius and Virginia Lamar. Over subsequent years the house changed hands but remained in the family. In 2004 it was purchased by the Oxford-Lafayette County Heritage Foundation for $425,000. The City of Oxford now owns the home, which contains several exhibits detailing Lucius Lamar's accomplishments as a congressman, Secretary of the Interior, and a Supreme Court Justice.

The home also has several exhibits with information about his personal life. Admission to the museum is free, and guided tours are available for large groups.

L.Q.C. Lamar House Museum, 616 North 14th Street, 662-513-6071

At nearly 3 miles long, the Thacker Mountain Rail-Trail is a popular spot for hikers, bikers, and joggers. The majority of the trail is flat, but the main trail branches off into a series of steeper, narrower paths that mountain bikers often frequent.

Athletes from the University of Mississippi tend to use the trail for exercise, as well. Several roadways, sidewalks, and bike lanes connect the Thacker Mountain Rail-Trail to a nearby mile-long trail called the Oxford Depot.

Unique Attractions

Even if you have never been a breakfast person, you will probably become one after you try what Big Bad Breakfast has to offer. Located in the Mid-Town Shopping Mall, the restaurant is a bit off the beaten path, but it is well known, and it is always packed. It is an old-fashioned diner-style eatery with unassuming décor and a large counter where you can perch and watch the action in kitchen while you keep cozy and comfortable.

Nothing extravagant would fit the kind of food they serve: classic southern plates loaded with house-cured Tabasco and Brown Sugar Bacon, thick slices of toast, fluffy biscuits, Original Grit Girl grits, crispy southern fried chicken, and the list goes on. If you really cannot take this much rich food so early in the morning, just come for lunch instead.

719 North Lamar, 662-236-2666

Aside from being a showcasing venue for the work of local artists, the Oxford Treehouse Gallery served as the home and studio of Walter and Vivian Neill until 2013. Now the Neills own a separate home on the same property, but their gallery remains open to the public. Currently, the Oxford Treehouse Gallery displays a collection of paintings, ceramic work, metal work, and jewelry.

The gallery is also used as a venue for events. The unique space is a choice site for parties, receptions, and workshops. The Neills also have an onsite apartment that can accommodate a small number of visitors.

328 Country Road 418, 662-236-1667