While a visit to Oxford, Mississippi is the right choice any time of year, locals will tell you there is something extra special about the charming college town during the fall. Even if you’re here to cheer on the opposing team, we are happy to have you and think you will find plenty to love about ESPN’s “America’s Best College Town.”
Oxford’s rich history, James Beard Award winning restaurant scene and legendary creative community have led many to call it the “Cultural Mecca of the South.” The Square is the heart of Oxford and it offers a plethora of restaurants and bars, charming boutiques and stores and luxurious lodging accommodations. There is always something exciting to see and experience, whether that be a concert at Oxford’s historic Lyric Theater, a book signing at our beloved independent bookstore, Square Books or a new exhibit at the Southside Art Gallery.
Game weekends can be a little overwhelming so we’ve compiled some tips to make your game weekend the best it can be.
FRIDAY
If Southern history piques your interest, you’ll find no shortage of it here! Hop on our iconic Double Decker bus for a one-hour tour with local historians leading visitors through points of interest in Oxford and the campus of the University of Mississippi, including William Faulkner historic sites. To check availability, call 662-232-2477 and make your reservations! If you want to continue your history lesson, you can stop by Rowan Oak, William Faulkner’s home. Walk the grounds and get a glimpse into his beautiful house ($5 admission) anytime from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Just a little under a mile from the Square is the Ole Miss Campus and the Grove which plays host to one of the SEC’s most famed game day experiences. If you find yourself on campus at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, you will bear witness to the famous “running of the tents.” Security keeps fans out of the Grove, the ten-acre wooded ‘holy grail of tailgating’ until this set time when individuals and companies grab their tents and chairs to claim their coveted spots.
Dinner on the Square
Once you’ve worked up an appetite, the Square offers a variety of restaurants to satisfy your hunger. Whether you’re looking for some classic Southern cuisine from Ajax Diner or authentic Italian from Saint Leo the options for your Friday night are endless. If you’d rather do some people watching, we suggest taking in stellar views of the Square from The Coop on the Graduate rooftop or get a little closer to the action, the Bouré and City Grocery balconies are your best bet.
SATURDAY
On game-days you will find Ole Miss fans young and old dressed in their Sunday best. If you’re in need of your own fabulous game-day outfit, you have come to the right place! Neilson’s is the oldest department store in the South and offers a wide variety of men’s and women’s clothing. At women’s clothing shops like Cicada, Jane, Hemline and Threads, you can find everything from high end classic pieces to the latest trends. For men’s clothing, check out Landry’s, Hinton & Hinton or the newly opened Tom Beckbe. For fan gear, you will find a wide selection at University Sporting Goods and B-Unlimited. You can find a full list of Oxford’s incredible shops here.
Walk of Champions
Be sure to allow plenty of time before the game to experience Ole Miss’s legendary tailgating scene. A bit different from your typical SEC Saturday affair, tailgating is an art form here, and no one takes it quite as seriously as we do. Tents have been known to include catered meals, elegant decorations, and even a chandelier or two. Two hours before kickoff, make your way over to the Grove entrance by the Student Union. At this time, coaches and players arrive and begin their walk to the stadium through the “Walk of Champions” archway while tens of thousands of fans cheer them on. This tradition was started back in the early 1980s by then head coach Billy Brewer who wanted to find a way for the team to experience the glory of the Grove on game day.
After the game, the fun is far from over. No matter what happens on the football field, Ole Miss fans will find a reason to celebrate. Head back to the Square to experience Oxford’s renowned night-life.
SUNDAY
Even though Oxford turns into the sleepy town you would read about in a book on Sundays, there’s still so much to do if you’re not too wiped out from game day. Take advantage of retailers who are open on Sunday, stroll around Rowan Oak or snap a selfie at the Greetings from Oxford mural. Many restaurants on the Square offer brunch and lunch options on Sundays. Whether you prefer a traditional breakfast at the original Big Bad Breakfast, one of Oprah’s “favorite things” at Bottletree Bakery, or a “Tex-Mississippi” style breakfast taco at The Sleepy Cactus, be sure and fill up on your last taste of Southern comfort food before hitting the road.
While we may not have you chanting “Hotty Toddy” by the end of your stay, we would bet even the most loyal opposing fans will find Oxford and the University of Mississippi a uniquely charmed place. We hope to have you back soon – until then, follow along on social media @VisitOxfordMS!
