Top 10 Things to Do in Oxford, Mississippi
Home to the University of Mississippi—and the newest Pants Store location—Oxford combines the excitement of an SEC college town with celebrated food, literature, shopping, and Southern hospitality. Whether you’re visiting for an Ole Miss game, touring campus, or planning a weekend getaway, these are some of the best ways to experience Oxford.
1. Explore the Historic Oxford Square
The Square is the heart of Oxford and the best place to begin your visit. Centered around the historic Lafayette County Courthouse, this walkable downtown district is filled with locally owned boutiques, restaurants, galleries, bookstores, and nightlife. Spend the afternoon shopping, stop for coffee, and return after dinner to experience the Square’s lively evening atmosphere.
2. Walk Through the Ole Miss Campus and the Grove
The University of Mississippi is known for its beautiful, tree-filled campus. Walk past the Lyceum, visit the Circle, and explore the Grove—a peaceful green space during the week that becomes one of college football’s most famous tailgating destinations on game days. Don’t forget to take a photo beneath the Walk of Champions sign.
3. Experience an Ole Miss Game Day
Few experiences capture Oxford’s personality better than an Ole Miss game day. Football season brings red-and-blue outfits, elaborate Grove tailgates, the Walk of Champions, and a packed Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Basketball, baseball, and other Rebel sporting events also provide plenty of excitement throughout the year.
4. Visit Rowan Oak
Discover Oxford’s literary history at Rowan Oak, the former home of Nobel Prize-winning author William Faulkner. The historic house and wooded grounds provide a fascinating look at the life of one of America’s most influential writers. Even visitors who are not devoted literature fans will appreciate the property’s peaceful setting and distinctly Southern atmosphere.
5. Enjoy Oxford’s Celebrated Food Scene
Oxford has earned a national reputation as a culinary destination, offering everything from Southern comfort food and popular breakfast spots to wood-fired pizza and elevated fine dining. Local favorites can be found throughout the city, but the Square is an especially good place to begin. Arrive hungry and leave room for a late-night Oxford favorite.
6. Browse Square Books
Located on the Square, Square Books is one of the South’s most celebrated independent bookstores. Its shelves feature bestsellers, Southern literature, and works by Mississippi authors, while regular readings and signings reflect Oxford’s thriving literary culture. Families can also visit nearby Square Books Jr. for an excellent selection of children’s books.
7. Visit the University of Mississippi Museum
The University Museum offers an impressive mix of fine art, folk art, antiquities, scientific instruments, and Southern cultural exhibits. With changing exhibitions and collections that appeal to a wide range of interests, it is a worthwhile stop for visitors of all ages—and admission is free.
8. Walk the Bailey Woods Trail
Located beside the University Museum, the Bailey Woods Trail offers a scenic walk through a quiet hardwood forest. The trail connects the museum area with Rowan Oak, making it easy to combine nature, history, and literature in a single outing. It is an especially beautiful escape when Oxford’s weather is mild.
9. Spend Time Outdoors at Sardis Lake
A short drive from Oxford, Sardis Lake is a popular destination for boating, fishing, swimming, picnicking, and relaxing by the water. It is an excellent addition to a warm-weather trip, especially for families or anyone seeking a peaceful break from campus and downtown. Closer to town, Lamar Park and Avent Park offer more convenient spaces for walking and recreation.
10. Shop the Oxford Pants Store
Complete your visit with a stop at the Pants Store at 818 Jackson Avenue East. As the latest addition to the Pants Store family, the Oxford location is the perfect place to find an Ole Miss game-day outfit, stylish seasonal pieces, comfortable everyday essentials, and accessories for a night on the Square. Oxford has a style all its own, and Pants Store is proud to be part of this spirited community. Click here for Women’s Ole Miss Gameday Collection: https://pantsstore.com/collections/womens-ole-miss-gameday and click here for the Men’s Ole MIss Gameday Collection: https://pantsstore.com/collections/mens-ole-miss-gameday