We locals are very proud of our town, and each season brings new changes to Oxford and Ole Miss. If you’re new here—welcome! If you’re returning from a summer away—welcome back! And if you’ve been here all along, read on for some reminders of what makes Oxford and Ole Miss so special that one of its nicknames is “God’s Country.”
Each year, The Local Voice publishes a “Favorites” list, voted on by our readers, to honor some of the top contenders in different categories. Here are a few highlights to get you (re)acquainted with Oxford.
One of the first things you will notice is that Oxford has an abundance of excellent eateries. You should bounce around and try as many as you can. Start with Oxford’s Favorite Pizza at the newly renovated Funkys, then head a little bit down Jackson Avenue to Saint Leo for Oxford’s Favorite Cocktails (if you’re of age, that is). This section of town features a new sidewalk dining area where you can enjoy the weather while you hang out with friends. The Annex and Saint Leo are included in this section, and you’re sure to find yourself a comfy spot. Or if you like tacos and tequile, pay a visit to nearby Uno Mas for seriously fresh Mexican food.
For some hoppin’ nightlife, Rafters on the Square is sure to be a fun time, and right around the corner is Oxford’s Favorite Bar, The Library (you can snag a Library card later this month if you’re planning to visit frequently!)
Over the heart of the Square, you can find Oxford’s Favorite Local Business, Square Books, which now has four locations, each specializing in something unique. Music lovers will appreciate The End of All Music for their new and used records and turntables. Head to Oxford’s Favorite Fine Dining at City Grocery for that fancy date night, and don’t forget to say hi to the Favorite Server, Terry Moon! There’s also a fantastic balcony upstairs where you can people watch while you plan your next move.
Head over to the south side of the Square to pop in on Favorite Chef, Erika Lipe at SoLa. If it’s Sunday —bonus points!—they were also voted Favorite Brunch (try the Bananas Foster Beignets, trust). BBQ fans will love Moe’s Original, and if you like outdoor dining or karaoke, you can swing by Rockhouse Live across the street, go Greek at Opa!, or sneak down the alley to The Sipp on South Lamar for some of the best ambience around.
But don’t spend all your time on the Square! Just a few blocks away on North Lamar you can find multi-award-winning Volta Taverna for killer Margaritas, a big patio, and delicious Mediterranean-inspired food. Across the street you can snag some breakfast at Big Bad Breakfast (it is the most important meal of the day, after all!), fresh oysters and fabulous cocktails at Snackbar, or sushi at Jinsei. And if you can’t be bothered to leave your home, just order from Fetcht!
But Oxford isn’t all about the food and drinks. You will find a variety of entertainment going on around town. This time of year, the Yoknapatawpha Arts Council is putting on events ranging from film screenings (Pulp Fiction on August 18), improv storytelling (Spillit Slam August 13), theatre (10-Minute Plays August 27), and much more.
Of course, football season is right around the corner, too, and with it The Grove will be decked out in all its glory, bars will have their big screens tuned in, and fans will be all yelling “Hotty Toddy!”
We hope you enjoy Oxford as much as we do and stay safe out there as you explore the town, whether it’s all new to you, or you want to discover a fresh “favorite.”
