Oxford, Mississippi: 10 Unforgettable Things to Do Near This Charming Town

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10 Fun Things To Do In and Around Oxford, Mississippi (Lafayette County)

If you’re dreaming about a small Southern town with big personality, Oxford, Mississippi should be on your radar. Tucked into Lafayette County, this college town mixes history, music, food, and football in a way that feels both relaxed and exciting at the same time. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway from Memphis, a stop on a longer Mississippi road trip, or visiting a student at Ole Miss, here are 10 great things to do in and around Oxford.

1. Stroll the Historic Oxford Square

If you only do one thing in Oxford, make it the Oxford Square. This is the beating heart of town. You’ll find:
  • Colorful storefronts wrapped around the old courthouse
  • Boutiques, art galleries, and gift shops
  • Locally owned restaurants and cafes
  • Sidewalks perfect for people-watching
Walk the Square in the late afternoon when the light hits the brick buildings just right. Grab an iced coffee, sit on a bench, and just watch life go by. On game weekends in the fall, the Square is buzzing with Ole Miss fans in red and blue. On quieter weekdays, it has that slow, easy pace you’d expect from a small Mississippi town.

2. Visit Rowan Oak, William Faulkner’s Home

Even if you haven’t read William Faulkner since high school English, his home, Rowan Oak, is worth a visit. Located just a short walk or drive from the Square, this white-columned house sits under tall trees and feels like stepping back in time. Inside, you’ll see:
  • Faulkner’s writing room, with his story notes scribbled on the walls
  • Old books and family photos
  • Simple, lived-in rooms that make him feel very real, not just “famous author” real
The grounds are peaceful, with walking paths that make a nice break from the bustle of town. It’s one of the most unique things to do in Oxford if you like history, literature, or just quiet, shady places.

3. Explore the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) Campus

The University of Mississippi, better known as Ole Miss, gives Oxford its lively college-town feel. Take some time to wander:
  • The Grove – a big, tree-filled green space famous for game-day tailgating
  • The Lyceum – the oldest building on campus, with a powerful civil rights history
  • Red-brick walkways and classic Southern architecture
If you’re there in the fall, step into Vaught–Hemingway Stadium on a Saturday and you’ll understand why people talk about SEC football like it’s a religion. But even if you’re not a sports fan, the campus is beautiful for a simple morning or evening walk.

4. Browse (and Buy) at Square Books & Other Local Bookstores

Oxford is one of the best book towns in the South. The star is Square Books, right on the Square. Inside, you’ll find:
  • Three floors of new and used books
  • Plenty of cozy corners to sit and read
  • Events with authors, readings, and signings
They also run nearby spots like Off Square Books and Square Books Jr. (a fun stop if you’re traveling with kids). If you’re looking for a real “Oxford souvenir,” skip the cheap keychains and bring home:
  • A signed book by a Mississippi author
  • A collection of Southern recipes
  • A novel set in Oxford or the Delta
It’s one of those places where you walk in “just to look” and somehow walk out with a stack of books you didn’t know you needed.

5. Eat Your Way Through Oxford’s Food Scene

For a small town, Oxford has a surprisingly strong restaurant scene. This is a big part of what makes it such a fun weekend getaway in Mississippi. You can find:
  • Classic Southern comfort food – think fried chicken, catfish, biscuits, and pies
  • Upscale dining with creative twists on local ingredients
  • Casual cafes and burger joints near the Square
If you’re not sure where to start, try this simple plan:
  • Breakfast: A local diner or bakery with hot biscuits or a big plate of eggs and grits
  • Lunch: Barbecue or a meat-and-three plate (one meat, three sides)
  • Dinner: A nicer restaurant on or near the Square for a true Oxford night out
If you like to plan ahead, search for “best restaurants in Oxford MS” before you go. You’ll find plenty of options, and reservations can help on busy weekends.

6. Enjoy Live Music and Nightlife on and Around the Square

Oxford may be small, but it doesn’t go to bed early—especially on weekends or when Ole Miss is in session. Many bars and venues around the Square host:
  • Local bands playing rock, country, or blues
  • Acoustic sets and singer-songwriter nights
  • DJ nights and dance floors for a livelier crowd
You don’t have to drink to enjoy the atmosphere. You can:
  • Grab a soda or sweet tea and listen to live music
  • Sit on a patio and enjoy the warm Mississippi evening
  • People-watch as students and locals mix together
If you like to plan your night, check venue schedules online for “live music in Oxford Mississippi” before you go out.

7. Get Outdoors at Sardis Lake (Just a Short Drive Away)

Need a break from downtown? Head about 20–25 minutes north to Sardis Lake in Lafayette and Panola Counties. This big reservoir offers:
  • Boating and fishing
  • Picnic areas with lake views
  • Swim beaches in season
  • Hiking and walking trails
On a warm day, it’s an easy way to balance the “city” side of Oxford with some nature. Pack:
  • Comfortable shoes
  • A cooler with drinks and snacks
  • Sunscreen and a hat (that Mississippi sun is no joke)
If you’re traveling as a family or with a group, Sardis Lake is a great spot to let kids run around and burn off some energy.

8. Visit Local Museums and Cultural Spots

For a small town, Oxford and Lafayette County have a surprising amount of culture and history if you look a little closer. Depending on the season and your interests, you might:
  • Explore campus museums at Ole Miss, which often feature art, regional history, or special exhibits
  • Check out smaller local history collections that share stories of north Mississippi and Lafayette County
  • Look for traveling exhibits or cultural events posted on community calendars
These quieter spots are perfect on:
  • Rainy days
  • Hot summer afternoons when you need air conditioning
  • Any time you want to learn more about the community beyond the tourist highlights

9. Drive the Country Roads Around Lafayette County

One of the most underrated things to do near Oxford is simply… drive. The back roads of Lafayette County are full of:
  • Rolling hills and open fields
  • Old churches and small cemeteries
  • Farmhouses and country stores
If you’re visiting in:
  • Spring: You’ll see wildflowers and fresh green everywhere.
  • Fall: You’ll get warm colors and cooler air—perfect for a windows-down drive.
Pull off at a small gas station or local market, grab a cold drink, and chat with whoever’s working. Those tiny conversations often end up being some of the best memories of a trip.

10. Join a Local Event, Festival, or Game Day

To really feel the spirit of Oxford, try to time your visit with a local event. This town loves to gather. Depending on the calendar, you might find:
  • Book festivals and author talks
  • Food or music festivals on and around the Square
  • Ole Miss home football games with legendary tailgates in The Grove
  • Holiday events and parades
Game days in particular are huge. Even if you don’t have tickets, walking around campus and the Square on a Saturday in the fall is an experience all by itself—packed sidewalks, the smell of barbecue, and a sea of red and blue. Before your trip, search for:
  • “events in Oxford MS this weekend”
  • “Ole Miss football schedule”
  • “Oxford Mississippi festivals”
You’ll get a feel for what’s happening when you plan to be in town.

Planning Your Trip to Oxford, Mississippi

To make the most of your Oxford getaway in Lafayette County, keep these quick tips in mind:
  • Best time to visit: Spring and fall have the nicest weather and lots of events, but also more crowds on game weekends.
  • Getting there: Oxford is roughly a 1.5–2 hour drive south of Memphis, making it an easy weekend road trip.
  • Getting around: The Square and campus are walkable, but having a car makes it easy to reach Sardis Lake and the country roads.
  • Where to stay: Look for hotels, inns, or short-term rentals near the Square or campus for the most convenient location.

What Would You Do in Oxford?

Oxford, Mississippi may not be the biggest dot on the map, but that’s part of the charm. You get:
  • Small-town warmth
  • College-town energy
  • Plenty of things to do within a short drive
From Rowan Oak to Sardis Lake, from live music on the Square to quiet walks under old trees, there’s a side of Oxford for just about everyone. Have you been to Oxford or Lafayette County?
  • What was your favorite thing to do?
  • Did I miss a hidden gem you love?
Share your thoughts in the comments and help other travelers plan their own Oxford adventure. And if you found this guide helpful, please share it with a friend who’s looking for a new Southern weekend getaway idea—Oxford, Mississippi might be exactly what they’re looking for.
Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

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