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“If you don’t want to live in Oxford, don’t visit.” This common refrain sums up the draw many have experienced to the special town nestled in the hills of North Mississippi. Home to Baptist Memorial Hospital – North Mississippi and the region’s newest up-and-coming Internal Medicine residency, there is truly something for everyone in Oxford, Mississippi. You can easily find your niche no matter your age, background, stage in life, or interests.
Social Scene
A true “Southern melting pot,” socializing comes easy in Oxford. With so many cultures and diverse walks of life mixing naturally, residents of Oxford tend to be extremely welcoming and inclusive. It doesn’t hurt that there is always something to do, either. On any given night, there is an opportunity to listen to live music, participate in a heated match of trivia, relax with great food and drink overlooking the historic Square, to name a few - all with great friends by your side.
Education for Children
Oxford and Lafayette County boast some of the best public schools in the state. There are excellent private school options, as well.
https://oxfordms.com/live-in-oxford/schools/k-12-education/
And outside the schoolyard gates, there are still plenty of opportunities for children to learn and socialize. How many towns these days are safe enough for children to walk to and from their school? You’ll see groups of backpack-toting youngsters all along the sidewalks before and after class, truly a throwback to days gone by.
Sports
We take our sports seriously here. University of Mississippi athletics teams compete in the Southeastern Conference, one of the toughest college conferences in the nation. Long-established rivalries exist in many sports – from football to basketball to baseball. Tailgating in the Grove on college football game days is a “bucket list” event for many people. Ole Miss fans set up elaborate spreads under the breathtaking canopy of trees on campus. The word “tailgate” is actually a misnomer, as no vehicles are allowed. A sea of pop-up party tents as far as the eye can see hold overflowing spreads of mouthwatering food and drink, each more spectacular than the next. And just when you think the day can’t get any better, a throng of faithful fans gathering for the pre-game Walk of Champions tradition signals that it is time to follow the team to Vaught Hemingway stadium to watch a thrilling college football matchup. This is just one sport in the long list of great college matchups that are a short drive away from the hospital and available for you to enjoy in your off time.
And if you or someone in your household isn’t one to just sit idly by and watch sports, but rather would like to participate, the Oxford Park Commission (www.oxfordparkcommission.com) offers plenty of recreational opportunities and top-rated facilities for all ages.
Food
A food-lover’s paradise, Oxford boasts some of the finest restaurants in the South, and a thriving culinary culture. To those who are unaware, the high regard for Oxford’s food scene on a national level may astound you. Local chefs and restaurants, many with nods from such revered institutions as the James Beard Foundation, serve exciting and unique fare sure to please any palate.
Literature
Southerners love to tell a good story, and Oxford is ground zero for some of Mississippi’s most accomplished writers. First and foremost, the late Nobel Prize winner William Faulkner was arguably our most noteworthy citizen, and we still love to celebrate his legacy. Exploring Faulkner’s historic home and expansive grounds, taking a stroll through the cemetery where he is buried, or having your picture taken with his statue on the Square are all beloved pastimes around here.
Whether it’s older texts you enjoy or a more contemporary read, you will be sure to find it at Square Books, an independent bookstore of national renown. The store and its offshoots (Off Square Books; Square Books, Jr.; and Rare Square Books) host hundreds of events, including book signings, children’s readings and events, and so much more.
Music
Music lovers are right at home in Oxford. From local bands to national acts, there are always sweet sounds emanating from bars, restaurants, and venues around town. The Lyric hosts performances in one of the coolest venues around. Often times, many touring groups will book gigs in Oxford as they travel between larger cities, providing an opportunity to see big-name acts you wouldn’t typically see in other small towns.
Art
If you’re not sensing a theme yet, creativity abounds in Oxford. You can admire the work of artists of all stripes in various galleries, at events held right on the courthouse lawn, and through other connections.
Arguably one of the most anticipated days on the Oxford calendar is the Double Decker Arts Festival each spring. The downtown area is closed to traffic for a two-day celebration of arts, music, and food that draws huge crowds each year.
Wonderful programs and educational resources are available through the University of Mississippi, the state’s flagship university. Specifically, the University of Mississippi Museum (https://museum.olemiss.edu/) offers free admission to its wonderful galleries, through which you can stroll and find works of artists such as Georgia O’Keefe and a collection of Greek and Roman antiquities, to name just a few highlights. The Museum also offers an abundance of fun and engaging programs that connect even the smallest member of your household to the world of art.
Shopping
Shopaholics come from near and far to find their next “treasure” in Oxford. There are innumerable “Mom and Pop” stores owned by locals that offer unique goods you won’t find anywhere else, including the South’s oldest department store. And it’s not unusual to find designer labels in Oxford that are mostly reserved for large cities.
Nature
Set in a beautiful area with rolling hills, bodies of water, and mature tree canopies, North Mississippi is a nature lover’s dream. Hiking and running trails abound in Oxford and around the area. Wonderful local parks offer a variety of options for outdoor activities, everything from lounging by Lake Patsy to picnicking at Avent Park. Just outside the city, state parks offer chances to fish, camp, and enjoy nature to the fullest – from Sardis Lake to Enid Lake and more.
Easy access to metropolitan and international locales
And if all that’s not enough to keep you satisfied right here at home, the metropolitan experience of Memphis is just an easy hour’s drive away if you need a change of scenery. From there, travel throughout the country and across the globe is made easy with regular flights and connections from Memphis International Airport. Regionally, the beach and mountains are both an easy day’s drive away, along with other major attractions within a car ride’s distance.
Of course, this list could go on and on and is in no way comprehensive. One of the best aspects of life in our town is the ability and encouragement to find your own hobbies and favorites that nobody ever thought of before. While it may not sound like the most flattering nickname, Oxford is often referred to as “The Velvet Ditch,” meaning it’s a comfortable place that’s hard to leave. So if you’re determined to not fall in love with Oxford, Mississippi, you best not visit our cherished hamlet.
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