The Ultimate Oxford Guide for Parents and Students Visiting Oxford and Ole Miss

Welcome to Oxford, Mississippi! Whether you’re here for a campus tour, orientation, game day, or just visiting your student at Ole Miss, this guide will help you explore the best of what this charming Southern town has to offer.

Where to Stay

The Graduate Oxford

Located just off the historic Oxford Square, this boutique hotel is packed with Ole Miss-inspired decor and vibrant charm.

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The Oliver Hotel

A luxurious option with Southern elegance, this hotel is perfect for parents looking to relax in style.

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Tru by Hilton

A more budget-friendly choice, this hotels is located just a short drive from campus.

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Where to Eat

  • St. Leo (Oxford Square) - An Italian-inspired spot known for its wood-fired pizzas and elegant atmosphere.
  • City Grocery (Oxford Square) - Known for its upscale Southern cuisine, it’s perfect for a nice dinner out.
  • Big Bad Breakfast - Kick off your morning with their famous biscuits and gravy or a hearty omelet.
  • Handy Andy Grocery - A local favorite for BBQ sandwiches and burgers in a casual setting.
  • The Sipp - A wine bar offering small plates and an extensive wine list, perfect for a relaxed evening.

Things to Do

  1. Explore the Historic Oxford Square Stroll through boutique shops, grab a coffee or yogurt, and take in the charm of the Square.
  2. Visit Rowan Oak Tour the home of William Faulkner, the Nobel Prize-winning author and Oxford’s literary legend.
  3. Cheer on the Rebels Be sure to check the Ole Miss sports schedule so you don’t miss a chance to cheer on the Rebels! Whether it’s football in the Vaught, basketball in the Pavilion, or baseball at Swayze Field, catching a game is a must. The energy and school spirit at Ole Miss events are unmatched—Hotty Toddy!
  4. Ole Miss Campus Tour Walk the stunning campus, snap a photo at the Lyceum, and explore the J.D. Williams Library.

Shopping

Square Books

One of the country’s most beloved independent bookstores, perfect for picking up a new read or a Faulkner classic.

Neilson's Department Store

The oldest department store in the South, offering clothing, gifts, and Ole Miss gear.

Oxford Floral and Katherine Beck

Local shops for floral arrangements, gifts, and unique decor items. Also, great places to go for all your sorority recruitment gifts!

Tips for Football Game Day

Arrive Early: A parking pass is required to get on campus game days. Parking around town fills up quickly, so plan ahead and arrive several hours before kickoff.

Dress the Part: Each game has a designated color, so check ahead and coordinate your outfit. And don’t forget to dress up for The Grove — it’s as much about style as it is about school spirit!

Tailgating in The Grove: Pack your cooler and enjoy the camaraderie of fans before the game. Don’t forget to say, “Hotty Toddy!”

Local Events

  1. Double Decker Arts Festival (Spring) A weekend of art, music, and food that showcases the best of Oxford’s creative spirit.
  2. Ole Miss Basketball and Baseball games (Spring) Ole Miss sporting events have a clear bag policy. At Ole Miss Baseball games head to the outfield for a fun, tailgate-like experience. It’s a social hotspot for fans. Left field (BYOB) will be General Admission seating for all games. Ole Miss students can join the beer showers in right field present student ID for admission and coolers allowed(20 quart max).
  3. Fall Football Weekends Nothing compares to the energy in Oxford during an SEC game weekend. The Grove transforms into a sea of tents and elegant setups on game day, where fans showcase Southern hospitality, fashion, and school spirit. Frequently ranked as the #1 tailgating spot by publications like Sports Illustrated and Southern Living, it’s a tradition like no other.

Jenny's Tips!

Parking: The Square has metered parking, but it’s often busy. Use parking garages or walk if you’re staying nearby.

Reservations: Make dinner and hotel reservations in advance (way in advance), especially on game weekends.

Incoming Ole Miss students, make the most of your visit by connecting with as many people as you can! Whether it's coffee meetups, lunches, or social events, the more you engage, the richer your Ole Miss experience will be. If you're going through recruitment, this is the perfect time to build lasting connections and get to know others on campus. Don't wait—seek out ways to get involved right away. These connections and opportunities will shape your experience and make it unforgettable! Need help getting started? Call me!

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We hope you enjoy your visit to Oxford and Ole Miss! Whether you’re here for a short stay or a long weekend, this guide will help you make the most of your time in this vibrant college town. Hotty Toddy!