Last Updated on August 15, 2024
College students are making their way back to campus and Oxford, MS is buzzing with students excited to start or return to the University of Mississippi, founded in 1848.
Though Oxford is a renowned college town, there’s more to this lovely destination than Southern charm. From football game day traditions to hidden local gems, here’s an insider’s guide to experiencing Oxford like a UM student or grad.
How to Catch the Spirit
Tailgate at The Grove
No visit to Oxford is complete without experiencing the electric atmosphere of a Saturday game day at The Grove, one of college football’s most iconic and beloved tailgating sports. This 10-acre, tree-lined park transforms into the ultimate tailgating destination, where fans decked out in red and blue come together to celebrate. Chandeliers and tablecloths are the fashion here along with dresses and khakis.
NOTE: Since open flames are not allowed in The Grove due to the tree cover, all food is prepared beforehand and brought it.
Visit the Walk of Champions
Two hours before kickoff, fans line up at the Walk of Champions to watch the University of Mississippi football team walk through The Grove. This has become a tradition for every home game, and fans wait eagerly to get a high-five or a photo with their favorite players.
Cheer on the team at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium
With seven home games in 2024, visitors and fans have plenty of opportunities to watch the team in action at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Fun fact – “Hotty Toddy” is a greeting, chant, and secret handshake all in one!
Where to Eat and Drink in Oxford
Oxford is also known for its vibrant food scene offering a variety of classic dishes that capture the essence of the Southern culinary world.
Some of the iconic dishes you’ll find here include fried chicken, shrimp and grits, catfish, Pimento cheese, BBQ ribs, fried green tomatoes, gumbo and pecan pie. Don’t forget to add a glass of sweet tea which you’ll find at virtually every restaurant in Oxford.
Here are some of the places you won’t want to miss.
Big Bad Breakfast
This is where you’ll discover the true essence of Southern comfort food where flaky biscuits and velvety gravy reign supreme. Founded by Chef John Currence, the recipes mirror his childhood breakfasts in Louisiana.
SoLa
Opened in 2014, SoLa brings together a variety of flavors in a unique combination to deliver an amazingly fresh experience. Chef and owner Erika Lipe was recently crowned the very first Queen of Mississippi Seafood and just took home second place at the Great American Seafood Cook-Off in New Orleans.
City Grocery
This Oxford gem seamlessly blends Southern tradition with elegant innovation. Try out elevated versions of Southern classics like Shrimp and Grits, where bold flavors meet refined presentation. At City Grocery, guests can enjoy an afternoon or evening on the outdoor patio overlooking the historic Courthouse Square, simply called The Square.
The Coop
Located on the 4th-floor terrace and lounge at Graduate Oxford hotel, The Coop offers craft cocktails with amazing views of The Square. The décor mimics a modern-day “hen house” with vintage warehouse pendants and farmhouse fixtures.
The Library
This library is not where students are headed for a study day. As Oxford’s largest bar, this is the go-to spot to watch any sports event.
Funky’s
Known as the bar where Katy Perry celebrated (and dove into the crowd) after Mississippi beat Alabama in 2014, Funky’s is a New Orleans-style daiquiri bar in the heart of Oxford on The Square.
Ajax Diner
One of the classic good ol’ Southern comfort restaurants, this diner has been serving up feel-good eats in Oxford for 24 years. Chicken and dumplings, fried catfish, Mississippi pot roast, country fried steaks, and po’boys are just some of its standards.
Ajax has been voted Oxford’s best plate lunch every year since 1997. Remember to try out alumni football hero Eli Manning’s favorite dish, The Big Easy (he’s from New Orleans).
