Discovering the Charms of Oxford, MS: Fun Facts You Didn’t Know!
Welcome to Oxford, Mississippi! Whether you’re a brand new resident or a long-time local, there’s always something new to learn about this charming southern town. Here are six delightful facts about life in Oxford that will make you proud to call this place home.
1. The Home of “College GameDay”
Did you know that the first-ever ESPN “College GameDay” show took place right in The Grove at Ole Miss back in 2005? This stunning location has since become famous, often referred to as the “Holy Grail of tailgating sites” by The Sporting News. The atmosphere is electric, with fans cheering on their favorite teams, delicious food spread across tables, and tents set up by dedicated fans. In fact, some businesses, like Sevensouth Tailgating LLC, specialize in creating these epic tailgating experiences. Football is not just a game here; it’s a full-blown celebration!
2. A Literary Haven
Oxford is not just about football. It’s also a haven for literary lovers! Three of the nation’s most acclaimed authors hailed from this town: William Faulkner, Willie Morris, and John Grisham. Faulkner’s home, Rowan Oak, is a must-visit for anyone wanting to pay tribute to the Pulitzer Prize-winning writer. He spent over 40 years crafting timeless stories there. It’s as fascinating as it sounds!
3. A Taste of Britain
If you enjoy the British culture, you’ll love the unique touches Oxford has to offer. The city boasts a genuine double-decker bus and a classic red telephone booth – and yes, it actually has a working phone inside! Every year, Oxford even throws a fabulous festival called the Double Decker Arts Festival. With delectable food, catchy music, arts, and entertainment, this festival has something for everyone, including the award-winning Double Decker Spring Run.
4. Sky’s the Limit with Nicholas Air
Did you know that a top-notch private air travel company called Nicholas Air is headquartered in Oxford? They’re changing the way people think about jet travel! Whether you’re looking to pre-purchase flight hours or want a flexible subscription service, Nicholas Air has the perfect plan for you. Their collection of jets is astonishing and they even boast an ARGUS Platinum safety rating—ensuring you’ll be flying with peace of mind!
5. Best College Town and Food Scene
In 2024, Oxford was crowned the No. 1 Best Small College Town by USA TODAY’s 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards! And if that wasn’t enough, it also snagged the spot for the No. 4 Best Small Town Food Scene. Locals already knew how great this town is, thanks to the fascinating mix of college life and an amazing culinary culture. The presence of the University of Mississippi and Insight Park boosts the town’s reputation, attracting top-tier talent and businesses alike. It’s like having the best of both worlds!
6. Your Guide to Living in Oxford
If you want to dive deeper into what makes Oxford a great place to live, check out various community guides! These resources delve into topics like education, sustainability, transportation, and even the local economy—helping you truly appreciate what Oxford has to offer.
Final Thoughts
Oxford, Mississippi is a place full of surprises and unique experiences. From the electric atmosphere of gameday celebrations to the historic homes of renowned authors, and even the culinary delights that make your mouth water, there’s always something new to explore.
So whether you’re tailgating at The Grove, enjoying a good book at Rowan Oak, or indulging in local fare, take a moment to appreciate the charm and vibrancy of Oxford. You might just find a reason to fall in love all over again!
Author: STAFF HERE OXFORD WRITER
The OXFORD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOxford.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Oxford, Lafayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Oxford Film Festival, Double Decker Arts Festival, and University of Mississippi football games. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce and the University of Mississippi, plus leading businesses in education and retail that power the local economy such as Ole Miss Athletics and Square Books. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Mississippi's dynamic landscape.
