Plan the Ultimate Girls’ Getaway in Oxford

Looking for a great girl’s getaway? Grab your gal pals and make the quick road trip to Oxford, MS for a weekend to recharge. About an hour south of Memphis, TN, and easily accessible from Interstate 55, Oxford, MS welcomes visitors with quintessential southern charm and the convenience of big city amenities. Read on for the ultimate guide to a girl’s getaway!

 

entrance to the oliver hotel

Stay

When it comes to the makings of a great girls’ trip, where you stay is just as important as what you do!  The Oliver Hotel and The Graduate Oxford are two fabulous boutique hotels that are ideally located on the Square, about a mile from the University of Mississippi campus. The newly renovated Oliver Hotel is a modern spin on old-school Southern hospitality and each of the 40 rooms is designed as a homage to Oxford. Be sure to check out Kingswood Bar and Grill and stop for a craft cocktail in Nightbird. The Graduate, part of “a well-curated, well-crafted collection of hotels that reside in the most dynamic university towns across the country,” uses fun details to pay tribute to Oxford and Ole Miss’s history and heritage, with amenities like free bike rentals and a rooftop bar to ensure an A+ stay. You’ll want to pay attention to your room key at this hotel—they’ve taken old student IDs of notable alumni and school affiliates and made them into a fun keepsake.

 

get pampered at 20/20 lux spa & nails

 

Relax

Sometimes you need to be pampered, and in Oxford, you have plenty of options. 20/20 Lux Spa & Nails is a one-stop shop when it comes to spa treatments! From manicures to facials to massages to spray tans and more, they truly have it all. Meanwhile, La Rousse Salon & Spa, an Oxford original, is nationally recognized for its exceptional services, including everyday essentials such as hair and nail care to lash extensions and massages that put the “ahhh” in spa. If the spa isn’t your thing, you can also book one of the talented stylists at La Rousse for a blowout or style!

Frosé at The Coop

Sip

Oxford’s bustling bar scene befits its status as a college town, but these cocktail menus cater to more than just co-eds. Just off the Square is longtime local fave SnackBar, where mixologists pour creative takes on classic cocktails (like an Old Fashioned with bacon bitters) alongside an ever-changing selection of seasonal options that feature ingredients as fresh as their quirky names. Bar Muse, located off the lobby of The Lyric Theater, offers a menu of gourmet cocktails in an intimate setting.

When it’s time for happy hour, head to a balcony or a rooftop to get a bird’s eye view of the Square. The Graduate Oxford’s rooftop bar, The Coop, is perfect for enjoying one of their signature cocktails such as the Grove Water, Ms. Ole Miss, or a glass of frosé while the sun sets. End the night with a craft cocktail at Nightbird, a new speakeasy tucked inside of the Oliver Hotel. Look for the”red light” to see if they’re open, and follow the Nightbird Instagram for instructions on how to enter! If you’re looking for an activity to pair with your beverage, head to Taylor, Mississippi, and stop in Wonderbird Spirits for a tour and tasting.

 

grab a cup of coffee while perusing the books at square books

Caffeinate

Oxford has a great selection of coffee shops if you need a morning cup of joe or an afternoon pick-me-up. Locals love stopping by the bright yellow Caffectios coffee truck for a delicious latte and a morale boost. If you are out and about on the Square, stop in Heartbreak Coffee for a coffee or baked good. Bottletree Bakery is another beloved coffee spot, though it is more famous for its fabulous selection of pastries. For a healthier mid-day treat, check out Byrd House Cafe for a coffee, fresh pressed juice, or smoothie.

enjoy cocktails & dinner at saint leo

Savor

The fervor for football in Oxford is rivaled only by the town’s feelings for food, and for good reason: the varied culinary scene ensures there’s something for every palate or predilection.

For dinner, Saint Leo Restaurant, which was nominated for “Best New Restaurant” in 2017 by the James Beard Foundation, features a variety of wood-fired pizzas, as well as marinated olives, and seasonally changing pastas, among other delicious favorites. And while Saint Leo, a 2019 James Beard Foundation “Outstanding Bar Program” semifinalist, is best known for delectable wood-fired Italian cuisine, their list of libations is truly luscious. Each option is intentionally crafted down to the most delectable detail, but the Prosecco Pop—a raspberry and mint popsicle topped with Adami prosecco—is the perfect way to toast a weekend getaway.

For delicious tapas and an extensive wine list, head to The Sipp on South Lamar. Nothing says “girl dinner” like a fabulous cheese plate! From the goat cheese and fig bruschetta to the jumbo lump crab dip to the crispy Brussels sprouts and more, there is something for everyone in your group to try. Other amazing eats around town include the City Grocery Group’s four restaurants: the flagship, City Grocery, known for its famous shrimp and grits; SnackBar, Big Bad Breakfast, and Bouré. For the best homemade Italian around, head to Tarasque Cucina! This cozy spot offers a delicious variety of comfort food staples and rotating small plates. Conveniently located right behind a liquor store, Tarasque has a brown-bag policy so be sure to grab a bottle of your favorite wine before heading inside.  You can also enjoy local favorites Ajax Diner, McEwen’s, Volta Taverna, and Jinsei Sushi, all located within a mile of the downtown Square!

Get some retail therapy at the shops on the Square

Style

The University of Mississippi is famous for tailgates that could double as fashion shows, so it’s no surprise that you can find some of the South’s best shopping in Oxford. Oxford’s local shopping is anchored by Neilson’s Department Store, the oldest department store in the South. It has been providing clothing to generations of family members since 1839. Hinton & Hinton, a store that has been styling the men of north Mississippi for over thirty years recently opened a dedicated women’s store showcasing a collection of clothing, outerwear, footwear, and accessories. For the true shopaholic, ladies will be in heaven in Cicada Boutique which carries New York-inspired style with brands such as Louis Vuitton, Marla Aaron, Rag & Bone, Saint Laurent, and countless others. If you’re looking for unique gifts, the Square has an array of shops that offer one-of-a-kind pieces such as Etta B Pottery from Olive Juice Gifts or Estelle Glassware from Katherine Beck. You could easily spend a whole day wandering the aisles of antique malls Sugar Magnolia and The Mustard Seed—each booth is independently operated, so you never know what treasures you may find!

Don’t let this quintessential Southern town’s size fool you: Oxford offers everything you need for a weekend of gabbing and giggling with the girls. For more information and to plan your next trip to Oxford, click here.