Come for the Hoops, Stay for the Weekend

While January and February can be rather bleak months weather-wise, the beginning of the year means Ole Miss basketball season is in full swing! Whether you are a local looking for a family-friendly activity or a visitor looking to make a weekend trip out of a basketball weekend, Ole Miss basketball season is an exciting bright spot during these dreary winter months! Come enjoy a mid-week game or a weekend in Oxford and you’ll see why it was voted “America’s Best College Town” by ESPN.

 

Cheering on the Rebs 

Several weekends line up to host a men’s basketball game on Saturday and a women’s basketball game on Sunday – get the most hoops in one weekend! In between games, you’ll find plenty to do in Oxford to fill your activity cards.

Ole Miss Men's Basketball vs. Memphis

Ole Miss Basketball vs. Memphis

Where to Stay:

For a truly unique Oxford and Ole Miss experience, check into the Graduate Hotel, conveniently located on the Square. The Graduate pays homage to Oxford, Ole Miss, and Mississippi’s history and heritage including the Cabin 82, a coffee and breakfast bar that is styled after the Neshoba County Fair. Fun amenities include free bike rentals to whip around town and room keys that feature notable Ole Miss alumnus’ student IDs.

The lobby at the Graduate Oxford

The lobby of the Graduate Hotel

Another fabulous and luxurious hotel option is the newly renovated Oliver Hotel. Also located right on the Square, the Oliver Hotel is an upscale boutique hotel that combines the nostalgia of Oxford with modernized Southern hospitality. The Oliver is also home to Kingswood Bar & Restaurant, where renowned Chef Joel Miller offers guests delicious local and seasonal fare. If you are looking for a nightcap, look no further than Nightbird Parlour, a modern-day speakeasy serving craft cocktails right inside the hotel.

 

Shopping:

Do a little shopping on the Square and be sure to go by The End of All Music, an independent record store for all your vinyl needs. Check out the infamous Square Books, as well as their sister stores, Off-Square Books, Square Books, Jr., and Rare Square Books. Get your gameday gear at one of the many shops on the Square including University Sporting Goods or B-Unlimited. To shop the latest trends, visit CicadaVillage TailorJane, Hemline, and Therapy. For accessories, My Favorite Shoes is a shoe lover’s paradise, while Katherine Beck and Jones at Home have beautiful items for the home. Neilson’s Department Store is an Oxford icon for apparel for both the ladies and gents. If you’re shopping for children, stop in at OJK for their massive selection of adorable Southern frocks.

Young women shopping in boutique

Shopping at Cicada

Eats:

For a family-friendly meal, you’re in for a treat on the Square. Ajax Diner is always a hit (kids can shoot toothpicks into the ceiling with their straws), South Depot will please even the pickiest eater, and if you’re dining at Proud Larry’s, ask for dough that the kids can play with while you wait on your food. Be sure to check out Volta Tavera for fantastic appetizers and Greek food, or Handy Andy for great burgers and BBQ. Located right by the Ford Center, Oxford’s new brewery Circle and Square also offers a great place to watch the game. Grab a beer or something from their delicious “bites” menu if you are feeling snacky.

Young men eating at Ajax Diner

Ajax Diner

If you are looking for a more elevated dining experience, Oxford has plenty to offer. Be sure to check out Saint Leo for wood-fired pizzas and delicious pasta.  Stop in Bouré for some “up-scale down-home” favorites or City Grocery for an elevated take on Southern dining. There is always something new and exciting on the menu at Snackbar, and their raw oyster bar is a local favorite.

There are plenty of sweet treat options, too. The Oxford Creamery has ever-changing flavors of in-house-made ice cream but keeps kid-approved Milk and Cookies on the menu. For the yogurt lover, head to YaYa’s and pile up your yogurt with their buffet of toppings. If you’re looking for a non-frozen treat, Insomnia Cookies has you covered and you won’t forget the Big’wich they offer!

Ice cream at Oxford Creamery

Enjoying ice cream at Oxford Creamery

Outdoor Activities: 

Head to Rowan Oak, Nobel prize-winning author, William Faulkner’s home. Tour the house and then take a 20-minute hike through Bailey Woods which connects the home with the University of Mississippi Museum, which is free to visit and has rotating exhibits. Pat Lamar Park also has a great walking trail, as well as part of the Yokna Sculpture Trail you can check out.

Bailey Woods at Rowan Oak

The Bailey Woods trail