Discovering What Oxford Has to Offer for Visitors

Nestled in the heart of Mississippi lies a hidden gem that exudes southern charm, rich history, and artistic flair.  Whether you’re a literature lover seeking inspiration from William Faulkner’s old haunts, a foodie looking to indulge in delicious Southern cuisine, or simply looking to soak up some Southern hospitality, Oxford has something for everyone. In this comprehensive travel guide from Southern Living, you’ll be able to uncover all the best spots that this small but bustling town has to offer. So grab your walking shoes and get ready to discover why Oxford is one of America’s most beloved destinations.

Oxford, Mississippi is an impressive hidden gem in the American South that is home to a thriving arts and culture scene, delicious southern cuisine, and a friendly atmosphere that will make you feel right at home. Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway or a longer vacation, Oxford has something to offer everyone. From exploring the beautiful campus of the University of Mississippi to browsing the unique shops downtown, there’s no shortage of things to do in this vibrant city.

Nature & Outdoor Spaces

There are plenty of hiking trails in Oxford, Mississippi to explore. The city is home to the beautiful and scenic Lake Trail, which is perfect for a leisurely stroll or a morning jog. For those looking for a more challenging hike, the Tanglefoot Trailhead offers miles of trails to explore. Visitors can also take advantage of the many hiking trails at the nearby University of Mississippi.

Other popular trails in the area include the South Campus Rail Trail which is a loop that takes hikers through some of Ole Miss’s most picturesque scenery. Bailey Woods Trail and the Thacker Mountain Rail Trail are also great options for enjoying nature close to home. Finally, visitors can explore the nearby Holly Springs National Forest, which has more than 200 miles of trails to explore!

Where to Stay

There are a number of great places to stay in Oxford, Mississippi, whether you’re looking for a luxurious hotel, a cozy bed and breakfast, or something in between. The Inn at Ole Miss is a beautiful 4-star hotel located on the campus of the University of Mississippi. This is a great option if you’re looking for luxury accommodations and want to be in the heart of all the action.

If you’re hoping for a cozier experience, consider staying at Little Gables Bed and Breakfast. This lovely B&B is located just steps from the historic square in downtown Oxford. You’ll enjoy Southern hospitality at its finest here, with breakfast served each morning and plenty of tips on things to do in the area.

Where to shop in Oxford, Mississippi

There are many great places to shop in Oxford. Square Books: This local bookstore is a must-visit while in Oxford. They have an amazing selection of books, both new and used, and the staff is always happy to help you find the perfect book. Neilson’s: This shop prides itself on being “the South’s oldest continuously running store,” and it’s perfect for finding unique gifts for your friends and family.

Galleries to visit in Oxford, MS

There are many art galleries to visit in Oxford, MS. The University of Mississippi Museum is a great place to start. The museum has a wide variety of art on display, from traditional to contemporary. The gallery at the University of Mississippi is also worth a visit. It features rotating exhibitions of local and regional artists. Other galleries in Oxford include the Yoknapatawpha Arts Council Gallery and the Marshall County Historical Museum.

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Swimming Holes To Visit in the American South

Are you tired of spending the summer months soaking in salty oceans or over-chlorinated pools? If so, you may want to consider this list of the best swimming holes to be found in the south from Southern Living Magazine.

Sometimes it’s nice to enjoy some cooling water in the summer months that doesn’t involve sand, beach parking, or pool chemicals. If that sounds ideal to you, you’ll be happy to know that you don’t have to travel too far to enjoy it, because there is an easy-to-reach beauty in your own backyard that you should check out: a natural swimming hole. After a day of hiking, biking, and climbing at nearby state parks like the Blue Ridge Parkway, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, or Roan Mountain State Park, you’ll find these places are more than just great for outdoor recreation – they’re also located close to a refreshingly beautiful swimming hole in their own right.

Mississippi’s Black Creek in DeSoto National Forest

A great way to get out of the Mississippi summer heat and cool off is by visiting the swimming hole in DeSoto National Forest known as Black Creek. The Black Creek is a National Scenic River, meaning that this river is so remarkable in terms of scenic, recreational, geologic, fish and wildlife, or historic value that the United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service has designated it and given it our nation’s strongest form of protection for free-flowing rivers and streams. In addition to this designation, the Black Creek also features multiple sandbars along its expanse that create several natural swimming holes that are perfect for cooling off and relaxing after a day hiking the Black Creek Wilderness found within the DeSoto National Forest.

Tennessee’s North Chick Blue Hole

The North Chick Blue Hole is a beautiful, secluded collection of swimming holes located in the woods along Walden’s Ridge and the Cumberland Plateau near Chattanooga, Tennessee. The river gorge found here has several large boulders along the waters, disrupting the flow and thus creating several swimming holes all along the creek. Better yet, these boulders serve as excellent ledges that are perfect to jump off of into the waters below, making this the perfect spot for any outdoor adventurer seeking to keep cool this summer.

Texas’s Barton Springs Pool

One of the outstanding crown jewels of Austin, Texas is the Barton Springs Pool, a 3-acre, water-filled area nestled within the beautiful Zilker Park. This mineral-fed swimming hole is within the channel of Barton Creek and utilizes water from Main Barton Spring, the fourth largest spring in Texas. Open year-round and featuring gorgeous limestone formations that reflect its natural spring waters, this natural swimming hole has been a favorite of locals and visitors alike since its opening  in 1837 shortly after the city of Austin was incorporated. The Barton Springs Pool is incredibly popular due to it being open to the public for year-round swimming and consistently hovering between 68 °F and 74 °F throughout the entire year.

North Carolina’s Cashiers Sliding Rock

If you’re looking for a fun and quirky way to spend a day or weekend in the North Carolina mountains, you have to visit Cashiers Sliding Rock. Located in the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains of Jackson County, not far from Highlands,Cashiers Sliding Rock is just one of many spectacular natural attractions that draw millions of visitors every year. At the bottom of this 10-foot slide you’ll find yourself in a uniquely beautiful setting. The water is crystal clear and cool, and while you’re sliding down you can enjoy the view of hundreds of babbling brooks that feed into the larger pool of water at the bottom.

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