OXFORD, MS - The most charming and quaint little town. Truly a place that gets in your heart and stays forever. I attended college here and those were by far 4 of the best years of my life. When I found an excuse to come back and visit for the weekend, I was ecstatic. As soon as I stepped out of my car memories flooded back and it was like nothing had changed. This place will always hold a piece of my heart and feel like home to me. Oxford is such a special place for so many reasons and I highly recommend visiting if you ever get the chance! Today, I'm excited to share my travel guide. I will be sharing all of my recommendations on where to stay, where to eat/drink and what to do while in Oxford, MS.

WHERE TO STAY:

Graduate Oxford - Perfectly placed in the center of town, right on the square, the location could not be more ideal! Not only is it close to all the best restaurants and shops, but is even within walking distance of the Ole Miss campus. The Graduate is by far my favorite place to stay in town. The first thing you'll notice upon entering the hotel is the unique, bright and fun decor. Since The Graduate Hotels are known to be located near college campuses, they decorate them with a collegiate theme. Everything about our stay at the graduate was spectacular. The staff were extremely accommodating from the moment we arrived and went above and beyond to make sure we enjoyed our stay. Be sure to check out Cabin82 on the first floor of the hotel for the best breakfast and coffee. Then head on up to the rooftop bar, The Coop, for drinks and appetizers. Take your cocktails out on the patio and enjoy an amazing view of the square. My favorite part about staying at The Graduate had to be that they were pet friendly! Our fur babies enjoyed their stay just as much as we did.

WHERE TO EAT/DRINK:

Saint Leo - Such a trendy and modern spot! One of my new favorites. You must try the prosecco pop cocktail!

Jinsei - Hands down the best sushi in Oxford. They also have a great happy hour! My girl friends and I would always go here for girls nights and to celebrate birthdays.

Lenora's - Great deals on wine each Wednesday. Great spot for a GNO and has super tasty food. This may sound strange but they legit have the best butter I've ever tasted...

Boure - Delicious food and a great drink menu. Sit out on the patio and enjoy a casual date night on the square.

Ajax - Country fried heaven. Here you will enjoy a true southern meat & three meal!

Big Bad Breakfast - No words! BBB is one of my all time favorite breakfast places. Try the big bad skillet!

City Grocery - Perfect for a nicer date night! The upstairs bar offers some of the BEST balcony views in Oxford. 

Snackbar - One of the most talked about restaurants in Oxford. Amazing food and super unique menu!!

South Depot - Has the best Mexican food in Oxford + tasty margaritas. Located right on the square!

Rice & Spice - Super casual spot located near the Ole Miss campus, but truly has the best Thai food I've ever had. Perfect place to satisfy those late night munchies.

WHAT TO DO:

Visit The Grove - I've truly never experienced anything like the Grove during football season. The Ole Miss tailgate experience is unlike any other. Imagine people dressed to the nines and chandeliers + flatscreen TV's inside of tailgate tents... You think I'm joking! Even if you aren't able to visit Oxford during football season, the Grove is still an ideal place for a picnic or to relax and enjoy a good book. It's a MUST if you're ever in the area. Be sure to check out the rest of the Ole Miss campus while you're there. It is SO beautiful!

Shop on the Square - The square has the best restaurants, shops and bar scene in Oxford. My favorite thing to do is grab a coffee from Bottletree Cafe or High Point Coffee and spend a day shopping local. There are so many cute boutiques located right on the square. Be sure to check out Square Books, the coolest book store I've ever been to. Grab a fro-yo at YaYa's on a hot summer day! At night return to the square and experience an entirely different scene. The nightlife in Oxford is absolutely unreal!

Walk around Lamar Park - Huge, absolutely beautiful park (pictured above). I love to take my dog walking here and let her swim around in the pond. One of the best places to experience the outdoors and to clear your head. 

Tour Rowan Oak - Rowan Oak is the home of American writer William Faulkner. Located on 29+ acres of land and built way back in in 1844. So beautiful and full of rich history! It's Interesting to see the inspiration behind some of Faulkner's greatest novels.

Faulkner's Grave - It's a customary tradition to take a shot of Whiskey (which was Faulkner's drink of choice) and pour a little on his grave, then leave the rest of him to enjoy. Sounds silly but could be a fun thing to do during your visit, especially after a night out on the square.

Eat at the Secret Grilled Cheese - A hidden speak easy located right on the square. I won't give away the exact location, but ask around and a local just might tell you. *HINT* Look for a black door with no sign. This spot is open for late night and doesn't allow anyone who is not dressed up to come in. I'm talking grilled cheese sandwiches with fried eggs and mozzarella sticks + s'mores shots with burnt marshmallows to chase. You can't make this stuff up!

Attend a Concert at The Lyric - Pretty solid artists come and perform at The Lyric. If there is a show here while you're in town, you should definitely attend. Always a good time!

Our stay at The Graduate Oxford was comped in exchange for the blog + social media coverage I provided for the hotel. However I am not being compensated for this post. Thank you to The Graduate for hosting us!