Man on the Street: What Makes Oxford Special?

Photo courtesy Jim Hendrix

To many, Oxford is a place where friends and family can come together any time of the year and have a good time. Oxford is a special place where every aspect of the town and University come together and form a community and a bond between locals and those who wish they could call themselves Oxonians.

Born and raised down the road in Tupelo, I came out of my mother’s womb a Rebel. She’s quick to say I’m a Rebel in more ways than one, but isn’t that what it’s all about — everyone coming together, from different backgrounds and lifestyles. It’s what makes Oxford a unique, fun and family-friendly town.

Yelling Hotty Toddy as loud as possible and waking up with a raspy voice is what I strive for every home football game weekend, which by the way is only 172 days away! I love the fact that we can walk into any restaurant, business or bar and start the chant: ARE YOU READY? and everyone joins in without hesitation. It’s who we are. We are Hotty Toddy. We are Ole Miss.

We walked around town and asked people: “So, what makes Oxford special?”

Lauren Poe Lauzon

Lauren Poe Lauzon, teacher in Oxford: “Oxford is my home away from home. It’s where I graduated college, bought my first home with my husband, had our kids, and where I plan to grow old with my family. Oxford provides my family with so many wonderful opportunities and allows us to enjoy the uniqueness of our college town atmosphere.”

DeeAnna Mullen, Oxford native: “The people are so nice, and it’s such a homey environment. I miss living there.”

Keith Gipson, local and works on the Square: “Ole Miss. It’s just a nice place to stay and there’s so many great restaurants to eat at on the Square.  You also can’t beat the beautiful women.

Austin Davis, teller at Renesant Bank on Square: “The town itself. The environment is nice. I like the cultural diversity that the university brings to the town.  It’s good for the community.  Oh, and the gas station food is really good.”

Cameron Wilson, Oxford local: “There’s a lot of stuff to do and a lot of gorgeous females.”

Jeremy Hopper, Oxford local: “The ability to walk everywhere and that I can someday raise a family here.”

Danny and Gaye Jarvis, New Albany natives: “We love Oxford because of the Ole Miss Rebels. The hospitality is awesome. We love coming to YaYa’s. We’re from New Albany so we had to drive 45 minutes just to get our favorite frozen yogurt. We really love Oxford.”

Brittany Bugg is a HottyToddy.com staff reporter and can be reached at brittany.bugg@hottytoddy.com.