42.6 F
Oxford

9 Experiences to Check Off Your Oxford Bucket List

By Cameron Riser
hottytoddy.com intern

Founded in 1837, Oxford, Mississippi is known as a cultural destination. It’s rich in history, packed full of flavorful food, beaming with beautiful, structural design, and positioned among sizable green acres.

Whether you’re a native or a weekend visitor, there are a few things you must check off your Oxford bucket list.
Big Bad Breakfast
If you have never been a breakfast person, you might become one after you try what Big Bad Breakfast has to offer. Located on 719 North Lamar, the restaurant is a bit off the beaten path. You wouldn’t know it, though, because it’s always packed. BBB is an old-fashioned, diner-style eatery with a large counter where you can dine and watch the action in the kitchen. A few breakfast items include classic southern plates loaded with spicy bacon, fresh eggs, thick slices of toast, fluffy biscuits, original grits, southern fried chicken, and more.

Football players and cheerleaders parade through the Grove. Photo courtesy of Ole Miss Athletics.

The Grove
The Grove comes to life for Ole Miss Rebel football home games with as many as 100,000 fans packed in the middle of campus. Fans arrive at the crack of dawn to grab their spot in The Grove. This typically serene area of campus becomes a scattering sea of red, white and blue tents on home game days. Ole Miss students generally dress in their Sunday best — men wear khakis, button-up shirts, bow ties, loafers, and coats while women wear cocktail dresses and high heel shoes.
Many tents are set up with fine kitchenware, chandeliers, and silver utensils, and food is laid out on red or blue tablecloths and silver-plated servers. Everyone pitches in and brings finger foods, dips, appetizers, and desserts. No open flame grills are allowed in the Grove, so food cannot be cooked at the tailgates. When a person yells out the phrase, “Are you ready?” this is the beginning of an Ole Miss cheer, known as “Hotty Toddy.” Game day is not one to miss, especially when the Mississippi State bulldogs or LSU Tigers come to town.
Rowan Oak
Rowan Oak is the home of William Faulkner and is available to tour year-round.

Visiting the home of our beloved, famous American writer William Faulkner is a must. Located at 916 Old Taylor Rd., you will see the home and environment that inspired many of Faulkner’s stories and sparked his imagination. His writings were inspired by local stories of Native Americans, runaway slaves, and personal memories of growing up in the South.
“People come with a mixture of interest in his work, but also have a curiosity in the historic building itself,” student worker Ryan Charlton said.
Ninety percent of the furnishings are from during his lifetime, Charlton said. The property and grounds at Rowan Oak are open year-round, from dawn to dusk.
Taylor Grocery
Taylor Grocery is known for “The South’s Best Catfish.” Photo courtesy of Visit Oxford.

Built in 1889 in Taylor, Mississippi, the restaurant is home of “The South’s Best Catfish.” Relax on the front porch with friends and family and enjoy the hometown feel atmosphere. Taylor Grocery is open Thursday-Sunday for dinner, but the restaurant doesn’t take reservations. However, part of the Taylor Grocery magic is tailgating while you wait.
University of Mississippi Museum
The museum features contemporary and classical art works, showcasing collections of Greek and Roman antiquities, American art, and folk art. One of their most interesting permanent collections is the Millington-Barnard Collection of Scientific Instruments.
“The museum showcases a variety of culture into what Oxford is,” graduate assistant Ben Strassman said.
You will see perfectly preserved telescopes, models of large machines, and other devices used to teach philosophy, physics and astronomy. Admission is free. The museum is open to the public Tuesday-Saturday from 10 a.m.- 6 p.m., and is closed on Sunday, Monday, and University holidays.
Double Decker Bus Tour of the Square
Double decker bus
Oxford’s famous double decker bus provides transportation for visitors and natives alike. Photo courtesy of Visit Oxford.

The Double Decker buses are icons in the city of Oxford (England and Mississippi). The hourlong ride will include a tour of the Ole Miss campus, the Historic Downtown Square, and other well-known points of interests. All tours leave from and return to the Oxford Visitor Center, located on 1013 Jackson Ave. E. To book a tour, call the Visit Oxford office at 662-232-2477.
Sardis Lake
The 98,520-acre reservoir on the Little Tallahatchie River in Lafayette, Panola, and Marshall counties serves as a recreational destination. The Sardis Lake Marina services the lake with access to fuel docks, a restaurant, and a ship store. They also offer rental boats as well as rental skies, tubes, and knee/wake boards for the water-loving folks. Any hobby that involves water is allowed, including fishing.
The sun sets on Sardis Lake in Sardis, MS. Photo by Hunter Linnell.

Phi Mu Fountain
As the heat continues to rise this summer, this bucket list item might be moved closer to the top. Students have allegedly jumped in the fountain to pose for pictures with friends as a fun tactic. Although the university doesn’t recognize or condone this as a part of the Oxford experience, students tell a different story. The fountain is located in the heart of campus, behind the Paris-Yates chapel. 
The Door Knob
This is a nighttime activity many Oxford natives cherish. A peer of yours will take you to the Oxford water tower and cover your eyes. When you arrive, you will be placed against the back of the tower and told to look up. Oxonians say when you look up, you can see a visual of a “door knob” to the universe.


Most Popular

Recent Comments

scamasdscamith on News Watch Ole Miss
Frances Phillips on A Bigger, Better Student Union
Grace Hudditon on A Bigger, Better Student Union
Millie Johnston on A Bigger, Better Student Union
Binary options + Bitcoin = $ 1643 per week: https://8000-usd-per-day.blogspot.com.tr?b=46 on Beta Upsilon Chi: A Christian Brotherhood
Jay Mitchell on Reflections: The Square
Terry Wilcox SFCV USA RET on Oxford's Five Guys Announces Opening Date
Stephanie on Throwback Summer
organized religion is mans downfall on VP of Palmer Home Devotes Life to Finding Homes for Children
Paige Williams on Boyer: Best 10 Books of 2018
Keith mansel on Cleveland On Medgar Evans
Debbie Nader McManus on Cofield on Oxford — Lest We Forget
Bettye H. Galloway on Galloway: The Last of His Kind
Richard Burns on A William Faulkner Sighting
Bettye H. Galloway on Galloway: Faulkner's Small World
Bettye H Galloway on Galloway: Faulkner's Small World
Bettye H Galloway on Galloway: Faulkner's Small World
Bettye H. Galloway on Galloway: Faulkner's Small World
Ruby Begonia on Family Catching Rebel Fever
Greg Millar on The Hoka
Greg Millar on The Hoka
Greg Millar on The Hoka
Greg Millar on The Hoka
jeff the busy eater on Cooking With Kimme: Baked Brie
Travis Yarborough on Reflections: The Square
BAD TASTE IN MY MOUTH on Oxford is About to Receive a Sweet Treat
baby travel systems australia on Heaton: 8 Southern Ways to Heckle in SEC Baseball
Rajka Radenkovich on Eating Oxford: Restaurant Watch
Richard Burns on Reflections: The Square
Guillermo Perez Arguello on Mississippi Quote Of The Day
A Friend with a Heavy Heart on Remembering Dr. Stacy Davidson
Harold M. "Hal" Frost, Ph.D. on UM Physical Acoustics Research Center Turns 30
Educated Citizen on Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving
Debbie Crenshaw on Trump’s Tough Road Ahead
Treadway Strickland on Wicker Looks Ahead to New Congress
Tony Ryals on parking
Heather Lee Hitchcock on ‘Pray for Oxford’ by Shane Brown
Heather Lee Hitchcock on ‘Pray for Oxford’ by Shane Brown
Dr Donald and Priscilla Powell on Deadly Plane Crash Leaves Eleven Children Behind
Dr Donald and Priscilla Powell on Deadly Plane Crash Leaves Eleven Children Behind
C. Scott Fischer on I Stand With Coach Hugh Freeze
Sylvia Williams on I Stand With Coach Hugh Freeze
Will Patterson on I Stand With Coach Hugh Freeze
Rick Henderson on I Stand With Coach Hugh Freeze
George L Price on I Stand With Coach Hugh Freeze
on
Morgan Shands on Cleveland: On Ed Reed
Richard McGraw on Cleveland: On Cissye Gallagher
Branan Southerland on Gameday RV Parking at HottyToddy.com
Tom and Randa Baddley on Vassallo: Ole Miss Alum Finds His Niche
26 years and continuously learning on Ole Miss Puts History In Context With Plaque
a Paterson on Beyond Barton v. Barnett
Phil Higginbotham on ‘Unpublished’ by Shane Brown
Bettina Willie@www.yahoo.com.102Martinez St.Batesville,Ms.38606 on Bomb Threat: South Panola High School Evacuated This Morning
Anita M Fellenz, (Emilly Hoffman's CA grandmother on Ole Miss Spirit Groups Rank High in National Finals
Marilyn Moore Hughes on Vassallo: Ole Miss Alum Finds His Niche
Jaqundacotten@gmail williams on HottyToddy Hometown: Hollandale, Mississippi
Finney moore on Can Ole Miss Grow Too Big?
diane faulkner cawlley on Oxford’s Olden Days: Miss Annie’s Yard
Phil Higginbotham on ‘November 24’ by Shane Brown
Maralyn Bullion on Neely-Dorsey: Hog Killing Time
Beth Carr on A Letter To Mom
Becky on A Letter To Mom
Marilyn Tinnnin on A Letter To Mom
Roger ulmer on UM Takes Down State Flag
Chris Pool on UM Takes Down State Flag
TampaRebel on UM Takes Down State Flag
david smith on UM Takes Down State Flag
Boyd Harris on UM Takes Down State Flag
Jim (Herc @ UM) on Cleveland: Fall Vacations
Robert Hollingsworth on Rebels on the Road: Memphis Eateries
David McCullough on Shepard Leaves Ole Miss Football
Gayle G. Henry on Meet Your 2015 Miss Ole Miss
Guillermo F. Perez-Argüello on Neely-Dorsey: Elvis Presley’s Big Homecoming
Jennifer Mooneyham on ESPN: Ole Miss No. 1 in Nation
Wes McIngvale on Ole Miss Defeats Alabama
BARRY MCCAMMON on Ole Miss Defeats Alabama
Laughing out Loud on ESPN: Ole Miss No. 1 in Nation
Dr.Bill Priester on Cleveland: On Bob Priester
A woman who has no WHITE PRIVILEGE on Oxford Removes Mississippi Flag from City Property
A woman who has no WHITE PRIVILEGE on Oxford Removes Mississippi Flag from City Property
paulette holmes langbecker on Cofield on Oxford – Rising Ole Miss Rookie
Ruth Shipp Yarbrough on Cofield on Oxford — Lest We Forget
Karllen Smith on ‘Rilee’ by Shane Brown
Jean Baker Pinion on ‘The Cool Pad’ by Shane Brown
Janet Hollingsworth (Cavanaugh) on John Cofield on Oxford: A Beacon
Proud Mississippi Voter on Gunn Calls for Change in Mississippi Flag
Deloris Brown-Thompson on Bebe’s Letters: A WWII Love Story
Sue Ellen Parker Stubbs on Bebe’s Letters: A WWII Love Story
Tim Heaton on Heaton: Who is Southern?
Tim Heaton on Heaton: Who is Southern?
Karen fowler on Heaton: Who is Southern?
Don't Go to Law School on Four Legal Rebels Rising in the Real World
bernadette on Feeding the Blues
bernadette on Feeding the Blues
Joanne and Mark Wilkinson on Ron Vernon: a Fellowship of Music
Mary Ellen (Dring) Gamble on Ron Vernon: a Fellowship of Music
Cyndy Carroll on Filming it Up in Mississippi
Dottie Dewberry on Top 10 Secret Southern Sayings
Brother Everett Childers on ‘The Shack’ by Shane Brown
Mark McElreath on ‘The Shack’ by Shane Brown
Bill Wilkes, UM '57, '58, '63 on A Letter from Chancellor Dan Jones
Sandra Caffey Neal on Mississippi Has Proud Irish Heritage
Teresa Enyeart, and Terry Enyeat on Death of Ole Miss Grad, U.S. Vet Stuns Rebel Nation
P. D. Fyke on Wells: Steelhead Run
Johnny Neumann on Freeze Staying with Rebels
Maralyn Bullion on On Cooking Southern: Chess Pie
Kaye Bryant on Henry: E. for Congress
charles Eichorn on Hotty Tamales, Gosh Almighty
Jack of All Trades on Roll Over Bear Bryant
w nadler on Roll Over Bear Bryant
Stacey Berryhill on Oxford Man Dies in Crash
John Appleton on Grovin' Gameday Memories
Charlotte Lamb on Grovin' Gameday Memories
Guillermo F. Perez-Argüello on Two True Mississippi Icons
Morgan Williamson on A College Education is a MUST
Morgan Williamson on A College Education is a MUST
Jeanette Berryhill Wells on HottyToddy Hometown: Senatobia, Mississippi
Tire of the same ole news on 3 "Must Eat" Breakfast Spots in Oxford
gonna be a rebelution on Walking Rebel Fans Back Off the Ledge
Nora Jaccaud on Rickshaws in Oxford
Martha Marshall on Educating the Delta — Or Not
Nita McVeigh on 'I'm So Oxford' Goes Viral
Guillermo F. Perez-Argüello on How a Visit to the Magnolia State Can Inspire You
Charlie Fowler Jr. on Prawns? In the Mississippi Delta?
Martha Marshall on A Salute to 37 Years of Sparky
Sylvia Hartness Williams on Oxford Approves Diversity Resolution
Jerry Greenfield on Wine Tip: Problem Corks
Cheryl Obrentz on I Won the Lottery! Now What?
Bnogas on Food for the Soul
Barbeque Memphis on History of Tennessee Barbecue
Josephine Bass on The Delta and the Civil War
Nicolas Morrison on The Walking Man
Pete Williams on Blog: MPACT’s Future
Laurie Triplette on On Cooking Southern: Fall Veggies
Harvey Faust on The Kream Kup of the Krop
StarReb on The Hoka
Scott Whodatty Keetereaux Keet on Hip Hop — Yo or No, What’s Your Call
Johnathan Doeman on Oxford Man Dies in Crash
Andy McWilliams on The Warden & The Chief
Kathryn McElroy on Think Like A Writer
Claire Duff Sullivan on Alert Dogs Give Diabetics Peace of Mind
Jesse Yancy on The Hoka
Jennifer Thompson Walker on Ole Miss, Gameday From The Eyes of a Freshman
HottyToddy.com