Top 7 Oxford Things to Do for Spring

Spring has sprung in Oxford, and our charming town has plenty to offer visitors and residents as the flowers begin to bloom again.

1. Attend a show at the Ford Center.

The Gertrude Castellow Ford Center is a place where members of the Oxford community gather to engage with and enjoy performances from across the globe. This spring, the Ford Center has hosted a wide variety of performances from modern dance company Pilobolus to the national Broadway tour of Jekyll and Hyde.

This April, the award-winning University of Mississippi Opera Theatre ensemble will be premiering its newest opera, Hamlet Prince of Denmark on April 18. The opera based on Shakespeare’s play will feature faculty, students and alumni in leading roles and in the orchestra.

Also on the line up this spring is The Russian National Ballet Theatre with its production of Prokofiev’s Cinderella. The dance interpretation of this well-known fairytale is a joy for all ages.

2. Tune in to Thacker Mountain Radio.

Every Thursday at 6 p.m., music lovers gather at Off Square Books to hear the house band, The Yalobushwhackers, guest musicians and authors perform. Through the years, Thacker Mountain Radio Hour has hosted several well-known literary and musical artists as well as countless local gems. Catch one of its weekly shows now through April 16 or enjoy its special appearance at the Double Decker Arts Festival on April 24.

3. Cheer on the Rebels.

Whether its baseball, softball, or tennis, the Ole Miss sports teams will be playing hard all spring and much of the summer. Go online to olemisssports.com to find out when the home games are this season and have a family-friendly, Hotty Toddy day.

Photo courtesy DannyK Photography

4. Have a picnic at Lamar Park.

Looking for a more laid-back, low-budget source of entertainment? Grab a few of your closest friends and head over to Lamar Park. The tranquil scenery of the park makes it the perfect destination for a fun, old-fashioned picnic or a walk around the paths. Bring an old blanket and some homemade goodies and you’re set for an afternoon of leisure.

5. Hang out in the Grove.

Whether it’s tailgating at the year’s biggest football game, attending graduation, or just passing through on your way to class, you’ve probably been to the Grove at some time or another — but when was the last time you just went to hang out? In the spring when the grass is green and the sun is shining every day, the Grove is at its most beautiful. Take your dog for a walk. Toss a frisbee around. Meet new people. Enjoy a book on a bench and the natural beauty of the Ole Miss campus.

6. Eat at Betty Davis Grocery.

Though the raved-about barbecue joint isn’t actually in Oxford, the quick drive over to Waterford is a small price to pay for one of the best pulled-pork sandwiches in Mississippi. Previously the closest place to get cold beer in Oxford, Betty Davis has been a haven for Oxonians for years.

7. Visit Rowan Oak.

Home to author William Faulkner for almost 40 years, Rowan Oak is one of the most recognized attractions in Oxford. Take the historical tour of the house and get to know the Pulitzer Prize winner that Mississippi is famous for, or go for a walk on the grounds and explore the 29 acres of land that Rowan Oak is built on.

Rachel Vanderford is a HottyToddy.com staff reporter and can be reached at rmvander@go.olemiss.edu.