"Built by Robert Sheegog in 1848, Rowan Oak became home to Nobel Prize winning author William Faulkner in 1930. Faulkner christened the house "Rowan Oak" after the legend of the Rowan tree, believed by Celtic people to harbor magic powers of safety and protection. While residing there with his family, he wrote such masterpieces as As I Lay Dying, Absalom, Absalom!, Light in August, and A Fable. Rowan Oak remained home to Faulkner until his death in 1962. The house is now owned by the University and maintained for memorial and educational purposes."
From the Visit Oxford MS website.
"Since Oxford was incorporated in 1837, the square has remained the cultural and economic hub of the city. The square is home to a variety of shops and elegant boutiques including the south's oldest department store. Around the bend you will find one of the nation's most renowned independent bookstores and an art gallery featuring a variety of art forms and monthly showings. Extraordinary cuisine is also abundant around the Historic Downtown Square. From down-home southern cooking to elegant haute cuisine, there is something to satisfy everyone's appetite. The epicenter of Oxford's nightlife is the Square."
From Visit Oxford MS
"Located on the main campus of the University of Mississippi, the University Museums comprise the Mary Buie Museum (1939), the adjoining Kate Skipwith Teaching Museum (1977), the Seymour Lawrence Gallery of American Art (1998), and the Lib Fortune Gallery (1998). The names associated with the building honor members of the Skipwith Family of Oxford, who built the original museum and provided the site and partial funding for the addition.
The museums are home to several impressive, permanent collections including the Robinson collection of Greek and Roman antiquities, the Millington-Barnard Collection of 19th century scientific instruments, the personal collections of Mary Buie & Kate Skipwith, and an extensive collection of the work of Theora Hamblett, an native Oxonion folk artist. Each year the University Museums host eight to ten temporary exhibits in conjunction with various university departments and the local community. Traveling exhibitions from other museums are also represented."
From the Visit Oxford MS website.
"A few blocks northeast of the Square, the old Oxford Cemetery is nestled in the rolling hills of a quiet neighborhood. Saint Peter's is the final resting place for novelist William Faulkner as well as many of Oxford's most prominent citizens. L.Q.C. Lamar, a former U.S. Congressman, Secretary of the Interior under President Cleveland, and U.S. Supreme Court Justice, is buried here. Beside the circle of cedars lies a Revolutionary War Veteran, as well as a Confederate General."
From the Visit Oxford MS website
"Founded in 1979 by Richard and Lisa Howorth, Square Books is a general bookstore located on the historic town square in Oxford, Mississippi, home of William Faulkner and the University of Mississippi. With three stores and over 10,000 square feet on the square, all readers will find something to their liking. Square Books hosts over 150 author events per year and has many signed and collectible books, a very strong literary fiction section, southern fiction and history. The second floor of Square Books has a coffee bar so browsers can enjoy a cup and, when the weather is fair, relax on the balcony overlooking the courthouse. Open 9-9 all week, and 9-6 on Sunday, Square Books is committed to matching books with readers."
From the Square Books website.
Be sure to also check out Square Books Jr. and Off Square Books.
A few minutes outside of Oxford is the small town of Taylor, MS. Don't let the drive keep you from the south's best catfish and live music. There's usually a wait, so feel free to tailgate and meet other guests while you wait for your table.
One of the couple's favorite meals is a stromboli sub at Pizza Den. :)
When Nicole made weekend trips to visit Jay his last semester at Ole Miss, South Depot was always the couple's first stop for the weekend.
Low-key eatery in a converted gas station serving Greek-style pizza, wraps & more. You have to try the Hotty Toddy Balls.
New Orleans style daiquiri bar serving homemade pizzas and frozen drinks. Yes, this is where Katy Perry went crowd surfing.
This library isn't really known for books. The Library of Oxford is made up of a sports bar, music hall, and patio. You can always catch a game or some live music at the Library.