Visit Oxford, Mississippi...

Double Decker Line Up...

2012-02-17T16:22:00.007-06:00

We announced the Double Decker Festival line up this morning at a press conference in held at City Hall on Oxford's historic Square. This year's festival will be celebrating Oxford's 175th Anniversary. Over the coming month we'll be posting videos and other info about the festival on this blog! We hope you are as excited as we are!

Friday, April 27th

Caterpillar Main Stage

Charlie Mars

Deer Tick

Iron and Wine

Saturday, April 28th

Caterpillar Main Stage

Rooster Blues

Star and Micey

C Spire Bright Lights Musician, Grace Askew

Ponderosa

C Spire Bright Lights Musician, George McConnell and the Nonchalants

Patterson Hood

Funky Meters

Mavis Staples

Oxford American Magazine's 20th Anniversary Stage

Music by some of Oxford’s greatest local bands from 11:00 am. -5:00 p.m. on Van Buren Avenue!

Line-up of Oxford and North Missisippi Bands to be announced soon!

Oxford Christmas Parade

2011-12-07T10:57:00.001-06:00

The CVB staff and board loaded up on the Double Decker Bus last night for the Annual Oxford Christmas Parade! The Parade is one of Oxford's best holiday traditions and is a great slice of small town life! For our staff it was lots of fun to participate in the parade and we loved throwing old Double Decker Festival t-shirts out for the crowd! Here are a few pictures from the evening!

Off Square Dining: Snackbar

2011-11-22T12:49:00.001-06:00

A part of the City Grocery Restaurant Group, and owned by James Beard winning Chef John Currence, Snackbar is delicious and is just a quick jaunt from the Square. Located on North Lamar in the mid-town shopping center, next door to Big Bad Breakfast, Snackbar serves up what they call "Bubba Brasserie" cuisine ( the marriage of French Bistro and North Mississippi Cafe).

They've started their new winter menu this week, so even if you've been before you are sure to find something new to enjoy!

For more information visit them online.

Oxford Holiday Market... this weekend!

2011-11-01T08:52:00.002-05:00

Start making your Holiday shopping lists because the Oxford CVB's upcoming 2nd Annual Oxford Holiday Market will be just the place to start checking items off your list!

Friday evening is the preview party from 6-9 with proceeds going to the Oxford-Lafayette Humane Society. There will be early shopping, great food and drink, holiday music and pet pictures with Santa for all the animal lovers! Stick around for great door prizes donated by our vendors!

Saturday, doors open at 9 a.m. and the shopping goes until 4 p.m. Bring your kids for pictures with Santa and shop until you drop at over 50 vendors!

for more information call Hayden Hiter at 662.232.2477

Friday Double Decker Bus Tour

2011-10-12T11:43:00.000-05:00

Thank y'all for all the suggestions we've gotten about the fall bus tours! This new program has been a huge success and due to demand we've added a Friday evening tour. We'll have a shorter tour ( 45 minutes) this Friday, October 14th at 4:00 p.m. Historian Jack Mayfeild will lead the tour where you can take a ride on our historic double decker bus and see the sights and beauty of Oxford, while learning about our rich history. Tickets are $5 and can be reserved in advance by calling Mary Allyn Roulhac at 662.232.2477. The tour departs from Skipwith Cottage on the Courthouse Square.

Oxford Lafayette County Blues Marker Unveiling

2011-10-12T07:00:00.000-05:00

We are thrilled about the Oxford- Lafayette County Blues Marker that will be unveiled today on the Square. If you are around Oxford plan to join us as we celebrate Oxford's rich musical heritage.

In honor of the Oxford-Lafayette Blues Marker unveiling today at 4:00 we thought we'd share this great video about the Mississippi Blues Trail.

Welcome to the Mississippi Blues Trail from Mississippi Blues Commission on Vimeo.

Outside of Oxford: Old Taylor Antiques

2011-10-11T11:39:00.000-05:00

As we've mentioned before there are some great places to discover just outside of downtown Oxford. One of those places is Old Taylor Antiques. Old Taylor Antiques is conveniently located on Old Taylor Road between Oxford and downtown Taylor. The store contains a gallery of timeless treasures including classic and period American and European heirlooms and accessories that recall the splendor of the American South in the antebellum and postbellum eras.

The Yancys invite you to stop by the store on Monday-Friday 9 am-5 pm, Saturdays from 10am-6pm and Sundays from 1pm-5pm.

To schedule a private showing, call 662.234.9797 to arrange a date and time.

For more information on Old Taylor Antiques check out their website or facebook page.

Mississippi Tourism Videos

2011-10-05T10:18:00.001-05:00

Several of our staff members attended the Mississippi Governor's Conference on Tourism last week and had a chance to see these great videos produced by our state tourism office. I don't know about you, but it sure makes me want to visit this great state.

Let us know if the Oxford CVB can help you find your true south in Mississippi. We hope you enjoy them, and share them with someone you know!

Indoor Yard Sale!

2011-09-16T14:31:00.002-05:00

Don't forget the Fall Indoor Yard Sale is tomorrow, Saturday September 17th

at the Oxford Conference Center

102 Ed Perry Boulevard ( Off Sisk Avenue)

Doors open at 9:00 ( until 1 p.m.)

Admission $2

call 232.2367 for more information

Press Release: Oxford Film Fest and Oxford Music Fest Join Fores

2011-09-09T09:58:00.000-05:00

Sept. 8, 2011

Oxford, MS —The Oxford Film Festival and Oxford Music Festival are proud to announce the partnership of the two popular festivals into one weekend extravaganza this February 2012.

The date of Feb. 9-12, 2012 will host both the film and music festivals with film during the day until late evening and musical acts every night. Combined tickets to both festivals are available for those who love both music and film. The two festivals will be interacting in a variety of ways including music documentaries, music videos and a music panel to be held at the Lyric Theater along with great musical acts. The opening night of the festivals on Thursday, Feb. 9 will provide a special treat for film, music and literature lovers including a special Thacker Mountain Radio Show, world premiere of the Oxford Film Festival’s community film and the kickoff to the music festival.

"The more we talked about it, the more we realized how well the two festivals can compliment each other," Daniel Morrow, music fest organizer, said. "One great benefit for local musicians will be exposure to the filmmakers visiting town for the weekend."

"The Oxford Film Festival is excited to partner with the Oxford Music Festival," OFF Executive Director Molly Fergusson said. "We look forward to showcasing Oxford's very talented musicians to filmmakers from all over the country."

A full schedule for both festivals will be released later this year. The Oxford Film Festival is currently accepting submissions in all categories but especially the Mississippi music video category. More information can be found on the website at www.oxfordfilmfest.com. A call for sponsorship for the joint festivals is currently underway.

Oxford Film Festival

Founded in 2003 as a project of the Yoknapatawpha Arts Council, the Oxford Film Festival is an independent non-profit 501c3 organization committed to celebrating the art of independent cinema. The Oxford Film Festival entertains and educates its participants, providing residents and visitors with the opportunity to watch independent films as well as to meet the filmmakers and learn from industry professionals. The variety of films and panels attracts filmgoers of all ages and backgrounds. The entire festival schedule will be available in January atwww.oxfordfilmfest.com.

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Press Release: Hampton Inn Conference Center Now Open!

2011-09-06T10:10:00.000-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Hampton Inn Conference Center
103 Ed Perry Blvd
Oxford, MS 38655
662-234-5565

Hampton Inn Conference Center Now Open

Oxford, Miss., September, 2011- Charter Road Hospitality, Inc. is pleased to announce the August 29, 2011 opening of its third property, The Hampton Inn Conference Center.

The Hampton Inn Conference Center is located at 103 Ed Perry Boulevard directly across the street from the Oxford Conference Center and just minutes from the historic Oxford Square and University of Mississippi campus. The new hotel features 88 guest rooms, an outdoor pool, 1,300 square feet of meeting space with state-of-the-art equipment, Complimentary On the House Hot breakfast, free high-speed wireless Internet access, and a 24-hour on-site Precor fitness center and business center.

“We are ecstatic about opening a third hotel in Oxford,” said MaryGrace Brower, General Manager for the hotel. “The Hampton Inn Conference Center offers more luxurious amenities to our guests, and our staff will make you feel at home. Guests know what to expect from the Hampton brand, which is clean rooms and friendly service every time, but in Oxford we go above and beyond to show our southern hospitality.”

The Hampton Inn Conference Center started taking reservations earlier in the year, but the reservation system officially opened August 29 along with the hotel. The Hampton Inn Conference Center has also partnered with the Oxford Conference Center in efforts to bring groups, conferences and events to Oxford.

“We are excited about the opening of the Hampton Inn Conference Center. With this hotel essentially located on the grounds of the Oxford Conference Center, we are positioned to offer conference and meeting planners amenities and services not currently available within the City of Oxford,” said Hollis Green, Director of the Oxford Conference Center.

Mary Kathryn Herrington, Oxford’s Director of Tourism, seconds the excitement. “We are so pleased to have a brand new property in the market. The location of this hotel, combined with the trusted brand of Hampton, will be a great asset to the tourism product in Oxford.”

In addition to the opening of the Hampton Inn Conference Center, Charter Road Hospitality, Inc. also just announced the development of a Springhill Suites by Marriott in late 2012. The new Marriott location, adjacent to the Hampton Inn Conference Center, will feature 90+ guest suites, an indoor pool, limited meeting space, complimentary breakfast, free wireless Internet service, and an on-site business and fitness center. Further details of the Springhill Suites by Marriott in Oxford will be forthcoming.

Charter Road Hospitality, Inc. is locally owned and operated in Oxford, Miss. With more than 20 years of experience in the hospitality and hotel industry, the company’s portfolio includes: the Holiday Inn Express, Hampton Inn Oxford-West, Hampton Inn Conference Center and, coming soon, Springhill Suites by Marriott Oxford.

For more information on the Hampton Inn Conference Center contact 662-234-5565 or email oxdea_hampton@hilton.com.

Game Day Time Lapse

2011-09-06T09:02:00.001-05:00

this weekend was the first home game here in Oxford and this great time lapse shows how it all comes together!

Game day in Oxford Mississippi from scottburtonphotography on Vimeo.

Football Gameday Shuttle Service

2011-08-31T08:41:00.000-05:00

Football Season is back and once again parking will be an issue around town. If you are planning on attending the CYU game this weekend or any other future games consider using the City of Oxford's Game Day Shuttle program. The City of Oxford will provide shuttle service to and from Vaught-Hemingway Stadium for all of the 2011 University of Mississippi home football games.

Essentials:
Sevice times: Starts 3 hours prior to kickoff. Ends 2 hours after end of game.
Cost: $5 round trip.
Parking: Free
Free parking lot security provided.

Pick up / parking locations for the shuttle are:
Oxford Activities Center
400 Price Street
GPS: 34.375721,-89.525921

Central Middle School
499 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive
GPS: 34.371754,-89.523776

5 Things I love About Oxford: Beth Ziegenhorn

2011-08-30T14:03:00.000-05:00

Today our 5 Things I love About Oxford series is back with Beth Ziegenhorn ( for more great insight from Beth visit her personal blog.) from the Yoknapatawpha Arts Council. Enjoy!

5 Things I love about Oxford:

It wasn't until I graduated at Ole Miss and became a working professional in the community that I really "got" Oxford. There is so much more to experience in Oxford than just the University.

1) The Arts community is truly thriving. On the 4th Tuesday of every month you can do an Arts Crawl and visit 5 different art galleries in one night, and get transported between all of them on the Double Decker bus.

2) Music is plentiful with live performances every Wednesday night at Snackbar, Thacker Mountain Radio show on Thursdays, and Music in the Hall. Music is crawling out of the walls everywhere you turn on the Square.

3) My mom and I always hit our favorite shops when she comes in town: Sugar Magnolia and Mustard Seed. We enjoy picking out all the furniture we want and then we fantasize how one day I'll be able to fill my house with it!

4) There are always friendly faces out and about town! I feel so lucky that I get to live in a community where I always feel and know I'm surrounded by friends. The kind of friends you know if you needed something they'd help you without hesitation.

5) My favorite time in Oxford is the morning, particularly Saturday, when the sun is rising. The town is slowly waking, people are walking around Avent Park, the Beacon is stirring with locals for coffee, and the farmers market is every Saturday morning. AND the first Saturday of every month is the Maker's Market where artists can set up booths and sell their work. All the more reason to wake up!

This is my 6 year living in Oxford. I graduated from Ole Miss in May 2010 and have been working as the Operations Coordinator for the Yoknapatawpha Arts Council since April 2010. I can't imagine living anywhere else right now than Oxford, it has truly become my home.

Deals, Steals and Facebook Promotions!

2011-08-18T15:37:00.000-05:00

We all know the shopping in Oxford a big attraction.... and right now there are more reasons than ever to check out some of Oxford's great shopping spots with some great facebook deals and promotions that are going on right now!

Zoe of Oxford is offering printable coupons to people who "like" their facebook page. Just in time to get your make up done in fall colors or pick up a new lip gloss for the Grove.

Therapy on the Square has all J Brand Jeans on sale 20% until the end of August. Check out their facebook page for more info.

The Green Door Company is also offering 10% off for move-in weekend and have an upcoming Grand Opening. Check out the invite to that on their facebook page.

The J.E. Neilson Company is featuring employee picks on their facebook page, it's a great way to preview what all they have in the store. Did you know Neilson's is the South's oldest department store?

Cicada is previewing their fall collections online too and just announced several new lines they'll carry which no other store in Mississippi is carrying. Be sure to check out their facebook page for a sneak peak at what's going to be fashionable for fall. Village Tailor is also showing off some of their new merchandise on facebook.

In shoes news, you can now shop My Favorite Shoes at their new 2nd location on the Square ( Check our their facebook page for all the details).

Missing Yocona Sauce? Mississippi Madness will mail it to you, even if you don't live in Oxford. Check our their facebook page for details.

Miss Behavin' is offering customers who "Check-In" at the store $10 off any $50 purchase! See it for yourself on their page.

These and many more promotions are going on now so be sure to hit ALL of Oxford's great shopping spots! If you know of more great promotions be sure to leave them in the comment section and we'll update the post!

Local Business Profile: The Green Door Company

2011-08-12T11:16:00.001-05:00

The Green Door Company Opening 12,000 Sq. Ft. Furniture Store

Oxford, MS

The Green Door Company is opening a 12,000 Sq. Ft. furniture store on Thursday August 11^th at North Lamar and Molly Barr Rd in Oxford, Mississippi. The distinctive furniture store offers every category of interior needs including a selection of server/sideboards, tall front cabinet armoires, dining tables of different sizes and designs with many dining chair options, small accent pieces, upholstered offerings in sofas and loveseats as well as occasional chairs with a large selection of fabric options, accessories and decor.

The specialty of The Green Door Company is the vast offerings of individually made, one of a kind pieces created from reclaimed wood and hardware. They even carry a few pieces designed and built by the father and son team of Will and Bill Hopkins, co-owners of The Green Door Company.

Oxford native Will Hopkins discovered his creative skill set by accident, but once realized, he honed his building skills in order to make his creative furniture designs become actual pieces. He is largely self taught, but relies also on the carpentry skills of his father. This interest and a strong friendship that he established with one of his successful furniture store customers in his sales job brought about the proposition to partner in a venture of bringing in individually made furnishings and interior fittings.

Together Will and Missy Hopkins admired the pieces that they saw and decided to open booths at Sugar Magnolia and The Mustard Seed in Oxford. They wanted to have a name for their booths, so customers could identify the style of the pieces the customers saw with a name. They were inspired by a teal green antique door with a stained glass insert that Will purchased at an old antique store. When they bought their house, Will had the idea to hang it from the ceiling in their den as a wall art/accent piece. This was the motivation behind The Green Door Company name.

Once Will and Missy established their booths and saw how the customers responded, they decided to forge ahead with their own retail space. They proposed their business plan to Will's mother Jo Hopkins; a 42 year employee of First National Bank Oxford. She helped them tweak their approach to the business. With the additional consult of Will's father Bill Hopkins, owner of Oxford's Western Auto in the 70's and 80's, they had the business foundation they needed to move forward.

The team of Will, Missy, Jo and Bill Hopkins is turning the old Carol’s Thrift Shop at North Lamar and Molly Barr Rd. into The Green Door Company’s first retail store. The store is 12,000 Sq. Ft. and will receive regular shipments of furniture.

“Oxford has a fantastic selection of furniture options for this size town, and we found a channel that complements what is already being offered here. We are thrilled to be able to blend our offerings into the Oxford retail business community,” said Will Hopkins, co-owner of The Green Door Company.

Will and Missy have enjoyed seeing people like what they like in these pieces, but have equally enjoyed learning the individual flavors that each customer seeks. “Being able to listen to what someone is looking for and finding the right item for them that meets and often exceeds their vision and expectation is the most favorite part of the business, and the customer service element is one that keeps us inspired to grow and be able to place just the right pieces in the homes of our customers,” said Missy Hopkins, co-owner of The Green Door Company.

The Green Door Company will be having a Grand Opening event on Thursday September 1^st from 4:30pm-7pm. For more information, contact Missy Hopkins at (601) 942-5373.

www.thegreendoorms.com and www.facebook.com/greendoorcompany

Note: This is the first in a new series on unique local businesses. If you have business you'd like to suggest to email marykathryn@oxfordcvb.com

Outside of Oxford: B.T.C Grocery in Water Valley

2011-08-12T09:35:00.000-05:00

One of the great things about visiting Oxford is that there are a few places near here that you can make a little quick trip to during your stay! Water Valley is one of those. Just about 15 minutes down the road, Water Valley is a quiet but unique town with a growing local scene. One great place to check out if is the B.T.C Grocery, Water Valley's old fashioned grocery store. We headed down over the past weekend and snapped these pictures of the B.T.C, grabbed a delicious sandwich and some homemade pasta and will certainly be making the drive from Oxford again soon!

For more information on the B.T.C. Old Fashioned Grocery visit their facebook page or visit them at 310 N. Main Street in Water Valley, Mississippi.

Press Release: Oxford Endurance Weekend.

2011-08-04T11:12:00.004-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Mary-Kathryn Herrington

Oxford CVB, 662.232.2367

2nd SmartSynch Oxford Endurance Weekend Attracts Athletes to Oxford

On August 5-7 athletes will once again converge on Oxford, Mississippi for the 2nd SmartSynch Oxford Endurance Weekend. The Oxford Endurance Weekend features five sporting events that combine athletics with Oxford’s unique setting for an event unlike any other.

The activities kick off on Friday evening with the Rowan Oak 5k at the University Museum. Following the 5k there is a party sponsored by Lazy Magnolia Brewing Company featuring live music, food and drinks.

Saturday morning’s Tri-Oxford and Race of Truth Time Trial both take place in Oxford and athletes head to Taylor, Mississippi for the Plein Air Classic Bike race on Saturday afternoon.

Sunday morning, the Oxford Square Criterium wraps up events with a bike race around Oxford’s Courthouse Square. Spectators are encouraged to come out and see this unique event that is taking place on the Square.

“We had a great event last year,” said Tim Akers, CIty Planner and Event organizer, “ and know this year’s event will be even better!”

The event is hosted by the City of Oxford, Oxford Park Commission and Oxford Convention and Visitors Bureau the event is produced by renowned event producers Start2Finish Events out of Memphis, Tennessee. Other partners include the title sponsor SmartSynch as well as Plein Air, Baptist Hospital, the University Museum, the Inn at Ole Miss, Lazy Magnolia, Hampton Inn, Holiday Inn Express, The Downtown Oxford Inn, Oxford Orthopedics, and Chic-fil-a.

“Oxford Endurance Weekend is a fantastic event offering something for everyone, and we welcome the opportunity to serve as the title sponsor again this year,” said Campbell McCool, SmartSynch’s Chief Marketing Officer. “SmartSynch is working closely with both the City of Oxford and the University on smart electricity grid projects and many of our employees graduated from Ole Miss and live in the area. Supporting this type of community-wide, family-friendly event was an easy decision.”

For more information on the SmartSynch Oxford Endurance Weekend visit www.oxfordenduranceweekend.racesonline.com or call 662.232.2367 for more information.

5 Things I love About Oxford: Holli Ratcliffe

2011-08-01T08:14:00.001-05:00

Our 5 Things I love About Oxford Series is back and today we are hearing from Holli's Sweet Tooth owner Holli Ratcliffe.

5 Things I love to do in Oxford:

1. I like sitting on the balcony at Square Books. It's relaxing to grab a cup of tea, a good book, and some fresh air!
2. Biking is one of my absolute favorite things. I invested in a road bike a couple of years ago and it's been a lot of fun. Oxford is growing into a neat biking community.
3. Taking my dog to the lake (Sardis). We have found a great spot that is clean, quiet, dog friendly and lots of beach. She has a great time too.
4. The productions that Oxford High School performs are always A+. I try to attend all of them as well as events sponsored by the Yoconapatawpha Arts Council.
5. Eating anything SWEET!!! Oxford is home to lots of great dessert shops and I love them all. Petit Fours at Emelighs are among my favorites!

The Art Crawl is back!

2011-07-25T13:46:00.001-05:00

It's that time again... the Art Crawl is back for our July edition! Hope you'll make plans to hop on the Double Decker and check out some of Oxford's great art venues tomorrow evening. And as always, it is free!!

yummy! The Z Bed and Breakfast Cinnamon Rolls

2011-07-15T09:21:00.000-05:00

The sweet girls at the Z Bed and Breakfast dropped these off to us this morning! What a treat! Check out their site and consider staying there the next time you are in Oxford.... maybe these treats will be your breakfast!

Check our their blog to see more picture of the Z and all the yummy goodies they whip up for their guests.

Last Summer Bus Tour

2011-07-12T13:19:00.001-05:00

Don't forget about our last summer Double Decker bus tour with historian Jack Mayfield, this Saturday at 11am departing from Skipwith Cottage, next door to Neilson's. Tickets are $5 for adults and $2 for children 12 & under.

Mark Your Calendar: Oxford Endurance Weekend

2011-07-05T16:59:00.002-05:00

Calling all athletes! This is the weekend for you to come to Oxford. Mark your calendars for August 5-7 and sign up today to participate in the 2nd Smart Synch Oxford Endurance Weekend! Between the 5k, Triathalon, and several bike races there is something for everyone!

For registration and more info visit the website or find them on facebook.

Looking for a reason to come to Oxford?

2011-06-29T15:28:00.003-05:00

How's this for a reason.... The Downtown Inn is offering guest who book between July 1-7 20% off and mention this facebook post. So, clear your schedule for the weekend, check out the Downtown Inn's facebook page and plan to spend your 4th of July in Oxford! There are lots of great July 4 activities going on- for more details on those check out www.lou4thofjuly.com

Art Crawl Returns Tonight!

2011-06-28T06:00:00.000-05:00

Outside of Oxford: Mississippi Hill Country Picnic at FoxFire Ranch

2011-06-24T07:58:00.003-05:00

Looking for some good music this weekend? Just a quick drive down to Foxfire Ranch in Waterford, MS the Mississippi Hill Country Picnic will serve up just that! Check their site for more information.

The Oxford Rhythm Revival

2011-06-17T09:33:00.003-05:00

The Oxford Rhythm Revival is this weekend! They've got great music, some art and lots of fun all for a great cause! The schedule is posted here, but check out their website for more info on all the other great activities surrounding this Saturday's event and for ticket information.

Also, you can see the locations of all the different music on their google maps guide to the Oxford Rhythm Revival.

Walking Tours

2011-06-16T09:00:00.003-05:00

( photo of the L.Q.C. Lamar House Ribbon Cutting)

The Walking Tours of North Lamar are back! Join us this Saturday at 10:00 for a guided walking tour of the North Lamar Historic District. Tours will also stop at the L.Q.C. Lamar House ( admission $5) if you care to tour the new exhibits. Tours depart from Skipwith Cottage at 10:00 on Saturday June 18, 2011.

Double Decker Pictures

2011-06-16T08:58:00.002-05:00

Want some great pictures of Double Decker?? We are selling them and you might just spot yourself having a great time. Browse the album and see if there are any you need! Click here to see all the pictures.

Free Concerts and Movies this weekend!

2011-06-03T11:23:00.002-05:00

The movies in the park are back! Tonight's movie: Appollo 13 at 8:00 p.m. They'll be a concert featuring Maybelle's Lovers before the showing at 7:00 p.m. Come one! Come All and enjoy Oxford's great parks! Tonight's event is at Avent Park.

Also, don't forget you can see another free concert Sunday at the first Summer Sunset Series concert.

Things to do: Taylor Farmers Market

2011-06-03T09:27:00.003-05:00

Even though it's going to be a hot weekend- if you are looking to get outside and experience something seasonal, check out the Farmer's Market in Taylor. They have great local veggies, flowers, crafts and live music. This week's music will be Marlena Jarjoura.

It starts at 8:00 a.m. and lasts until noon. Check out their facebook event for more info.

Things to do: Visit the University Museum

2011-06-02T09:09:00.004-05:00

Daniel over at the Oxfordmisssissippi.com blog posted this video about the University Museums the other day and we wanted to share it too. The Museum has undergone major improvements over the last year or so, and is definitely worth a visit if you are in Oxford.

University of Mississippi Museum Profile from UM Media Documentary Projects on Vimeo.

video produced by UM Media and Documentary Projects.

Outside of Oxford: Tin Pan Alley in Taylor, Mississippi

2011-05-31T11:36:00.003-05:00

Just about 10 miles down the road from Oxford is Taylor, Mississippi. People have been going there for years for Taylor Grocery ( but that is for another post!). In the Plein Air Neighborhood is a "don't miss" stop for shopping fans when visiting Oxford.

Tin Pan Alley Antiques and Furniture is owned by Alice Hammell and Oby Clark and is chocked full of unique furniture and art. Here is a sampling of the home goods and treasures you'll find at Tin Pan Alley.

If you don't leave with anything new, you'll certainly be inspired! For more information on Tin Pan Alley you can visit their facebook page.

For directions to Plein Air click here.

Check out the CVB's new website!

2011-05-25T09:25:00.002-05:00

We've finally launched our new website! There are still a few tweaks to come in the next few weeks, but we hope you'll check it out!

Mark Your Calendar: Summer Sunset Series

2011-05-25T09:22:00.002-05:00

Calling all artist and art lovers

2011-05-18T08:15:00.002-05:00

One of Oxford's most unique and hip events, the One Night Stand Art Show is set for July 11th at the Ole Miss Motel. Mark your calendars for this fun event! For more info check out their website.

If you know anyone interested in submitting work for the show, they are now taking submissions. Click here to learn more.

This Saturday: Double Decker Bus Tour

2011-05-11T11:11:00.005-05:00

Saturday is a big day for lots of folks in Oxford as another Ole Miss class graduates! After the festivities, we invite everyone to take a Double Decker bus tour of our great town. Join Jack Mayfield for a driving tour of campus, as well as historic points around town. The tour will depart from Skipwith Cottage at 1pm. Tickets for the tours can be purchased at City Hall, Monday through Friday from 8:30 - 5:00 or the day of the tour at Skipwith Cottage. Tickets are $5 for adults and $2 for children 12 and under. For more information, please call Mary Allyn Roulhac at 662) 232 - 2477. Congratulations to the Class of 2011, and we hope to see y'all Saturday!

Off-Square Adventures: Volta Taverna

2011-05-09T08:00:00.005-05:00

If you're in the mood for Greek cuisine with a Southern twist in Oxford, there's only one place to go: Volta Taverna. Just a short drive off the Square, Volta is located off of North Lamar in a renovated gas station and features a large indoor dining room, as well as a shaded outdoor patio. We recommend ordering a pita melt to start off and then one of their delicious pizzas or salads for dinner. Don't forget to wash it all down with a margarita on the rocks - especially on "buy 2 get 1" margarita days (Monday, Thursday, Saturday).

This Saturday: The Taylor Farmers' Market Returns!

2011-05-06T08:00:00.002-05:00

Come on out to the Plein Air neighborhood in Taylor for Taylorpalooza this Saturday from 5pm to 8pm! We encourage the whole family to come and enjoy games, food, and music from McGhee and Me, Minor Adjustments, and Jimmy Phillips and the Ruminators.

Saturday also marks the return of the Taylor's Farmers Market! From 8am to 12pm, enjoy music from Chauncey and the Beast while browsing the booths of over three dozen vendors selling fresh produce, canned goods, and arts and crafts items. There will also be a bounce house, face painting, a petting zoo, and carnival games for kids.

It looks like we are in for some gorgeous weather for the next couple of days. Do you have any big plans for this weekend?

Outside of Oxford: Bozarts Gallery in Water Valley

2011-05-05T08:38:00.005-05:00

Owned by Mickey Howley and Annette Trefzer, Bozarts Gallery in Water Valley offers art from a wide variety of local artists. Located just twenty miles south of Oxford, the gallery is a flexible space that promotes visual, as well as performing arts; it shares half of the space with the Valley Dance Company.

Friday, May 6th marks the opening of "Greening the Valley: An Environmental Art Show" featuring works from artists in the Bozarts Alliance, a cooperative of artists with diverse backgrounds who display their work at Bozarts permanently. There will be a reception from 6pm to 9pm.

Bozart's is open from noon to 5pm on Fridays and Saturdays, or you can call 662) 473 - 2484 to make an appointment. The gallery's address is 403 North Main Street, Water Valley, Mississippi 38965. For more information on things to do in Water Valley, check out the town's Chamber of Commerce.

Pictures from 16th Annual Double Decker

2011-05-03T08:00:00.000-05:00

In between sampling all the great food (cake on a stick! grits and grillades!) and listening to music from Old Crow Medicine Show or Justin Townes Earle, we managed to take some pictures of this past weekend's Double Decker Festival.

We'd love to see your pictures from this weekend! Head over to Double Decker's Facebook to post them on our wall.

Thacker Mountain Radio - Saved!

2011-04-29T08:00:00.003-05:00

A big thank you to all who came out to last week's Thacker Mountain fundraiser! The benefit raised enough money to keep the show alive for the remainder of the season. Thacker couldn't have done it without the help from fellow Oxonians, and we thank you for keeping one of Oxford's most beloved traditions alive. We are already looking forward to its return in September!

Off-Square Adventures: Maharaja Indian Cuisine

2011-04-28T08:00:00.004-05:00

Tucked in the shopping center next door to Wal-Mart on Jackson Avenue, Maharaja offers delicious Indian food that you'd be hard-pressed to find anywhere else in Oxford. Entrees are served with a large portion of basmati rice, and can be prepared mild, hot or spicy. We recommend starting off with an appetizer of paneer pakora (Indian cheese fritters) and a cold Kingfisher beer. The tikka masala and shrimp curry are also exceptional! Maharaja is open from 11:30am - 9:30pm Monday through Friday and 12:30pm - 10:00pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Check it out and let us know what you think!

Click any of the below menu images to enlarge.

Tonight: YAC's April Art Crawl!

2011-04-26T09:07:00.003-05:00

Join the Yoknapatawpha Arts Council as they host their second art crawl tonight from 7pm-9pm! The double decker bus will take visitors to and from Southside Gallery, the Powerhouse, Frame Up Gallery, Gallery 130 and the University Museum. This month's art crawl will have tastings from City Grocery and beer from Lazy Magnolia at Southside Gallery, Taylor Grocery catfish and Cathead Vodka at the Powerhouse, and food from Lenora’s at the University Museum. Make sure to check out the fringe exhibits at Amelia’s Presents, Holli’s Sweet Tooth, Cicada and in Faulkner’s Alley. For more information about the Oxford Art Crawl, please visit www.oxfordarts.com or call 662-236-6429.

Easter Weekend in Oxford

2011-04-25T09:12:00.004-05:00

We hope everyone had a great Easter weekend! Oxford was quiet and peaceful, and we saw lots of families taking advantage of the beautiful weather. Walking around campus on Saturday night, we watched the sun set behind The Lyceum, taking a moment to appreciate the simplistic beauty of our town! Where are some of your favorite places in Oxford to sit and reflect?

Outside of Oxford: The Tula Opry

2011-04-22T08:55:00.003-05:00

Photo courtesy of Tula Opry

One of the great things about Oxford is its proximity to unique small towns who love the arts as much as we do! Located just 15 miles from Oxford, the Tula Opry is the fully realized 30-year old dream of Rusty Pinion. The Opry holds gospel, country, and bluegrass shows on the second Saturday of every month, and their next show will be Saturday, May 14th at 6:00pm. Make sure to come on out for great music and even better company, and follow the Tula Opry's blog to find information about upcoming shows, see pictures from past shows, and keep up with their progress!

Off-Square Adventures: Tallulah's Kitchen

2011-04-21T07:50:00.000-05:00

Located off of University Avenue just past Kroger, Tallulah's Kitchen serves regional cuisine and New Orleans-style dishes alongside sinfully delicious fried Oreos, Twinkies, and Moon Pies. Brown bag a bottle of wine, place your order, and grab a table on their open air patio. You won't be disappointed! For information on business hours and daily specials, head on over to their website.

Tomorrow: Help Thacker Mountain Radio!

2011-04-20T08:18:00.005-05:00

Our beloved Thacker Mountain Radio needs your help! The major grants and donations that fund the program have yet to kick in this year, and the show still needs to raise $2,500 to get through the last two shows of the spring season. After tomorrow's show at Off Square Books ends, we invite everyone to head on down to The Blind Pig from 7:30 to 9:30 for a special Thacker's Going Broke fundraiser! Enjoy a drink while the following musicians play:

The Yalobushwhackers
Kenny Brown
Laurie Stirratt
Jake Fussell
George McConnell
Tyler Keith
David Shirley
David Woolworth
Silas Reed IV
Jimmy Phillips
and many more!

Please come out, watch the show, and make a donation to help keep the show alive. Thacker Mountain Radio is an event that we Mississippians look forward to every week, and we don't want to imagine a spring or fall without it!

Check out the new OxfordGuru app!

2011-04-19T10:23:00.007-05:00

Looking for an on-the-go way to keep up with all the great events attractions Oxford has to offer? From Town Wizard Inc. comes Oxford Guru, a new iPod, iPhone, and iPad app! Users can view upcoming events, search for nearby restaurants, and share live photos and videos of events going on in Oxford. The free app is available for download from the iTunes App Store. An Android-compatible version is in the works and should be available in the next coming weeks. What do you think of the app?

Storytelling at Rowan Oak

2011-04-18T08:27:00.000-05:00

A big "thank you" to everyone who braved the gusty winds and chilly temperatures to come out to the storytelling at Rowan Oak this past Saturday! We had a great time hearing Rebecca tell Faulkner's "Shingles for the Lord", Anne read from Everywhere in Mississippi, and Adrian and Dexter play some accompanying tunes. We hope we'll be able to do this more often!

Honoring the Mississippi Civil War Sesquicentennial in Oxford

2011-04-15T08:45:00.004-05:00

In honor of the Civil War Sesquicentennial, we invite you to explore Oxford's notable Civil War sites.

COURTHOUSE SQUARE HISTORIC DISTRICT

The Square you walk today—eat at, shop at, admire its architectural charm—is the second version of Oxford’s governmental and commercial heart. This version rose from the ashes of the first, starting slowly in the 1870s and flourishing by the early 20^th century. The first Square was the backdrop for an entry parade staged by Union troops when General Ulysses S. Grant used the town as his headquarters during December 1862. It was later burned to the ground on August 22, 1864 by the troops of General Andrew Jackson Smith. Destroyed were the 1840 courthouse, two hotels, 34 stores, five mansions, and the Masonic Hall. Seemingly unprovoked, the event may have been retaliation for the July 30, 1864 burning of the Chambersburg, Pennsylvania Square by General Jubal Early’s army.

L. Q. C. LAMAR HOUSE MUSEUM

L. Q. C. Lamar was among the few Southern leaders who returned to the U.S. Congress after the war, a position he resigned to take an active role in Mississippi’s departure from the Union. He built his Greek Revival house in 1869-1870 while a Law Professor at the University of Mississippi. In 1975 the house was named a National Historic Landmark for Lamar’s importance in the nation’s political affairs 1865-1900. He is one of only two Americans to have served in both houses of Congress, held a presidential cabinet position, and sat on the U.S. Supreme Court. He is the only Mississippian to have been a Supreme Court Justice. His house was deemed an example of “demolition by neglect” in 2000 and totally restored in 2008. It now houses professionally designed exhibits on Lamar’s life and the Civil War Era.

UNIVERSITY OF MISSISSIPPI CAMPUS

The 1848 Lyceum was converted to a military hospital in early 1862 in anticipation of a northern Mississippi battle between the armies of General Albert Sidney Johnston and General Ulysses S. Grant. Instead, it was the April 6-7, 1862 fighting at Shiloh, Tennessee that brought 2,000 wounded Confederate soldiers to campus. Later, Union soldiers were also treated. Today more than 700 soldiers from both sides rest in unmarked graves at the Confederate Cemetery behind C.M. “Tad” Smith Coliseum. In the 1889 Ventress Hall, three Tiffany stained glass windows memorialize the University Greys, a company composed entirely of students and faculty who suffered nearly 100% casualties at Gettysburg. A Confederate Monument across from Ventress commemorates students lost to the war.

For more information about Mississippi's role in the Civil War, please visit mscivilwar150.com.

Have you checked out the newly renovated L.Q.C. Lamar House Yet?

2011-04-14T08:17:00.001-05:00

Have you had a chance to stop by the newly renovated L.Q.C. Lamar House? If not, we encourage you to go check out the new, interactive exhibits! The home was restored in mid-2008 with help from the Mississippi Legislature and a Save America's Treasure grant and is now owned by the City of Oxford. Learn about the life of Lucius Quintus Cincinnatus Lamar, as well as the story of the preservation of his home, at the L.Q.C. Lamar House Museum!

Green Week Kicks Off This Friday!

2011-04-13T08:35:00.002-05:00

The city of Oxford and the University of Mississippi's third annual Green Week kicks off this Friday, April 15th! Green Week is a joint effort between the city of Oxford and the University that aims to bring the community together to make a difference by volunteering, supporting local businesses, and reducing our collective ecological footprint. This year's theme encourages Oxonians to go local as a way of going green and rerooting the community. Green Week offers a variety of fun, educational activities for all ages throughout the week, so make sure to check out the website to see a full schedule of events.

What are some of the ways that your family will go local this week?

This Saturday: Two Double Decker Bus Tours and Storytelling at Rowan Oak!

2011-04-11T08:42:00.007-05:00

If you missed our last storytelling event at Rowan Oak because of the rain, you are in luck! Especially for the spring season, the Oxford Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Yoknapatawpha Arts Council offer a morning performance of free stories and music at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 16. Appropriately set on the east side of Mr. Faulkner’s home Rowan Oak, Oxford storyteller Dr. Rebecca Jernigan will tell a little Faulkner and Welty, and for the young and young at heart, she will retell Dubose Heyward’s classical seasonal tale, “The Country Bunny and the Little Golden Shoes.” The program is funded by a grant from the Mississippi Humanities Council Speaker's Bureau.

There will also be two double decker bus tours Saturday, departing from Skipwith Cottage at 10am and again at 1pm. Tickets are $5 for adults and $2 for children 12 and under and can be purchased at City Hall during the week or the day of the tour at Skipwith Cottage. For more information about the double decker bus tours or the storytelling, please contact the Oxford Convention and Visitors Bureau at 662-232-2477.

South Depot Taco Shop Now Open!

2011-04-07T08:16:00.004-05:00

Have you had a chance to visit the latest addition to the Oxford Square, South Depot Taco Shop? Judging by the long line to order food yesterday around 5:30, it looks like it's a hit with y'all so far! Opened last week, South Depot features gourmet tacos, fresh salsa and guacamole, and an option to build your own tacos, quesadilla, burrito, or nachos. We can't wait to enjoy their BBQ pulled pork taco with a tangerine basil King of Pops popsicle on a sunny summer day. What have you tried at South Depot?

Third Season of Top Chef Masters Premieres Tonight!

2011-04-06T08:43:00.006-05:00

Make sure to turn your channel to Bravo tonight at 11/10c to watch Oxford's own John Currence compete in the third season of Top Chef Masters! We know we'll be cheering him on. Good luck to our favorite James Beard Award winner! We'll all have a drink on the City Grocery balcony in your honor, John.

Have you bought your tickets for the Double Decker concert?

2011-04-05T09:19:00.006-05:00

Tickets for the Double Decker concert on Friday, April 29th are on sale! General admission tickets are $10 and VIP tickets are $25, and they can be purchased online from Front Gate Tickets. Be prepared to tap your toes to music from the likes of Okkervil River, Black Joe Lewis and the Honeybears, and Old Crow Medicine Show!

We're particularly excited about hearing this song live! What are you hoping to hear?

Off-Square Adventures: Mundo Latino Taco Shop & Bar

2011-03-30T17:29:00.006-05:00

Have you had a chance to try Mundo Latino Taco Shop & Bar in Old Town Square off of University Avenue? If you are looking for fresh, authentic Mexican at a very reasonable price, this is your place. Feeling adventurous? Try a cabeza or tongue taco! If you're in the mood for something a little more "mainstream", we recommend the chorizo tacos. Munch on some fresh chips and salsa while you're waiting on your food to come out, and sip a Mexican Coke that's made with cane sugar, not high-fructose corn syrup.

(click on picture above to enlarge menu)

Have you tried Mundo Latino yet? Let us know what you think!

This Week's Upcoming Events

2011-03-29T15:31:00.002-05:00

Looks like Oxford is in for another eventful weekend!

On Thursday at 7pm, join Chef Lee Craven at Powerhouse for the popular Miss-I-Sippin' Beer and Food Tasting Fundraiser. For information about the menu, as well as how to purchase tickets, visit the Yoknapatawpha Arts Council's website.

The Future of the South conference kicks off this Friday. Sponsored by the Endowment for the Future of the South, this year's 2-day conference features discussions that center around the South one year after the catastrophic Gulf Coast oil spill. All events are held in Barnard Observatory and are free and open to the public. For a full schedule of events, please visit the Symposium's webpage.

Friday also marks the ribbon-cutting and grand opening of the renovated L.Q.C. Lamar House and its new exhibits! At 11:30am the house will be once again open for tours. Admission is $5 for adults, and free for children 18 and under. Regular hours of operation will be 2pm to 5pm on Fridays and Sundays and 10am - 1pm on Saturdays and Mondays.

Join us for another double decker bus tour of Oxford on Saturday. The tour will depart from Skipwith Cottage at 10:00am. Tickets for $5 for adults and $2 for children 12 and under and can be purchased from City Hall Monday to Friday from 8am to 5pm. For more information, call Mary Allyn Roulhac at 662) 232 - 2477.

Five Things I Love About Oxford: Dr. Ted Ownby

2011-03-24T08:08:00.000-05:00

The 18th annual Oxford Conference for the Book kicks off today, and we sat down with the Director of the Center for the Study of Southern Culture, Dr. Ted Ownby, to find out the five things he loves about Oxford!

Originally from Cookeville, Tennessee, Ted received his Bachelor of Arts from Vanderbilt University and his Masters of Arts and PhD from Johns Hopkins University. He has lived in Oxford since 1988 and holds a joint appointment in History and Southern Studies from the University of Mississippi and was appointed Director of the Center for Study of Southern Culture in 2007. Ted is also the co-editor of the Mississippi Encyclopedia and the Gender edition of the New Encyclopedia of Southern Culture, as well as the author of American Dreams in Mississippi and Subduing Satan.

Five Things I Love About Oxford

1) The ways people combine education and entertainment in the same events.

2) The chances for people to take individual passions for, say, foodways or film or music or books and create something new

3) The way the recurring influx of new people, especially students, means some things are always changing, or at least always have potential to change.

4) The way the town smells and tastes, especially in grilling season.

5) The way nothing in town is more than ten minutes away, except at 5 o'clock and on game days.

Ted will be moderating a panel on the King James Bible's 400th anniversary this Saturday at 11:00am at the Overby Center on Ole Miss Campus. Stop by, listen, and learn.

Off-Square Adventures: Lusa Pastry Cafe

2011-03-23T08:30:00.000-05:00

Located in North Lamar Plaza just a few minutes from the Square, Lusa Pastry Cafe specializes in traditional Portuguese pastries, breads, sandwiches, and treats, as well as Southern breakfast foods on the weekends. The cafe has ample seating and Wi-Fi, making it the perfect spot to fill up on coffee and have a pastry while finishing a paper or catching up with friends.

We had a raspberry-strawberry streudel and an apple fruit tart with coffee, and they both were unbelievably delicious. Check out Lusa's Facebook page for their business hours and updates on daily specials. Make sure to stop by for breakfast, lunch, or just a sweet treat - you won't be disappointed!

Don't Forget: Oxford's First Art Crawl Is Tonight!

2011-03-22T08:33:00.005-05:00

Oxford's first art crawl is tonight from 7pm to 9pm, and we hope to see lots of familiar faces out. For more information about tonight's event and for all of Oxford's upcoming arts events, check out the Yoknapatawpha Arts Council's website!

This Week: 18th Oxford Conference for the Book

2011-03-21T08:17:00.003-05:00

Across the country, Oxford is continually recognized as a literary haven, and this week marks the arrival of one of our town's most celebrated literary events. The eighteenth annual Oxford Conference for the Book kicks off this Thursday, March 24th. Lots of great readings, panels, and discussions are scheduled throughout the three-day Conference, and we hope to see you out at some! If you can't make it to any of Thursday's events during the day, make sure to come out to a special Thacker Mountain Radio that night at Off Square Books.

What readings and panels are you looking forward to attending?

Storytelling Hour at Rowan Oak on Saturday, March 26th

2011-03-16T17:24:00.006-05:00

The eighteenth annual Oxford Conference for the Book will be held March 24^th through the 26^th, and as a means of promoting a love of literature to all ages, we will be hosting an hour of storytelling and music at William Faulkner’s home, Rowan Oak, Saturday, March 26^th at 10:00am. The storytelling will be held on the east side of lawn of the house behind the brick wall. Adrian Baron-Robbins will set the mood with some music, while Dr. Rebecca Jernigan (pictured above) and Anne Gilstrap, members of the North Mississippi Storytellers Guild, will read from Laurie Parker’s excellent children’s book Everywhere in Mississippi. Visitors will also hear a variety of stories, such as “Follow the Drinking Gourd” and “Frog and Cricket,” along with Choctaw folk tales.

A member of local Oxford band The Cakewalkers, Adrian is regularly featured at the Taylor Market and performs each year for Pumpkin Patch Telling and other Guild events. Anne shares her stories for Guild activities at the Farmer's Market and often gives tours of the LQC Lamar House. She also is known for her portrayal of Lydia Walton-Young in the annual play, “Spirits of Walton-Young House.” Rebecca is an internationally renowned professional storyteller who has long been involved with organizations such as the Mississippi Humanities Council and the Mississippi Arts Commission. She can often be seen around Oxford, captivating the attention of many as she recounts tales both new and old.

We encourage people of all ages to attend this event, as there will be something for everyone, so grab a blanket, find a cozy spot under the trees, and enjoy an hour of entertaining music and stories. After stories have been told and songs have been sung, visitors will be able to tour Rowan Oak for a glance inside the life of Oxford’s most loved son.

For more information on the storytelling hour, contact Mary Allyn Roulhac at 662) 232 – 2477.

Off-Square Adventures: The Shak

2011-03-10T20:00:00.007-06:00

Have you had a chance to try The Shak yet? Located behind Chevron on Highway 6 headed towards Batesville, The Shak opened last month. The continually packed parking lot and the smell of barbecue wafting outside had been tempting us for too long so we finally decided to check it out for the first post in our Off Square Adventures series.

The barbecue is served sliced, chipped (shredded), or chopped with a variety of sauces to choose from, and sides liked baked beans and coleslaw are the perfect complement to a meat plate or a rack of ribs. We recommend trying the potato salad!

The Shak offers great food in a family atmosphere, with walls covered in Ole Miss memorabilia and plenty of TVs for watching all the games. There are daily lunch and happy hour specials, as well as live music each Friday night, and the friendly staff goes above and beyond to make sure each person's experience is enjoyable. Go grab a rack at The Shak, and tell us what you think!

For more information or to view their menu online, visit The Shak's website.

Yoknapatawpha Arts Council Launches the Oxford Art Crawl

2011-03-08T15:03:00.005-06:00

Beginning this month, the Yoknapatawpha Arts Council will host a monthly art crawl the fourth Tuesday of every month from 7pm to 9pm. Visitors will be able to park at one location and ride one of Oxford's double decker buses to and from Southside Gallery, the Powerhouse, Frame Up Gallery, Gallery 130, and the University Museum. Each gallery will hold a reception where visitors can meet with the artists and enjoy a glass of wine. Will we be seeing you out at the first art crawl on Tuesday, March 22nd?

Eaten anywhere new in Oxford lately?

2011-03-03T20:42:00.006-06:00

One of our favorite things about Oxford is the vibrant restaurant scene. Residents of Oxford and frequent visitors alike know that our great town boasts an impressive number of award-winning restaurants both on and off the Square. We want to start profiling the latest additions to Oxford's restaurant community, and we would love to hear from our residents and visitors to find out what new places they love, especially since the number of these new establishments seems to be growing by the week!

Have you had a chance to try any of the new additions to our restaurant scene? Leave us a comment and let us know!

Tonight: Thacker Mountain Radio!

2011-03-03T09:34:00.004-06:00

Tonight's Thacker Mountain Radio will be held at Off Square Books. Doors open at 5pm and the show will start at 6pm, so make sure to arrive early so you can grab a seat! Tonight's guests include author Randy Wayne White and musicians Effie Burt and Ian Thomas. If you can't make it out, aalways, the show will be broadcast on Rebel Radio 92.1 FM and rebroadcast on Saturday on Mississippi Public Radio at 7pm.

This Saturday: Double Decker Bus Tour and Family Fun Day at the University Museum

2011-03-02T09:22:00.006-06:00

Spring is just around the corner, and there are lots of great family activities going on in Oxford this weekend to celebrate!

Saturday, March 5th, is Family Fun Day at the University of Mississippi Museum. From 10am - 1pm, the museum will be open for a come-and-go day of crafts and quilts for families. Entry is free for museum members at the family level and $5 per participant for non-members. Come on out for a one-of-a-kind experience everyone in the family can enjoy!

After Family Fun Day, join us as we take our first spring Double Decker bus tour at 1pm! Tickets are $5 for adults and $2 for children 12 and under. Tickets will be available at Skipwith Cottage next to City Hall the day of the tour and can also be purchased in advance by calling Mary Allyn Roulhac at 662) 232 - 2477. The tour will depart from Skipwith at 1pm.

We hope to see some familiar faces out and about this weekend!

Oxford Photo of the Week: Sunny Skies Ahead!

2011-02-28T10:24:00.007-06:00

Although we are starting this week off with some dreary weather, that doesn't mean we can't look forward to oncoming days of eighty degree temperatures and perfectly blue skies! As February comes to a close, this photo taken by Oxford resident Cristen Hemmins at Sardis gives a glimpse of the days ahead.

We would love to start featuring a photo each week taken by a local Oxford resident of the surrounding areas. Our town's residents are what make Oxford great! If you would like to have your picture featured on the blog, please email Meghan at meghan.leonard@gmail.com. We look forward to seeing some more great Oxford photos!

Tonight: A Very Special Bluesy Thacker Mountain Radio!

2011-02-24T08:27:00.005-06:00

Tonight's special edition of Thacker Mountain Radio officially kicks off the 2011 Blues Today Symposium. Join host Jim Dees as he hosts author Elizabeth Stuckey-French and blues musicians Reverend John Wilkins and Grammy-award winner Alvin Youngblood Hart, alongside two very special guests from Natchez, Gray Montgomery and YZ Ealey. The show starts at 6pm at The Lyric (doors open at 5pm), and admission is free. If you can't make it out to Thacker, don't fret; as always, you can enjoy the live local broadcoast on Rebel Radio, 92.1 FM, or listen to the rebroadcast Saturday on Mississippi Public Radio at 7pm.

To give you a preview of what you'll see tonight (and to tide you over until the symposium starts), enjoy this video of Reverend John Wilkins playing his father's classic song "Prodigal Son" at the North Mississippi Hill Country Picnic in 2008.

Five Things I Love About Oxford: Mark Camarigg

2011-02-23T08:46:00.009-06:00

With the Blues Today symposium kicking off tomorrow night, we wanted to find out what the people who organize the annual symposium love about our town. Lucky for us, Mark Camarigg was willing to do just that!

Mark is originally from California where he practiced construction and real estate law. He moved to Oxford in 2003 and has served as business manager and assistant editor at Living Blues magazine. He loves being able to meet a few of my guitar heroes, saying "Just when I think I understand what the magazine and the genre is about, another layer reveals itself and I'm back where I started." He also organizes the annual Blues Symposium at the Center for the Study of Southern Culture each February and very recently started Mississippi Lawyers for the Arts, a non-profit organization helping artists become successful entrepreneurs.

Five Things I Love About Oxford

1. Meeting my fiancee at the Powerhouse. I look forward to volunteering for the Southern Foodways Symposium each year for the music and the food, but I also had the good fortune of meeting my future wife, Rebecca, at the Powerhouse. It pays to volunteer!

2. Walking my dog Peabody at Lake Patsy (Lamar Park). I can get in a good run around the perimeter of the park and the lake is a wonderful sight at sunset. Plus, the new leash law is the best thing to happen to Oxford since they passed the no-smoking ban.

3. City Grocery balcony. Chip is the best bartender in town and nothing beats the balcony for people watching.

4. Saturday morning at Square Books. The crowds don't get in there until about 11:00, but before that, you can easily find the books you want and see the crew, including Richard Howorth, perfecting the displays.

5. Barry Hannah. I met him at Square Books on my very first visit to Oxford and had the opportunity to take a few courses with him. The last time we spoke I told him, "Barry, you couldn't make me a writer, but you taught me how to read." I can't read a work of fiction and not think about him and his laugh.

Make sure you say hello to Mark at the Blues Today Symposium this weekend! Remember that all lectures and events held on Ole Miss campus are free and open to the public. A schedule of these events can be found on the symposium's website.

Five Things I Love About Oxford: Scott Barretta

2011-02-21T12:09:00.008-06:00

We continue our weekly guest posts this week with Scott Barretta, one of the moderators at this week's Blues Today Symposium.

Scott Barretta, a native of Virginia, moved to Oxford in 1999 from Sweden to work as the editor of Living Blues magazine. He teaches courses at Ole Miss including Anthropology of the Blues and Sociology of Leisure and Popular Culture, works as a writer/researcher for the Mississippi Blues Trail, and is the host of the radio program Highway 61 on Mississippi Public Broadcasting.

Five Things I Love About Oxford

1. Music. I first visited the Oxford area in the early '90s to see RL Burnside and Junior Kimbrough at Junior's juke joint in Holly Springs, and Oxford's nearness to Junior's was one of the reasons I moved here. Since then I've had the fortune to see so many great national level visiting artists and feel blessed we have such a great local music scene.

2. Square Books. Living here it's easy to take Square Books for granted, but its importance really becomes clear when you visit another small, attractive town that doesn't have such a great institution. Without it Oxford would have never have never become the great literary destination it is today.

3. The Blues Archive. William Ferris helped open the Blues Archive not long after he brought Living Blues to campus in 1983. You can listen to anything they have in their huge collection, and we use it all the time for the Mississippi Blues Trail, particularly their collection of unique images.

4. Food. We've had a lot of turnover in the restaurant biz over the last year, but I'm grateful that we still have such a diverse range of places to eat, and I always enjoy the annual Southern Foodways Symposium. As I'm writing I'm sitting at Ron Shapiro's Main Squeeze, which manages to create foods that are both healthy and tasty. I'm still mourning L&M, though.

5. People. One of the things I really appreciate about Oxford is that I don't have to make plans to go out in the evening -- I can count on knowing lots of fine people in any bar I visit. And, thankfully, I spend so much time out of town that I don't get sick of seeing the same faces....

Join Scott at 10:30am on Friday morning in the blues archive at the Ole Miss library as he moderates a discussion about Natchez blues, and make sure to check out his new book with photographer Ken Murphy, Mississippi: State of Blues, at Square Books!

This Week: 2011 Blues Today Symposium

2011-02-21T08:48:00.004-06:00

Mississippi's strong blues tradition is one of its most notable characteristics, and this week we would like to focus on an event that puts this unique history front and center: the upcoming Blues Today Symposium. This year's symposium focuses specifically on missing chapters in blues history and will kick off Thursday, February 24th with a special Thacker Mountain Radio featuring music by North Mississippi's own Reverend John Wilkins, as well as Natchez blues musicians Gray Montgomery and YZ Ealey.

All scheduled lectures on the University of Mississippi campus are free and open to the public, so come on out and hear lectures on Mississippi blues tourism or take a peek inside Ole Miss' one-of-a-kind blues archive. For a full schedule of events, head on over the the symposium's website.

Today: Ole Miss Baseball Home Opener

2011-02-18T09:52:00.009-06:00

Photo courtesy of J. Mark Reed Photography

It's that time of year again! Come out to Swayze Field today to cheer on Coach Mike Bianco and the Ole Miss baseball team in the home opener as they face off against Ohio's Wright State University. First pitch is at 3:00pm. If you can't make it out, make sure to catch the game on Rebel Vision!

Are you ready for Double Decker yet?

2011-02-17T17:21:00.006-06:00

Are you loving this weather as much as we are? Sunny skies and warmer temperatures mean the Double Decker Festival is swiftly approaching! Even though the festival is still a few months away, experience the best of Oxford with local historian Jack Mayfield in one of our infamous double decker buses!

There are currently five scheduled double decker bus tours of Oxford this spring. Tickets are $5 for adults and $2 for children 12 and under and may be purchased at Skipwith Cottage the day of the tour. Reservations can be for up to two weeks before the tour by calling Mary Allyn Roulhac at 662) 232 - 2477. Tours depart from Skipwith Cottage, venturing down North and South Lamar and highlighting key Oxford attractions like the LQC Lamar House, St. Peter's Cemetery, and the gorgeous Ole Miss campus.

Mark your calendars to come bask in the sun on our historic double decker buses on the following days: March 5th at 1pm, March 19th at 1pm, April 2nd at 10am, April 16th at 10am, and May 14th at 1pm.

Burns Belfry Church Renovation Update

2011-02-16T14:13:00.011-06:00

In honor of Black History Month, we want to draw attention to an important, valuable piece of Oxford's history that many of us drive past every day - Burns Belfry Church.

Originally called Sewell Chapel, Burns Belfry Church was Oxford's first African American church, started by former slaves in 1869. After the church's congregation outgrew the church and moved to a nearby church in 1973, John Grisham purchased the building so

that he may use it for his office; however, upon moving to Virginia, he donated it to the Oxford-Lafayette County Heritage Foundation, insisting that it be used as a museum cultural center for the African American community. The building was in a state of extreme disrepair, and after being awarded $100,000 from the Community Heritage Preservation Grant Program and another $500,000 from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, plans for extensive renovations took shape.

The building is currently in phase two of construction, and new doors, sheetrock, windows, landscaping, and plumbing will be installed over the next few months. Upon its completion, it will be home for the Oxford Development Association, as well as a museum and library, as per Mr. Grisham's wishes.

We look forward to seeing the church's progress over the next year and hope to see it fully renovated by 2012! For an in-depth history of the church, as well as ongoing updates about the church's renovation, please visit the Oxford-Lafayette County Heritage Foundation's website.

Tomorrow: Taste of the Arts at Powerhouse

2011-02-15T15:55:00.007-06:00

Did you miss the last Taste of the Arts show? If so, don't worry - you can catch it again tomorrow! The second annual performance will be from 7-9pm at Powerhouse and will feature a wide variety of art forms and performances from Oxford Ballet School, Theater Oxford, and Hinge Dance Company. Please visit the Yoknapatawpha Arts Council's website for more information on this event, as well as more exciting future shows.

Tomorrow: Michael Oher Book Signing at Square Books

2011-02-14T14:08:00.005-06:00

Stories of the courage Michael Oher displayed in the smash-hit The Blind Side, along with his ever-present determination to grasp the American dream, characterize his new book, I Beat the Odds: From Homeless, to the Blind Side, to Beyond. Join Michael Oher tomorrow at Square Books at 5:00pm as he signs copies of the book!

Tonight: Thacker Mountain Radio & OFF Fundraiser!

2011-02-10T09:19:00.006-06:00

Don't let five inches of snow stop you from supporting your local arts! Come warm up tonight at 6pm at The Lyric Theater with a very special Thacker Mountain Radio. Tickets for tonight's fundraiser are $20 and include the Thacker show, the opening night of the Oxford Film Festival with the showing of 3 films, and an after party featuring Blue Mountain and a cash bar. All proceeds benefit Thacker Mountain Radio and the Oxford Film Festival. For more information, please visit Thacker's website. We hope to see you there!

Tomorrow: Annual Empty Bowls Fundraiser

2011-02-09T10:54:00.004-06:00

The annual Empty Bowls fundraiser is tomorrow from 11am to 1pm at the Oxford-University United Methodist Church. For a $15 donation, you receive soup, bread, water, and a ceramic bowl of your choice, handcrafted by the University of Mississippi Mud Daubers. Last year's event raised more than $15,00 for Oxford's food pantry, so let's brave the winter weather and make sure this year is just as successful!

Five Things I Love About Oxford: Michelle Emanuel

2011-02-08T18:09:00.008-06:00

Continuing with our spotlight on the Oxford Film Festival, we asked Michelle Emanuel, co-director of OFF, to share five things she loves most about our town.

Michelle Emanuel volunteered for the first two years of the Oxford Film Festival (2003-2004) and became a co-director in 2005. She is currently a catalog librarian and associate professor in the University of Mississippi Libraries, where she is the selector and cataloger for media.

Five Things I Love About Oxford

My job. I came to Oxford to work for the University Libraries as a cataloger, but because the library is somewhat small in comparison with other academic libraries, I have been able to wear a variety of hats in collection development and instruction. I stay interested because I don’t get bored.
My friends. I have had the pleasure of meeting a variety of people both on and off campus. Oxford has been very welcoming to me, and I have met many smart, creative, funny and – most of all – generous types of people since coming here 8 ½ years ago.
Small town feel. Moving to Mississippi from Alabama where I grew up, and Georgia where I worked, was not a huge cultural stretch, but it was a change to move to a smaller town. I have never lived in a county where I could buy beer on Sunday, but I did have to get used to buying it at room temperature. I’ve had to be more methodical about my shopping, but I don’t do as much impulse buying, and I find that I appreciate my vacations more than I used to. But I can only handle big-box retail in small doses.
Food. While the absence of big-box retail in Oxford helped me to finally pay off my credit cards, I have not succeeded in losing weight because I love almost every restaurant in town. From haute cuisine to barbecue, organic or laden with sugar, there is something for almost every craving. But I do miss Moe’s….
Oxford Film Festival. I have been lucky enough to work with the Film Festival from the beginning, as the ticket booth coordinator in the first year, a member of the screening committee, and then as a co-director since 2005. It is through the festival that I have really gotten to know Oxford, and its people, and making 3000 people happy and engaged for 4 days every year is one of the job’s perks. Hanging out with Jason Ritter wasn’t bad either.

Five Things I Love About Oxford: Melanie Addington

2011-02-08T08:11:00.005-06:00

Since this week our blog is focusing on the upcoming Oxford Film Festival, we asked Melanie Addington, co-director of the festival, to tell us the five things she loves about Oxford.

Melanie moved to Oxford in 2003 and chose to stick around first working with Johnny Morgan and helping with his first supervisor campaign then getting a job at the University of Mississippi Department of Art, eventually transferring to the Department of Orientation. At that time she took on a master's in higher education, graduating last December. She has worked for the Oxford Eagle covering education and City Hall for three years and loves every minute of it! She is raising her son here and helped her parents follow her out from California to make Oxford their home.

Five Things I Love About Oxford

1. The passion. Oxford is full of passionate people, whether devoted to saving a tree, writing the next great American novel or play or film, or to their favorite sports team - people in Oxford have a zeal for life that is contagious.

2. My job. I work for one of the few family-owned newspapers that remain focused just on their community. Unlike where I grew up and learned journalism, the Oxford Eagle lets us get to know people one-on-one and tell what may be small but amazing stories of our neighbors. Also, I felt like once I began working here I really became part of Oxford rather than an outsider looking in. I learned, and continue to learn, the stories of people's lives and that is everything to me.

3. The commute. Driving seven to ten minutes anywhere in Oxford with rarely much traffic (except home football weekends) is a luxury for this Southern Californian. Now to just get more sidewalks in my neighborhood so I don't have to drive!

4. The Square. Having a central place that everyone can be proud of, whether from the county, city or university, gives us all a common thread. No matter what differences people may have, they have probably all enjoyed a veggie plate at Ajax, sushi at Two Stick, a grilled cheese at Blind Pig, enjoyed fine art at Southside Gallery or some good music at Proud Larry's or a nice evening on the balcony of City Grocery or that one crazy night at one of the many restaurants and bars. No matter what changes and new restaurants and retail come to the Square, there is always something fun to experience. Plus, it is fun to age how long people have lived in Oxford based on old Square tales.

5. The Oxford Film Festival. I am a bit biased now that I am one of the co-directors, but my first year in Oxford was the first year of the festival. I was nervous about living in a small town and leaving a city behind, but when I saw there was an independent film festival, I knew I would make it here just fine. I really owe so much to the arts community here that has helped nurture so many fine musicians, artists, filmmakers, writers - Oxford is the best!

Check out Melanie's blog, Oxford Film Freak, and make sure to catch the screenings of her films, Where I Begin and The Hanging of Big Todd Wade, this weekend!

This Weekend: Eighth Annual Oxford Film Festival

2011-02-07T08:34:00.006-06:00

February signals the return of one of Oxford's most celebrated events: the Oxford Film Festival. The OFF features independent films in all genres and formats, as well as informative panels and workshops with producers, film critics, and casting agents.

This year's opening night is Thursday, February 10th at The Lyric Theater on the Square. Following a special episode Thacker Mountain Radio, the OFF will screen a mockumentary with Dax Shepard along with some light-hearted short films. This event is a fundraiser for both Thacker Mountain and OFF, and tickets are $20.

A complete schedule of all events and films accompanying the film festival can be found here. Tickets for all events can purchased at the Malco Theater, as well as through The Lyric, both at the venue and online. Seating for all events is first come, first serve so make sure to show up early to grab a seat! You won't want to miss any of the films this weekend.

Tonight: Thacker Mountain Radio Season Opener

2011-02-03T10:36:00.005-06:00

The spring season of Thacker Mountain Radio kicks off tonight! Join host Jim Dees and the house band, The Yalobushwhackers, at Off Square Books, or tune your radio to Rebel Radio (92.1 FM) at 6pm. Tonight's season opener features author Philip Stephens and musical guests Ben Glover and John-Alex Mason. If you can't make the show tonight, never fear. The show will be rebroadcast Saturday night at 7pm on Mississippi Public Broadcasting.

This Friday: A Taste of the Arts at Powerhouse

2011-02-02T08:59:00.002-06:00

Join the Yoknapatawpha Arts Council this Friday at the Powerhouse for A Taste of the Arts! From 4pm - 7pm, come check out original works by Oxford Ballet School, Theatre Oxford, and Hinge Dance Company, as well as a poetry reading and a burlesque performance. Please visit www.oxfordarts.com for more information.

This Thursday: A Conversation with the Gee's Bend Quilters

2011-02-01T15:21:00.003-06:00

Brave the oncoming chilly weather and join the Unviersity of Mississippi Museum as they are visited by members from the Gee's Bend Quilter's Collective during the opening reception of "A Survey of Gee's Bend Quilts." The reception is this Thursday, February 3rd, from 5:00 - 7:0 pm at the University Museum on Ole Miss campus.

Guest Post: Five Things I Love About Oxford

2011-01-27T13:36:00.007-06:00

Today we continue our "Five Things I Love About Oxford" series with a post by William Griffith, curator of William Faulkner's home, Rowan Oak.

William Griffith attended University of Illinois and Southern Illinois University. He received museum training at The University of Chicago with internships in Flagstaff Arizona and Montreal Canada before moving to Oxford in 1992. He came to Oxford for a position at the University Museum, and in 1999 became the curator of Rowan Oak. He is married to Ashley, who is a nurse practioner, and they have a son named Max.

Five Things I Love about Oxford

1. Ole Miss. Let's not get technical. Oxford is Ole Miss, and the reverse is true. SEC sports are the best in the nation, and non-sporting opportunities abound in town and on campus.

2. Rowan Oak. Come and see for yourself, and ask me why I love it.

3. The Square. From Neilsons to Square Books and all the fine restaurants, you can't beat the Square.

4. The Arts. We have four historic homes to visit, two museums, a performing arts center and two fine libraries that entertain and enlighten both residents and visitors.

5. Double Decker Festival. Always memorable, even when it rains.

Stay tuned for more guest posts in this series in the upcoming weeks!

watch the snow come in....

2011-01-11T13:47:00.000-06:00

Zero to 10...... inches of snow on the Oxford square from scottburtonphotography on Vimeo.

The Oxford Square at Christmas....

2010-12-20T08:35:00.001-06:00

(photo by Bruce Newman)

Christmas at Cedar Oaks....

2010-12-13T13:39:00.000-06:00

Guest Post: 5 things I Love about Oxford

2010-12-06T08:22:00.000-06:00

Today we are continuing our 5 things I Love about Oxford Series with a post by Cristen Hemmins.

Cristen moved to Oxford in 1993 to pursue a masters in Southern Studies and never left! In her own words, "Working at Square Books for 5 years made it possible for me to meet most of the folks in town who interest me most--readers and writers. I also managed to meet my husband there: he was an Englishman riding his bike across the country, who came into the store looking for a map of Alabama. We lived in Barbados briefly and got married there, and then came back to Oxford, where we found our dream house (built in 1868, on the north side of town), right before house prices skyrocketed. We have 3 beautiful kids, who are 4, 6, and 8. I own my own business selling print ads for 3 different magazines, and have done that since 1998."

Cristen Hemmins five favorite things about Oxford:

1. It's a small town with big city amenities: great shopping, fabulous restaurants, and most importantly locals who come from all over the world. I love that I can live in a small Mississippi town (I am a Mississippian from birth), yet still find friends from other countries, religions, and backgrounds. Most Oxonians have left Oxford at points and come back for love of the town. Furthermore, progressive perspectives are not hard to find. It's an intelligent and enlightened town, by-in-large.
2. The Square at Christmas. Obviously, this is on my mind at the moment! The lights and decorations are just gorgeous, and destination-worthy for out-of-towners and visitors.
3. In that vein, small town parades. We love the homecoming parade, the 4th of July parade, and the city Christmas parade: it's always just lovely, albeit somehow also always freezing cold on that evening!
3. I love that it's a university town, which brings us great music, events, and smart, cultured people. My family enjoys going to Ole Miss football games, our famous Grove, and baseball games in particular. Although my Dad was Archie's offensive guard, we only came to a few Ole Miss games growing up; I love that my kids are growing up cheering for the Rebels, simply because it's fun, whether or not we win.
4. I love that we live about 3 miles from the Square, but we live in the country. Our view is of fields and trees. Yet everything is so close by, quick to get to.
5. Even though it IS a small town, I am always meeting new people. I am repeatedly surprised to meet someone who has lived here for years, with kids my kids' ages, whom I am only now somehow meeting. I have lived here for 17 years, amazingly (doesn't seem that long), yet I can't imagine Oxford ever getting old to me!

Be sure to check out the other posts in this series written by Ferriday McClatchy and Megan Prescott.

Guest Post: 5 Things I love about Oxford

2010-11-30T09:23:00.000-06:00

The second post in the 5 Things I love about Oxford, where locals tell you what they find special to experience in town, is written by Ferriday Mansel McClatchy. Ferriday is a native Oxonian but post-college she spent time living and working in Munich, New York, and Washington, DC. She came back 2.5 years ago for graduate school. She received her MA in Southern Studies in May 2010. Currently, she owns her own event planning business Fête of Oxford, and is a co-producer for Thacker Mountain Radio.

Ferriday's 5 Favorite Things about Oxford:

1-Oxford Christmas Parade-My love for the parade started in 5th grade when my mother entered my 5th grade class in the parade as buildings on the Square (I was Square Books; see #2). We ended up winning First Place. After several years of being a participant, I now enjoy being a spectator and watching from my parents' front yard with friends and family.

2-Square Books- Books are probably my greatest indulgence. I've frequented many independent bookstores but Square Books is my favorite.

3-The People- I love the diverse make-up of the L-O-U community. You can't always find such diversity in a small town.

4-North and South Lamar during the changing of the seasons especially Spring and Fall. Foliage or flowers the streets always look beautiful.

5-Home-I've been fortunate enough to travel and live in other towns and cities, but at the end of the day Oxford is home.

"Mid pleasures and palaces though we may roam,

Be it ever so humble, there's no place like home.

John Howard Payne (1791-1852)

If you missed our first post in this series, written by Megan Prescott, Executive Assistant to the Mayor, check it out here.

Santa's Work/Shop at the University Museum

2010-11-29T11:55:00.000-06:00

Black Friday Deals in Oxford....

2010-11-18T14:28:00.000-06:00

Getting ready to tackle that Christmas Shopping?? Take advantage of Oxford's great shopping and Friday's black friday deals and if you are looking for more bargains don't forget to click here for the Oxford Chamber of Commerce's annual list of great gift ideas under $50.

Guest Post Series: 5 things I love about Oxford

2010-11-18T11:13:00.000-06:00

Today we are kicking off our Guest Post Series: 5 Things I love About Oxford. We've got some great Oxford locals lined up to share their favorite things about life in Oxford, whether it is the small town charm, amazing cuisine, picturesque streets or hapening nightlife, these locals will give you the insiders view of Oxford! Enjoy!

Today's favorites are from Megan Prescott, Executive Assistant to the Mayor.

When I moved to Oxford almost three years ago now my mother said to me as I was packing up my boxes “ You know Megan, you will always need to wear a little makeup when you are running around town there because you just never know who you will run into.” Granted I was given this bit of advice pre-marriage and pre-baby. These days it is a miracle if my clothes are drool free and I actually remember to put on the make-up. And I would like to think that most people that I know and that know me, don’t mind seeing me without my under eye concealer.
That is my top favorite thing about Oxford. I love, love, LOVE that almost anywhere I go I am guaranteed to see someone I know. And I know that in 28 or so years when my daughter is finally allowed to leave the house unsupervised she will always either see or be seen by someone I know as well. It takes a village right?
Another thing I can’t imagine living without is the fall beauty of Oxford. Particularly North and South Lamar with all of the leaves changing colors and slowly trickling to the ground. Or not so slowly by some people’s standards. God bless the men on the trucks that pick up all of those leaves for us year after year! And what a great amenity, free leaf removal as a city service. That might be another one of my favorites.
Two more favorites: I love living in a University town. We benefit greatly from the talent and diversity. Not to mention the jobs and the sales tax. But I also love that two week period over the holidays that there are no students to be found. It is almost worth it to go out every night, just so you don’t have to wait at a restaurant or elbow your way to a bar. Don’t get me wrong I love having students here and love what they bring, but that annual break is appreciated.

Photos from Oxford Holiday Market

2010-11-15T08:42:00.000-06:00

Here are just a few photos from the first Oxford Holiday Market that was held on Saturday, November 13, 2010 at the Oxford Conference Center! We had a great turn and lots of great merchants! Here are photos of just a few of the booths:

Square Toast for Scholarships

2010-11-04T09:33:00.000-05:00

Event Spotlight: Family Activity Day at the University Museum

2010-11-02T14:37:00.001-05:00

Check out the University Museum's new website too for all the other great activities and exhibits coming up at the Museum.

Let the Holiday Countdown Begin...

2010-11-01T11:08:00.000-05:00

It's time to get ready for the Holidays!! And Oxford has lots of fun things to do this holiday season, starting in just a few weeks! On November 13, 2010 the Oxford Convention and Visitors Bureau and local event planner Fete of Oxford are kicking off the Holiday season in Oxford with the first Oxford Holiday Market. Held at the Oxford Conference Center the Oxford Holiday Market includes over 40 vendors from around the region boasting a variety of gift options including jewelry, clothing, home goods, and holiday decorations.

Here is some information from our latest press release about the event:

“”There are so many fun things to do in Oxford around Christmas time,” said Mary-Kathryn Millner, Director of Tourism for the CVB, “ We hope people from around the region will plan a weekend get-a-way, or maybe just a day trip to take advantage of the charm and quality of Oxford’s shopping as they prepare for the holidays.”

The Market will also feature photos with Santa, on-site monogramming and a gift wrapping station. “We are so excited for shoppers to see the quality and variety of vendors that we have lined up,” said Hayden Hiter, Holiday Market organizer and CVB Sales Manager.

In addition to the Holiday Market, the CVB will hold two guided tours of Oxford on the Double Decker Bus on November 13 at 11:00 and 1:00, and University Museum will be hosting a family folk art day. Some of the other exciting holiday activities include the Downtown Council Open House on November 26, The Holiday Art Market December 3-5, the annual Oxford Christmas Parade on December 6 and Santa’s workshop day at the University Museum on December 11. For a full listing of Holiday events in Oxford, or for more information on the Oxford Holiday Market call 662.232.2367 of visit the CVB website at www.oxfordcvb.com.

Stay tuned for more posts in the coming weeks about each of these great activities!

Also, want to read more about the Holiday Market? Check out this story on Memphis News Channel WMCTV 5's website.