Debate '08

Image here

You might see Oxford and The University of Mississippi in the news soon because of this event, which takes place next Friday, September 26.

Square Books

Image from flickr user oh it's amanda

Another greatly revered literary destination in Oxford is Square Books, the aptly named independent bookstore, which anchors a corner of The Square. With its doors open since 1979, the store is cherished by the town and a larger community of literary devotees. It is consistently ranked among the top independent bookstores in the nation.

Owned by Richard Howorth, the current mayor of Oxford, and his wife, Lisa, Square Books has embraced the literary history of the city. The store not only celebrates William Faulkner, but carries a large selection of works by Southern writers, such as John Grisham, Alice Walker, Eudora Welty, Barry Hannah, Willie Morris, Larry Brown and many others. Book signings and readings are frequent events at this store.

Two offspring locations are in close vicinity. Off Square Books carries used and discount books; it also plays host to Thacker Mountain Radio, a live variety show featuring musical acts and author readings that is broadcast live every Thursday evening. Square Books Jr. is a store geared to children.

Photo from flickr user jenniferechristensen

Above interior photos here and here from flickr user Glynnis Ritchie

On the upper-level of the main store, there is a small cafe and plenty of cozy reading nooks.

Photo from flickr user jenniferechristensen

The second-story balcony, which runs alongside the entire length of the building, overlooks The Square and is filled with benches, tables, and chairs. It is a perfect place to enjoy a cup of coffee, read and watch life on the streets below.

You can browse their collection of books online, and all three locations are open seven days a week.

Double Decker Arts Festival

Every April, Oxford plays host to the Double Decker Arts Festival, a celebration of art, music, and food. The streets around the Square are closed-off to accommodate the artists booths and the patrons who come to browse their wares.

Stages are set up at opposite ends of the Square; musicians play throughout the day, with the biggest acts taking the stage in the evening, after the art vendors have closed up shop. Many local restaurants have food stands at the festival offering a limited selection of their best fare.

The festival offers a perfect way to get a taste of the things that are well-loved and respected throughout the Oxford community.

There is a poster designed each year for the festival, and the one above is from this past year's event. Image found here.

The Square

Oxford, Mississippi is home to 19,000 residents and The University of Mississippi, lovingly called Ole Miss. Writers, artists, and musicians populate the city, and there is also a large sorority and fraternity scene that thrives on campus. Add in working professionals, especially in the area of law, other college students, and the intellectuals who populate the ranks of the university faculty, and you'll find an area that manages to be both artsy and preppy, and traditional and eclectic at the same time.

The Lyceum at The University of Mississippi. Photo by flickr user rachelluttrell

While there are many different types of people who populate the city, the epicenter of life in Oxford is, undoubtedly, "The Square." The Lafayette County Courthouse sits in the middle of the historic square and is flanked by City Hall, as well as numerous stores, restaurants, and bars. The boutiques and eateries even spill out onto the surrounding streets that lead in and out of The Square.

Photo by flickr user jimmywayne22

Beautiful photos of The Square at night- here, here, and here. Photos by flickr user briantmurphy

With an ever growing and changing restaurant scene, I can't speak for all the joints in town, but there are certainly some tried and true favorites that are must-visits for me when I am in town.

Breakfast or brunch can't be beat at Bottletree Bakery. It is located just off the Square, and, with its fabulous pastries, coffee, sandwiches and other delectables, there is surely something to please any appetite.

Love the reflection in the image at left! Photos here and here from flickr user UGArdner (away for a while)

With its southern-style cooking, delicious vegetable plate, and fried pickles (Yes, seriously. Fried pickles. If you've never had them, they're amazing, and these are by far the best fried pickles anywhere!) Ajax Diner is always on my list. The atmosphere compliments the food to make the whole dining experience quite perfect.

In the photo on the left you can barely see the sandwich toothpicks in the ceiling. They are shot there through straws. Quite a tricky feat. Photo on left: deepfriedkudzu.com. Photo on right: flickr user lucianveutian

City Grocery, an Oxford institution since 1992, is an excellent choice for fine dining. The restaurant has an extensive wine list and a variety of southern-influenced entrees, including Tabasco Bacon-Seared Swordfish and an upscale take on Shrimp and Grits. Find their menu online here.

Exterior Photo found here. Interior Shot found here.

Although not located on the Square, just a few miles outside town you will find Yocona River Inn. Another fine dining establishment, this small and cozy restaurant is housed in what was once a small country store. Yocona River Inn is located in what is a dry county, so this eatery is BYOB.

While this is far from a through account of all the amazing restaurants in Oxford, you can find a full list of dining choices here.