A Joyous Journey to Oxford

NOT LONG AGO my wife and I found our way to Oxford, Mississippi. It was somewhat off our beaten path, but what a delightful leisure experience. We had passed through the area several years earlier, but had missed some treasures.

As if to welcome us personally, we were first greeted by the University of Mississippi! Immediately we turned into campus and discovered the beautiful hills and valleys of a major educational institution in the nation. Since students, faculty, and some administrative staff personnel were on break, it was easy to drive around the massive grounds. It was impressive, to say the least! On our journey we saw the huge stadium where the Ole Miss "Rebels" play football, the softball stadium, intramural fields, Fraternity Row, a museum, and numerous other buildings.

Next, we turned our attention to the city's historic Downtown area and its famous Square. Since Oxford was incorporated in 1837, the Square has remained the cultural and economic hub of the city. We visited Neilson's, the oldest continuing family-owned department store in the south, established in 1839. We also shopped in the Lily Pad gift store, Square Books, the Oxford Visitor Center and stores in-between. To top it off, lunch was greatly enjoyed at the City Grocery, followed by a walk down Faulkner Alley.

Our last stop was "Rowan Oak," the home of writer William Faulkner. It was a white two-story structure with several outbuildings, gardens, and grounds with special landscaping. Our self-guided tour was well worth our time.

Truly, it was a joyous journey to Oxford! Family members and friends had already been there, and recommended it to us. Now, it's a pleasure to share this leisure destination with you. This little city is loaded with lots of southern charm, good comfort food, and several treasures.

And, we want to return soon!