Seniors Dip Into Mississippi

Today we “dip” into Oxford, Mississippi, founded in 1837, and named after the British university city of Oxford in hopes of having the state university located there, which, seniors learn, it did successfully attract.

The University of Mississippi opened its doors to eighty students in 1848 and has since become a landmark of Oxford and the Heart of the South with over 18,000 students.

Touted as the “Cultural Mecca of the South”, Oxford’s musicians, artists and writers alike find their creative inspiration in Oxford’s rich history, small town charm and creative community.

Over the years Oxford has also been known for offering exceptional culinary experiences and as the home of the University of Mississippi and the Ole Miss Rebels, there is something going on all year round.

Senior visitors are invited to experience in person all the many activities Oxford has to offer. Oxford is known as a “bicycle friendly community,” so senior bicyclers, bring along your bikes.

Seniors View Oxford From A Double Decker

A Double Decker Bus Tour is an advised means for seeing Oxford the first time. It is an hour long tour and includes a visit to the Ole Miss campus, a ride through the historic district in town as well as several other points of interest in the city.

Southern Living Magazine labeled Oxford as one of the South’s Best College Towns. Oxonians, as the locals are called, and University members like to describe Oxford with the motto “We may not win every game, but we never lose a party.”

“Courthouse Square is at the culinary and cultural heart of this quintessential college town, the fertile ground of great minds past and present (William Faulkner and John Grisham, to name a few), and the birthplace of the Southern Foodways Alliance.”

Courthouse Square, or The Square as locals call it, is lined with restaurants, bars, and upscale clothing and antique shops. Because of the University of Mississippi, downtown Oxford has a vibrant nightlife and is a fun place for noctambules (ceux qui ont  l’habitude de se promener la nuit) to visit.

The Square is well designed and is said to look just like a movie set. Since Oxford was incorporated in 1837, this  Square has remained the cultural and economic hub of the city.

Seniors Visit William Faulkner’s Home

Rowan Oak is the famed home of Nobel Prize winning author William Faulkner. This historic home and grounds are located just blocks from the Square. Built by Robert Sheegog in 1848, Rowan Oak became Faulkner’s home in 1930.

Faulkner christened the house “Rowan Oak” after the legend of the Rowan tree, believed by Celtic people to harbor magic powers of safety and protection.

Senior visitors will find that Oxford is a great place to soak up some university small-town atmosphere. So dip into Mississippi and enjoy all the southern charm of  Oxford.   - jeb