This weekend ‘The Road to Omaha’ runs through Oxford, where the Ole Miss Rebels host the Regionals at iconic Swayze Field for the first time since 2021. With Georgia Tech, Western Kentucky and Murray State set to visit Oxford fans from Kentucky to Georgia will descend on this literary and cultural gem of a college town. So, whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Rebel fan, Oxford offers a uniquely Southern blend of history, hospitality, great eats, and outdoor adventure—perfectly complementing the high-stakes drama on the diamond.
⚾ Game Day at Swayze Field
Let’s start with Swayze Field, arguably one of the best atmospheres in all of college baseball. With seating for over 10,000 fans and standing-room-only energy, Swayze has a reputation for rowdiness, especially in the student-heavy right field. Beers go flying after home runs, chants of “Hotty Toddy” echo across the outfield, and the Rebels faithful create a party-like scene that even casual fans can’t help but get swept into. Arrive early to soak in batting practice, tailgate along or mingle with alumni and students on the walk to the gates. You’ll see fans in red and navy packing coolers, tossing cornhole bags, and sharing stories of Rebels teams past. It’s a full-day experience an Ole Miss game.
🏛️ The Square: Oxford’s Cultural Core
Before or after the game, there’s only one place to go — The Square. Anchored by the 1870s Lafayette County Courthouse, the Square is the beating heart of Oxford life. It’s where conversations stretch long over cocktails, where literature and culture intersect, and where boutiques, bookstores, and bars share sidewalks shaded by ancient oaks.
Be sure to stop into Neilson’s Department Store, a fixture on the Square since 1839. Walking through its doors feels like stepping back into a different era. This family-owned store still hand-writes receipts and stocks everything from classic menswear and boots to Rebel gear and local charm. It’s the kind of Southern institution that’s becoming increasingly rare—and it’s beloved by generations of Oxford locals and Ole Miss alumni alike.
Just off the Square, you’ll find one of Oxford’s most culturally significant venues: the Lyric Theatre. Once William Faulkner’s horse stable, this historic building has been transformed into an intimate live music venue. It’s hosted everyone from JJ Grey and Mofro to Morgan Wallen and Hardy, and serves as a perfect example of how Oxford continues to evolve while honoring its past. If there’s a show playing this weekend, it’s worth grabbing a ticket—you’ll be enjoying live music on literary ground.
And of course, you can’t visit Oxford without spending time at Square Books. This legendary independent bookstore spans three levels and has hosted everyone from John Grisham and Willie Morris to Wright Thompson and Jesamyn Ward. Grab a signed first edition or browse the shelves on the second-floor balcony overlooking the Square.
Oxford has a literary soul, and it’s one you can feel at every turn. Nobel Prize-winner William Faulkner lived and wrote here, and you can still visit his home, Rowan Oak, just a short walk from campus. The white-columned house, surrounded by cedar trees and magnolia blossoms, is preserved in much the same condition as when Faulkner lived there. You can tour the rooms, see his typewriter, and even read the outline of A Fable—which he scribbled on the wall of his study in pencil.
The town’s literary tradition is carried on by authors like John Grisham, who got a law degree at Ole Miss and published his early legal thrillers while living in Oxford. The town’s deep storytelling roots are alive and well at Square Books, where authors and readers converge for signings, readings, and the kind of bookish banter you’ll rarely find elsewhere.
🍽️ Where to Eat
Ajax Diner is your go-to for Southern comfort—chicken and dumplings, meatloaf, fried catfish, and enough sweet tea to get you through extra innings. For something more refined, head to City Grocery, where candlelight meets Creole and contemporary Southern flavors. Try the shrimp and grits or the roasted duck and finish with a bourbon cocktail at the upstairs bar.
Need something casual but delicious? Bouré is the locals’ favorite for postgame eats and drinks. Located right on the Square, their blackened catfish, fried green tomatoes, and frozen margaritas hit the spot. For breakfast or brunch, don’t miss Big Bad Breakfast, where the biscuits are flaky and the bacon is thick-cut and spiced just right.
But if you’re in the mood for a real Mississippi treasure, take a short drive out to Taylor Grocery, located about 10 miles south of town in the tiny community of Taylor. Known as “the South’s best catfish house,” this rustic eatery has been dishing up golden fried catfish, hushpuppies, and live music for generations. Locals and visitors alike line up early, knowing it’s worth the wait. Bring cash.
🍻 Nightlife and Drinks
Once the games are done, Oxford’s nightlife scene heats up—especially on Regionals weekend.
Start with a sunset drink at The Coop, the rooftop bar at the Graduate Oxford hotel. You’ll get sweeping views of the Square and the perfect photo backdrop. For a divey, laid-back feel, head down to The Blind Pig, a beloved local hangout filled with dartboards, dark wood, and friendly faces. Looking for something livelier? Funkys Pizza & Daiquiri Bar delivers neon drinks, a New Orleans vibe, and a dancefloor that stays active late into the night. And if you want music, check out the schedule at the Lyric Theatre or Proud Larry’s —you might just catch a surprise show in one of the South’s coolest small venues. Proud Larry’s is a popular hangout for JoJo Herman, the keyboard player for Widespread Panic. So if your lucky you might run into JoJo dueling away on the pianos.
🌳 Outdoor Adventure
Looking to catch some fresh air between games or after a big Southern breakfast? Oxford has plenty of options.
Drive 20 minutes north and you’ll find Sardis Lake, a scenic reservoir perfect for fishing, swimming, kayaking, or simply laying out a picnic blanket and soaking in the spring sunshine. If you’re staying in town, lace up your sneakers and hit the South Campus Rail Trail, a 3-mile paved and shaded path ideal for biking or walking.
The Ole Miss campus itself is worth exploring on foot or two wheels. Rent a bike and cruise past the Lyceum, across the Grove, and over to Vaught-Hemingway Stadium, where the grandeur of SEC football looms year-round. The campus is especially beautiful in late spring, when the gardens bloom and the oaks provide a canopy of shade.
Where to Stay: Oxford’s Top Hotels
Oxford offers a mix of charming inns and modern accommodations, and Regionals weekend always fills up fast. Here are a few favorites:
- Graduate Oxford – Just off the Square, this boutique hotel oozes college-town charm with quirky decor and an unbeatable rooftop bar.
- The Chancellor’s House – A luxury stay right on the Square, with valet parking, elegant rooms, and southern hospitality at its finest.
- The Inn at Ole Miss – Located directly on campus, this is the most convenient option for baseball fans walking to Swayze Field.
- Courtyard by Marriott and Hampton Inn Oxford Conference Center – A short drive from the stadium, both offer reliable comfort and great service.
- You can also find plenty hotels located in town on Jackson Ave. Although hotels will fill up fast, and often be pricely.
Consider options for Batesville or Pontotoc for additional and cheaper hotel options, only about 30 minutes away.
Whether you’re here to follow your team through a postseason run or just to bask in the beauty of a Southern town at its liveliest, Oxford delivers a weekend to remember. Baseball, books, blues, bourbon, and a bit of Faulkner—Oxford’s got all the right ingredients for a grand slam of a weekend getaway.
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