Things To Do in Oxford MS

Oxford's favorite son is Nobel Prize-winning author William Faulkner, whose residence from 1930 until his death in 1963 was his beloved home, Rowan Oak, Old Taylor Road (tel. 662/234-3284). A tour of the grounds, with its graceful magnolias and old farm buildings, is a trip back in time. Inside, literary enthusiasts can still marvel at the author's old manual typewriter and read his handwritten outline for a Fable, which is scrawled on the wall of his study. It's closed Monday and major holidays.

The most popular pastime in Oxford is simply strolling the Square, where travelers might spot former local residents such as John Grisham. Square Books, 160 Courthouse Sq. (tel. 662/236-2262; www.squarebooks.com), in business since 1870, is regarded as one of the best independent bookstores in the country. Down the street is its bargain-priced annex, Off Square Books, 129 Courthouse Sq. (tel. 662/236-2828). Thousands of discounted and remaindered books cram shelves and bins. It's also the site of Square Books' author signings and readings, as well as Thacker Mountain Radio, Oxford's original music and literature radio show. Best-selling authors such as Robert Olen Butler, Elmore Leonard, and Ray Blount, Jr., have read their works on the live show. Musical guests have run the gamut from Elvis Costello and Marty Stuart to the Del McCoury band and the North Mississippi Allstars. The show is recorded live from 5:30 to 6:30pm Thursday.

Next door, Southside Gallery, 150 Courthouse Sq. (tel. 662/234-9090), is an always-interesting place that showcases everything from photography, painting, and sculpture to outsider art by the likes of Howard Finster.