If you find yourself in Oxford looking for things to do this summer, we know of a few attractions that are off the beaten path. The Square offers great shopping and restaurants, but you may be looking to explore other things Oxford and the surrounding area has to offer!
Consider renting a boat at Sardis Lake; one of Mississippi’s best kept secrets. It’s the perfect lake to fish, camp, boat or just enjoy the views with friends and family. At the Sardis Lake Marina, you can rent a pontoon boat, a ski boat with skiis, wakeboards or tubes for whatever fun you have planned on the water. If you’re more of a fishing family, the lake’s lower lake area holds the Mississippi State record for both Hybrid Bass and Bighead Carp. Visit the Marina website here.
Sardis Lake also opened Rafters on the Water last year, located right next to the Marina. The restaurant offers great food, live music, drinks and beautiful views of the lake. Fun games are available for children on the lawn between the shoreline and the restaurant, creating a true family atmosphere. They are open Wednesday through Friday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Visit their website here to learn more.
The Farmstead on Woodson Ridge is 128-acres of natural beauty located on the outskirts of Oxford, just a ten-minute drive from the the Square and Ole Miss campus. Farmstead Florals grows fresh flowers for local and regional floral markets. The flower fields provide a breathtaking vista on the approach to the farmstead barn and cottages. Make the short drive to Farmstead on Woodson Ridge to pick fresh flowers of your own! While visiting the Square, notice the Oxford Honor flower stand originated and supplied by Farmstead Florals.
My Michelle’s restaurant has added 2 new events to their calendar for the summer, in addition to their popular Wine Wednesday, where customers can paint their own wine glass and get $2 refills all night! They have a make-your-own pizza night each Thursday, and a Movie Night with hotdogs, ice cream and unlimited popcorn will be held each Tuesday night!
Lastly, we wanted to share a little-town secret about North Mississippi that would make for a nice day trip next time you're in town. Mississippi is home to a single Amish community in Pontotoc County, just 36 miles from Oxford. The Randolph Amish Settlement was founded in 1995 by settlers from the Tennessee Amish community. It’s a single church district in size. A recent report in a local newspaper, Sugarcreek Budget, estimated there to be only two-dozen households in the Randolph community. The Amish families hang signs outside their homes advertising handcrafted furniture, fresh produce and homemade baked goods. Items such as rugs, candles, handmade baskets, and leather goods are also common. Also, downtown Pontotoc also has some cute boutiques if you wanted to shop and eat lunch before or after exploring Amish country!