Hope you enjoy the game Saturday. Looks like it'll be a good one--think we'll give you a bit more trouble than Arkansas did, but that's not saying much. lol

Traffic and Parking

Pregame traffic can be a major hastle at Ole Miss--Oxford's only got about 20,000 people, so the city isn't built for big crowds. If you're taking the Highway 6 route into Oxford, just before you get to town, turn left off of the bypass into the Wellsgate subdivision. Can't miss it--big gate, big sign that says Wellsgate. When you turn in, you'll be on East Wellsgate. Turn right onto Canvasback. Canvasback turns into Anderson Road. Stay on Anderson Road until it ends at Jackson Avenue. You'll cut off all of the gameday traffic in town.

Turn left onto Jackson, but don't enter the campus until you get to Rebel Drive (about three lights down). Turn right onto Rebel Drive and go up the hill, start looking for parking spaces. You won't be too far from the Grove, Circle, Union or stadium. When you get ready to leave, go back the way you came. You need to be there at least 2 hrs before kickoff to make getting a spot possible. The parking's free.

Tailgating
The Grove opens for tailgate set up at 9PM on Friday night. Don't be late. When the cops sound the sirens, it'll look like the Oklahoma land rush--I'm not kidding. The best method for holding your spot is to have someone go stand in the Grove in the spot where you want to put up your tent (highly recommend the easy-up tent, around $80), then put your tent up after the sirens sound. Just a reminder--no propane or charcoal in the Grove. Might want to go with a generator or a car battery/inverter if you're looking for electricity. Don't worry about leaving your tent, chairs, whatever out there during Friday night--never had my stuff messed with and the area is patrolled. Beer has to be kept in a cup during the tailgate--no open containers.

My suggested best spot is on the north side of the Grove between the Walk of Champions and the street near the intersection of Sorority Row and Grove Loop near the Student Union. You'll have easy access to everything you want to see, and an easy trip to the stadium. For the ladies, the cleanest bathroom on gameday will be all the way upstairs in the Union. Smaller lines, too.

Exploring Oxford

The Square is where everything's happening when tailgating isn't. It's got several bars and great restaurants. I highly recommend Ajax Diner for at least one meal; homecooking and the price is good--it's a good lunch place--be sure to be there at 11:30 so the wait isn't crazy. Old Venice Pizza Company is also excellent food if you're not looking to shell out a bunch of bucks. If you're willing to get reservations and shell out some dollars, City Grocery is Oxford's elite eatery. All this stuff, and a bunch more, is on the Square.

For live music, I'd recommend Proud Larry's or Roosters Blues House. Proud Larry's is probably the best live music venue. If you're looking for more of a laidback drink, I'd recommend the City Grocery bar--it's upstairs over the restaurant, and you access it by a side door. If you get here early on Friday afternoon, you can claim a spot on the veranda and watch the action on the Square while enjoying a good drink. Usually some sort of jazz band or something going upstairs. If you're looking for more of a sports bar atmosphere, I'd recommend the Library which is about a block west of the Square on Van Buren.

For shopping, the Square has several interesting options. One thing you shouldn't miss is Square Books, one of the South's best independent bookstores. Lots of signed copies, and there's an ice-cream shop and veranda upstairs for the kids. Just down the street is their discount store, Off Square Books, and their kids store, Square Books, Jr. Be sure to stop in at Rowan Oak, the home of William Faulkner. It's a free museum owned by Ole Miss.

Here's a pretty comprehensive rundown on some of your options in town:

Drinking and Dining

City Grocery--Upscale dining on the Square, definitely need reservations. Check out the upstairs bar. It has a separate entrance. Get there early and claim a spot on the veranda. http://www.citygroceryonline.com/restaurant.php?city

Ajax Diner--Southern home cooking on the Square. Can't be beat for the price. The chicken and dumplings are killer--they're a must-eat in Oxford. Get there early on gameday--no reservations. http://ajaxdiner.net/Ajax_Diner/Welcome.html

Abner's--family friendly chicken joint, about a block from the Square. Got one in Starkpatch, too. http://www.abnerschicken.com/

Proud Larry's--Great food and good live music. Try the calzone. http://www.proudlarrys.com/

Taylor's Pub--Laid back bar with live music next to the Square. http://www.thelocalvoice.net/icyphoenix/taylors.php

Rib Cage--the name says it all; the basement bar is a bit quieter than others on game weekends. About a block from the Square. http://www.theribcageoxford.com/ourmenu.php

McAlisters--it's a chain, but it started in Oxford; great place to go for a sandwich or lighter fare. Try the Memphian. http://www.mcalistersdeli.com/

Taylor Grocery--Legendary catfish a few miles south of town. The grocery building dates to 1889. http://www.taylorgrocery.com/

The Beacon--a local favorite family restaurant. If you're really hungry, try the Big Bubba hamburger steak, whlie sitting in the Rebel Room. http://www.oxfordmississippi.com/dropping-by-the-beacon-restaurant/

Bottletree Bakery--great bakery, very popular at breakfast. Won't be disappointed. http://bottletreebakery.net/

Roosters Blues House--great food, great live blues music. There's one in Tuscaloser too. http://roostersblueshouse.com/

Roundtable--home cooking on the Square. Open for breakfast and lunch. http://roundtableoxfordms.com/index.htm

Pizza Den--a local favorite in a new location. The wait is sort of notorious, but the food is great. Strombolis and muffaletas are faves. http://pizzadenoxfordms.com/

Boure--upscale downhome from the same folks who own City Grocery. On the Square, no reservations. http://www.citygroceryonline.com/restaurant.php?boure

Snackbar--another City Grocery restaurant on the Square, known for its oyster bar. http://www.citygroceryonline.com/restaurant.php?snackbar

Old Venice Pizza Company--Italian on the Square, delicious and moderately priced. http://www.oldvenice.com/index.php


Points of Interest

Rowan Oak--Private home of William Faulkner. Free museum owned by Ole Miss, a must-see. http://www.rowanoak.com/

The Lyceum--Located in the center of campus, the Lyceum serves as Ole Miss' administration building and most famous landmark. http://www.olemiss.edu/tours/lmsections-lyceum.html

The Grove--Adjacent to the Circle and Lyceum at Ole Miss, the Grove is tailgating ground zero. The Union and bookstore are both nearby. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Grove_(Ole_Miss)

Oxford Town Square--this is where most of the best stuff in town is located. Have your picture made on the bench with William Faulkner in front of city hall. http://www.flickr.com/photos/vas1951/4449547800/

Square Books--one of the best private booksellers in the South; lots of signed copies for sale. Also has Square Books Jr. (kids books) and Off Square Books (discount books) on the Square. http://www.squarebooks.com/

Ventress Hall--the only building between the Grove and the Circle features a stained glass mural of the University Grays going into battle at Gettysburg; the company of Ole Miss students suffered 100% casualties. Also, Ole Miss students and Southern notables
have been signing their names in the turret for 150 years. http://www.olemiss.edu/tours/lmsections-ventress.html

L.Q.C. Lamar House--Lamar was an Oxford resident and one of Mississippi's most powerful politicians during the Civil War era. His house has been turned into a new museum that focuses on the forces that led up to the Civil War. http://www.oxfordcvb.com/lqc/index.html

Walk of Champions--the football team will walk down this path through the Grove to the game on gameday. After the walk and the band plays, it's off to the stadium. For tailgating, it's prime real estate.

University Sporting Goods--the place for Rebel gear on the Square. http://www.rebelfever.com/

Rebel Rags--the place for Rebel gear off the Square. http://www.rebelrags.net/

Southside Gallery--private art gallery on the Square. http://www.southsideartgallery.com/

Confederate Cemetery--Located behind Tad Smith Coliseum on the Ole Miss campus, this gravesite is the final resting place for over 700 Confederate and Union soldiers from the Battle of Shiloh. http://www.flickr.com/photos/sneakindeacon/3084281749/

The Powerhouse--Home to the Yoknapatawphaw (Faulkner's fictional name for Lafayette County) Arts Council, the Powerhouse features art exhibits, shows, and other cultural events. Check the calendar. http://www.oxfordarts.com/powerhouse

The Lyric Theater--Just off the Square, the Lyric is newly renovated and hosts shows and special events. About four doors down from City Grocery and Old Venice. http://www.thelyricoxford.com/default.aspx

Thacker Mountain Radio--A live radio show broadcast most Thursdays from the Square; live music, writers, and stories are performed. Sort of Prairie Home Companion Oxford-style. Usually at Off Square Books, but moves to the Lyric Theater when bigger acts guest star. Cash bar available. http://thackermountain.com/


[This message has been edited by NaturalStateReb (edited 10/2/2012 8:53a).]

Woah, that's an impressive guide. Great work. The trip to Oxford is one that I'm excited to take and glad we'll have plenty of opportunities to make.

However, will Aggies be escorted from town if they break the dress code and wear a t-shirt and cargo shorts through the middle of town?

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Woah, that's an impressive guide. Great work. The trip to Oxford is one that I'm excited to take and glad we'll have plenty of opportunities to make.

However, will Aggies be escorted from town if they break the dress code and wear a t-shirt and cargo shorts through the middle of town?

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Nothing to worry about there. The dressing up is mostly for the students, anyway. With a 6PM start, most people won't care what you're wearing by kickoff. lol

You will see some spectacular eye candy, though. One thing that's new this year is that the university is selling tailgate supplies (ice, sandwich trays, etc) in a huge tent near the union. If I wanted that stuff, I'd recommend you show up early--it sold out the last time I was there earlier this month. There's a Walmart supercenter on the west end of town and a Kroger on the east end for any last-minute pickups.

Great work in putting together the Guide! Thanks for posting. Always good to hear there are other Highway 6's.

I wish I could see all this eye candy in person

Thanks looking forward to seeing a lot of this in person!!

What is the Grove policy on liquor?

NaturalStateReb, what an incredible post! I wish I could make it, but there are thousands of Aggies who will enjoy Oxford. Can't wait to read about everybody's experiences at The Grove.

Another thing I would recommend seeing is Sorority row - the houses are gorgeous - look like antebellums. Fraternity row is on the other side of campus. The football dorm used to be near George Hall where I did my Master's. It may have moved since then tho.

Definitely check out Square Books if nothing but for the atmosphere. Very cool place. The Ole Miss bookstore is located kind of behind the Lyceum. If you have time, just explore the campus, it's really pretty.

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McAlisters--it's a chain, but it started in Oxford; great place to go for a sandwich or lighter fare. Try the Memphian.

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Memphian, $6.49
Black Angus roast beef, Black Forest ham, Butterball smoked turkey, provolone, lettuce, tomatoes, lite mayo and spicy brown mustard on a toasted 6” wheat hoagie.

[This message has been edited by billkemp (edited 10/1/2012 10:33a).]

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What is the Grove policy on liquor?

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Keep it in a cup and you won't have any problems. Open containers and exposed liquor bottles are frowned upon--for all the free flowing booze, there's some attempt to keep it a family friendly. People will be drinking and having a good time in a laid-back atmosphere. Shouldn't have any problem unless someone's being disruptive.

Josh Abbott and Randy Rogers Band this Friday at The Lyric. Might be a nice time.

Plenty of time to recover from my hangover Saturday morning.

Thanks for taking the time to post

Unfortunately, I won't be getting to Oxford until about 12:30 or 1:00pm on Saturday. Will I be able to find a parking space along Rebel Drive. How easy are they to come by?

If not, what is your opinion of the huge parking lot off Taylor Road just north of highway 6? I know it is a pay lot; I'm just looking for the quickest way to get parked on Saturday so I can maximize time in the Grove.

good stuff. thanks.

Thanks for the post! Even our local friends who went to Ole Miss couldnt give me as thorough of a guide.

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Thanks for the post! Even our local friends who went to Ole Miss couldnt give me as thorough of a guide.

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No problem. Got any questions, just let me know.

Another bit to remember: Oxford has some pretty insane liquor rules. You can't get cold beer to go, and you can't buy beer and liquor at the same place.

If you want cold beer to go, and you're coming in Highway 6 from the west, the last stop for it is the Crossroads convenience store just before you get to the Lafayette County line. There'll be a big sign for Sardis Lake/John W. Kyle State Park at the store. It's on the left hand side if you're traveling east on 6.

Beer is sold in all of the stores in town, but it's not cold. For liquor, I recommend Kiamie's on Jackson if you're in West Oxford or Star on Jackson if you're near the Square, although most of the liquor stores in town are pretty much the same.

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Unfortunately, I won't be getting to Oxford until about 12:30 or 1:00pm on Saturday. Will I be able to find a parking space along Rebel Drive. How easy are they to come by?

If not, what is your opinion of the huge parking lot off Taylor Road just north of highway 6? I know it is a pay lot; I'm just looking for the quickest way to get parked on Saturday so I can maximize time in the Grove.

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For a 6 PM kick, I think there's a decent chance of finding a spot around Rebel Drive at that time, but it depends on the crowd. There are lots of parking areas off the road on the Rebel Drive access. Here are some options for parking lots in this area:

*Parking lots behind Kincannon Hall. It's a big tower near the intersection of Rebel Drive and Student Union Dr. Turn right off of Rebel at the 4-way. Several lots back in here.

*Parking lots at Stockard-Martin. It's longer walk, and you'll have to go uphill at Kincannon, but the chances of finding a spot are pretty good. Stockard-Martin is the twin tower domitory on the right just after you turn on to Rebel Dr.

*Parking lots behind Kinard Hall. After you pass the 4-way at Rebel Dr/Student Union Dr, stay on Rebel Dr up the hill. Kinard will be on the right. At the top of the hill, there's a road that goes behind the dorm. There's a big parking lot back there. Getting out can be a chore if you decide to leave when everyone else does.

*Parking along the street at Dormitory Row. At the Y intersection of Rebel Dr/Dormitory Row, go straight and get on Dormitory Row. There's a small lot just on the right that might have a space. If not, continue on Dormitory Row and look for something along the street. If you strike out there, turn left halfway up the hill on Chapel Ln and then a quick right onto Magnolia Dr. This is a very long lot and you might get lucky here. It's not close to the Grove, but it's fairly close to the stadium.

I've never parked in the big lot just off 6, and I've never paid to park at Ole Miss. Not saying it isn't a good option, but if you're trying to drill your way down 6 to the Taylor Road exit on gameday, expect to sit in traffic for a long time.

[This message has been edited by NaturalStateReb (edited 10/1/2012 1:14p).]

Thanks for the 411! I can't wait for this trip.

Does Highway 6 run both ways in Oxford, too?

Thanks for posting.

Awesome guide man

Great post! Wish I could go. Maybe next time. My question is - does Highway 6 in Oxford run both ways?

Edit: Awe, hell - Davism beat me to it.

[This message has been edited by WILDMAN95 (edited 10/1/2012 4:21p).]

Thanks for the heads up on the beer. We'll just bring it from my house in Greenville.

NaturalStateReb,
We are bringing a RV. Where is the best place to park to be close to The Grove and to the bar scene? Are there cabs to get to and from the bars?

Rebel, can we just come back after the game and break down our tailgate and haul everything away?

Thanks Reb

Nicely done! Thanks

2nd Baptist church on Jackson ave. sells parking spaces for 15$ and will take you to the stadium in their bus. down side is you have to walk back, but it's not all that far (I do it every home game and I'm old) proceeds go to the Youth dept of the church.

Going to be making the trip with a few friends... just a quick question (relating to the liquor rules).

As somebody who is not planning on tailgating myself (but roaming around the grove) how friendly are people in the grove towards "the enemy". I've read you can't have any open containers nor carry beer "in the open" so lugging a cooler around isn't the smartest option.

My question is do we really need to bring stuff with us or do visitors generally get invited in?

the university has rv spots available at the old whirlpool plant. not sure what the rate is, and lots of taxis, shuttles, etc.

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NaturalStateReb,
We are bringing a RV. Where is the best place to park to be close to The Grove and to the bar scene? Are there cabs to get to and from the bars?

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Are you trailing a car?

The bad news is that there isn't a great place for this. The only spots that I know the university rents are on Old Taylor Road, and they rent by the season. I don't know about the Whirlpool deal that aremd is talking about, but if it's out there, I'd definitely look into it.

The Oxford Mall rents spaces for $50/night for RVs, but I don't know what they hookup situation is, if any.

If you're trailing a car, then I'd recommend John W. Kyle State Park at Sardis Lake. It's a decent area about 15 minutes west of Oxford. There are still sites available for this weekend. The reservation link is http://mississippistateparks.reserveamerica.com/ms/John_W_Kyle/Campground/r/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=MS&parkId=152813

I'd recommend the sites around Site 8.

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Rebel, can we just come back after the game and break down our tailgate and haul everything away?

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Yes.

After the game, there will be a loading zone along the roads adjacent to the Grove. That's one of the reasons why I try to tailgate on the north side of the Grove along Grove Loop--it's easy access in and out of the loading zone after the game. You don't want to have to drag all of your gear a country mile to load. Shouldn't have much trouble pulling alongside and putting on your flashers. You can't stay in the loading zone long enough to get 40 acres and a mule, but you should have a reasonable amount of time to load.

quote:

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Going to be making the trip with a few friends... just a quick question (relating to the liquor rules).

As somebody who is not planning on tailgating myself (but roaming around the grove) how friendly are people in the grove towards "the enemy". I've read you can't have any open containers nor carry beer "in the open" so lugging a cooler around isn't the smartest option.

My question is do we really need to bring stuff with us or do visitors generally get invited in?

---

People are pretty good about welcoming in visiting fans. My guess is that, if you brought your cooler, you could probably ask someone if they'd mind you letting them keep it at their tailgate. My guess is most people won't mind. Find someone who looks like they're going to be around a while.

A love offering of bourbon is always appreciated.