48 Hours in Oxford, Ohio: A Small-Town Getaway
Discover the hidden gems of this Ohio College Town
Nestled in the heart of southwestern Ohio, you will find a small town that is not only vibrant but filled with that small college town energy and charm. Oxford Ohio may be home to one of the oldest public universities, Miami University, but it’s the people, proximity to nature, the art scene and the vibrancy of the town that makes experiencing this small town such an immersive experience.
Although the itinerary below highlights a quick 48-hour trip, nothing says it cannot be modified to enjoy over numerous days, with additional stops added.
Day One: Arrival and Exploration
9:00 AM – Morning Arrival and Breakfast at the Bagel & Deli Shop.
Address: 119 East High Street | bagelanddeli.com
I can’t think of a better place to enjoy your first taste of Oxford than at this quirky bagel shop with its inventive bagel sandwich choices and funky décor filled with memorabilia. Don’t be a freshman and order your bagel toasted. This local go-to place for bagels only steams their bagels. Pro tip: Allow time to view their extensive bagel menu. Can’t decide? Try their “Miami Bagel” topped with cream cheese and cinnamon on a blueberry bagel. Get it to go as you head for your next adventure.
10:00 AM – Hueston Woods State Park Adventure
Address: 6301 Park Office Road, College Corner, OH | ohiodnr.gov
A short drive from the heart of Oxford lies Hueston Woods State Park. The park is a perfect spot to enjoy your morning bagel selection, go swimming, hike one of the parks marked trails or the Nature Preserve trail, pedal your mountain bike, or just sit and do a little fishing. If you want to really dip your toes in Action Lake pontoon boats to kayak rentals are available.
Bring your binoculars! Bird lovers will enjoy knowing that the park is designated as an important birding area by the National Audubon Society. The park is also home to a bird of prey rehabilitation area.
One thing I learned during my visit is that Hueston Woods State Park attracts fossil collectors. Ancient marine animal fossils can be found throughout the park’s creeks. A naturalist can assist you with the best places to look.
12:00 PM – Lunch at The Smokehouse.
Address: 5201 Lodge Rd, College Corner, OH 45003 | huestonwoodslodge.com
After taking time to explore the park, enjoy lunch at The Lodge in their rustic on-site restaurant with views of the lake and park. Smokehouse favorites include beef brisket, smoke turkey, pulled pork, Alaskan pollock, NY Strip Steak, their French Onion Gratinee, salads, a Lodge Burger and more. There is even a Johnny Apple Pork Chop entrée on the menu.
1:30 PM – Hueston Woods State Park Nature Center
The Hueston Woods Nature Center is one of my favorite Ohio State Park nature centers. Once inside you will be treated to displays about the history of the park, as well as enclosures with live Ohio native animals that need to be cared for. There is even a working beehive. The bees fly into the hive from the outside; visitors then can watch from the inside as the bees move around the hive.
Outside is where the real treat is. The Raptor Rehabilitation area. According to the Nature Center, on average 50 injured birds of prey find their way to the center every year. Approximately half are later released back into the wild. On the day of my visit one of the bald eagles treated me to a few high-pitched shrills. Benches are nearby if you just want to sit and enjoy time with these majestic birds.
3:00 PM – Hueston Woods Pioneer Farm – Doty Homestead
Address: 6924 Brown Rd. | oxfordmuseumassociation.com
Open 12-4 Saturdays and Sundays, Memorial Day through Labor Day, or by appointment.
The Doty Homestead was once a family farm. A complete history of the property can be found on their website. oxfordmuseumassociation.com.
Currently the Oxford Museum Association has been sharing the history of the area by demonstrating nineteenth and early-twentieth century agricultural life through educational programs and events. Notable yearly events include the Hueston Woods Arts & Craft Fair held in the spring; Pioneer Day and the Apple Butter Festival which is held each year in the fall.
4:00 PM – Return to Uptown and Explore Local Shops
Back in town, you will enjoy strolling along the very walkable downtown area as you explore the independent shops and boutiques. A few of my favorite shops include The Apple Tree, The Bird House Antiques, and the Wild Berry store. And for those who want an afternoon treat; Graeter’s Ice cream and Tous les Jours would make my list of suggestions.
Graeter’s Ice cream
Address: 29 W. High St. | graeters.com
Graeter’s Ice Cream is still family-owned and has locations around Ohio. To this day, they still make their ice cream in French Pots.
Tous les Jours
Address: 5 W High St | tljus.com
The hardest part is going to be which pastry you want at this French Asian Bakery. Specialty breads and drinks are also sold.
The Apple Tree
Address: 28 E High Street | theappletreeoxford.com
(Open until 7pm M-Sat | 5pm Sun)
The moment you walk in you just may find yourself saying “How cute is this store?” Beautiful apparel, jewelry, home goods, and a nice selection of gifts. I loved their selection of hats and stationary items.
The Bird House Antiques
Address: 114 W High Street
(Open until 5pm)
What can I say, it’s like stepping back in time. Every space of this double store is just filled with items. Vintage and not so vintage, just ready to be repurposed or I like to say, “saved”. I could just picture all the college students who have made their way to this store to buy. Hopefully, when you visit, you will get to meet the owner. She is delightful and we had a good chuckle over a Prince Albert can. (You are either old enough to get the joke, or you don’t.)
Wild Berry
Address: 15 W. High St. | wild-berry.com
Every college town needs a Wild Berry store. The incense selection seems never ending. Mystical items and gifts. I gravitated to bracelet that noted that it would bring tranquility. I will keep you posted.
Wild Berry Factory Store
Address: 5465 College Corner Pike
Side trip: If you still can’t find want you are looking for, just outside of town you can visit their factory store. Allow time to check out the time capsule cases. Wild Berry incense was created in Oxford Ohio.
6:00 PM – Dinner at Calendula and The Lounge
Address: 151 West High Street | dineatcalendula.com
With its modern and clean decor and lively atmosphere, Calendula’s is the perfect place to sample classic southwest fare, like quesadillas, chicken pazole, tacos and more. For starters make sure you order their trio of salsa, guacamole and queso. You can thank me later.
8:00 PM – Enjoy the arts.
It’s Friday night and Oxford comes alive. If you are in town the 2nd Friday of the month, Oxford Community Arts Center celebrates the arts at their “2nd Friday Celebration of the Arts”. Gallery exhibitions, artist receptions and outdoor concerts. (The event is not held during January & April.) Learn more: oxarts.org
Alternatively, pop into one of the local bars for live music or to watch a sports event. There are plenty of nightlife bars to step inside, after all this is a college town. Try Mac & Joe’s or Left Field Tavern.
Day Two: From Sunrise to Sunset
8:00 AM – Breakfast at Patterson’s Café
Address: 103 West Spring Street (Stewart Square) | pattersonscafe.com
Greet the day with a plate of their famous fluffy pancakes or breakfast plates. This local breakfast and lunch institution has been serving the Oxford crowd since 2003, when it opened its doors first on High St. before moving to their current location. Great cup of coffee. You are sure to find something to entice your tummy. Veggie and gluten-free items available. Patterson’s is also a great place to grab lunch.
9:30 AM – Oxford Farmers Market (Saturdays only)
Bring your market basket. Saturday is market day! Time to head to the center of Uptown Oxford. Local vendors with fresh produce, bakers, artisans with handmade items and more set-up every Saturday morning from 9am – Noon, year-round. The market takes place on the corner of Main and Church Streets, in the parking lot just north of Memorial Park. Pro tip: Bring cash as not all vendors accept credit cards.
11:00 AM – Delve in Local History
Enjoy one of the self-guided history tours or visit the William McGuffey House and Museum
History tours include a University Historic District Tour, a Black History Tour, Uptown Oxford Historic District Tour, Western College for Women Historic District Tour, and Freedom Summer ’64 History. Pick up a copy of the self-guided tour complete with directions, descriptions, and photos at Enjoy Oxford: 14 W Park Place., Suite C.
McGuffey House and Museum
Address: 401 E. Spring St. | miamioh.edu
(Open Thurs-Sat 1pm-5pm)
History enthusiasts and book lovers should not miss a stop at the William Holmes McGuffey House and Museum. Step back into 19th-centure life, during the period when author William Holmes McGuffey authored the famed McGuffey Readers. The Readers that changed the way education was taught.
Another option would be to drive around the University grounds.
1:00 PM – Lunch at the Fridge & Pantry.
Address: 35 East Church Street | fridgeandpantrydeli.com
(Monday – Saturday 10am-2pm)
A great place to grab a quick sandwich, salad or wrap. This uptown market is a go-to place for both breakfast and lunch. Can’t decide? Their maple honey turkey sandwich gets two thumbs up from me. Don’t forget to try one of the smoothies.
2:00 PM – Visit Peffer Park – Oxford Area Trails
After lunch, hop in your car and drive a short distance to Peffer Park to view Oxford’s newest mural by artist Hannah Webb. The Fox Mural is located under the Route 27 bridge and a short walking distance from the parking lot. It’s a perfect stop to take those selfies and enjoy a leisurely walk. Details about the trail can be found here oxfordareatrails.org.
4:00 PM – Find “The Oxford Hive”
21 East High Street (alleyway)
Lorenzo L. Langstroth, “The Father of American Beekeeping” invented the modern beehive while living in Oxford. So, it was only fitting that the town would come together with the help of artist Joe Prescher and pay tribute to the Father of beekeeping with a complete alleyway painted as a honeycomb.
6:00 PM – Dinner at Sorriso Osteria + Bar
Address: 26 West High St. | Facebook
For your final dinner in town, head to Sorriso Osteria + Bar for a taste of Italy. For an appetizer order a dish of their meatballs or their Sorriso Bread, a handmade bread bowl filled with a cheese blend and topped with garlic butter and parmesan cheese. For dinner, enjoy one of their pizzas, sandwiches or pasta dishes like chicken pancetta pasta or sugar spice salmon. Don’t forget to leave room to enjoy a slice of their Tiramisu cheesecake.
9:00 PM – A Walk Through Uptown by Night
Before you make your way to your accommodation for the night, allow for a little final stroll downtown. Sit a spell on one of the benches in the square and reminisce about all the exploration you did in 48-hours. Start planning your trip to come back.
Final Reflections
Oxford, Ohio, is more than just a college town—its red brick lined streets and family-friendly atmosphere makes for a delightful quick getaway or a family road trip.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Downtown is very easy to navigate. Watch there are a few one-way streets.
- Downtown has meters and kiosk parking. Find additional details here.
- Summer is a great time to visit. The college students have left for summer break and the small town comes alive with summertime vibes and events.
- Find local tourist information here: enjoyoxford.org
THIS BED AND BREAKFAST OFFERS A COMFY BED AND A DELICIOUS BREAKFAST.
During my visit I had an opportunity to stay at one of the area’s Bed & Breakfast. When given a choice, I will always choose a bed & breakfast if the option affords itself. Not only are you treated to delicious breakfast, but you also get to spend time with the innkeepers who offer a wealth of information about the area that you are visiting and always have great suggestions for things to see and do.
WHITE GARDEN INN BED AND BREAKFAST
Address: 6194 Brown Road, Oxford OH
whitegardeninn.com
If you want to make your stay in Oxford extra special, may I suggest a stay at the White Garden Inn Bed and Breakfast? Tucked away in the countryside and just a few minutes’ drive from downtown and Hueston Woods State Park, this family-owned B&B offers perfect small-town hospitality.
One of the highlights of staying at this B&B are the breakfasts. Each morning during my stay I was treated to a different breakfast menu. The first morning I was served a classic breakfast with seasonal parfait and warm muffins out of the oven. The next morning, I was treated to fluffy pancakes topped with fruit. You do not leave the table hungry and the coffee is always hot and fresh.
I stayed in the Butterfly Room, which was spacious and included a king size bed and ensuite bathroom, plus all the guest amenities you would expect, including guest bath robes. Located to the right of my room was a 2nd floor gathering area where you could play cards or enjoy conversation.
If you want to relax outside of your room, the Inn offers both indoor and outdoor seating areas. With views of the scenic gardens and nearby woods, the large wraparound porch with its wicker chairs and overhead fans makes for a perfect spot to enjoy a cup of coffee, a good book or a glass of wine.
Unfortunately, during my stay the weather did not cooperate and I was unable to really explore all the beautiful garden areas, including the special labyrinth. I was, however, treated to a beautiful after the storm porch sunset.
This Inn is truly a treat and a great place to find relaxation.
Perfect place to stay for a girls, guys or family getaway.
The 9,000 sq. ft. home is perfect if you want to escape with friends or family. The inn offers individual and family-size rooms with plenty of areas to congregate and enjoy time with each other.
Planning Your Stay
Reservations are recommended, especially when the University is in session and during special events.
Article and photos, unless noted by: MyOhioFun.com
Diane is the owner and editor of MyOhioFun.com. She is an avid baker, gardener, Little Free Library owner, who loves to read and travel. She spends most of her days sharing her love of things to do in Ohio, as well as creating destinations and itineraries for group tours and individual travelers.
Editor’s note: Any use of the above article or images without prior permission, will be in violation of copyright laws.
***Disclosure: My Ohio Fun received no compensation from Enjoy Oxford. Enjoy Oxford obtained the article through a Ohio Travel Association donation. My Ohio Fun does receive site advertising banners. As always, all opinions are 100% my own.***