New to Town: A Local’s Guide to the Best Spots in Oxford, MS

©Journal Communications/Karen Pulfer Focht

Alexis Le grew up in Georgia and relocated to Mississippi in high school. After high school, she went to the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg and moved to Atlanta after graduation. When the pandemic hit, Le returned to her family home in Tupelo, Mississippi. She moved to Oxford, Mississippi, in December 2024 to open an outpost of Nail E, her family’s nail salon chain.

“Oxford is a really cute, small-big town that people underestimate,” she says. “The community here is very supportive, welcoming and loving.”

Le shares her favorite hangouts in her new hometown – read on for her recommendations.

Is there a hidden gem of a coffee shop or bar that you love?

My favorite local coffee shop is Shadrachs Coffee, and I usually get an iced espresso with coconut milk. I usually don’t go out to the bars, but I do love sitting at the bar at a restaurant. I will go to Saint Leo for dinner and have a French 75 or a spritz.

Where do you go to see live music or entertainment?

Anywhere on the Square will have something. If I go out with friends, I recommend Quack’s Sports Bar, where they have karaoke sometimes. The Lyric will have different musical acts, too.

What’s a great place to spend a rainy afternoon?

I’d go to a coffee shop or Good Day Cafe, a nice place that has brunch. I also love hanging out at Chicory Market, which has Heartbreak Coffee in the front.

Chicory Market

What’s a lesser-known spot in town that you think deserves more attention?

I’m Vietnamese-American, and there’s a local place called H2O Oriental Cafe. It’s owned by an older Vietnamese couple, so when I’m missing home or want something good to eat, I’ll go there. It’s hidden in a little corner in a shopping center, and it definitely deserves some recognition.

Is there a unique local tradition or event that visitors should know about?

I just moved here last year, so I’m still learning, but last December I went to the Holly Jolly Holidays event at mTrade Park. They have a mini ice skating rink and a walkway where you can see the installation of the Christmas lights from December to January.

What are some of your favorite outdoor activities?

I love going to Lamar Park. It’s such a beautiful park, and I love taking walks there with my puppy. I also love sculpt classes with Elmnt Cycle, a local business that sometimes hosts pop-up classes outdoors at a park or the rooftop of a local restaurant. I love doing those outdoor classes – they’re really fun.