12 Underrated American Towns Perfect for Your Next Escape

6. Oxford, Mississippi

In northern Mississippi, Oxford fuses literary legacy with modern Southern energy. The town is famously home to Nobel Prize-winning novelist William Faulkner, whose former residence, Rowan Oak, welcomes visitors off leafy walking trails. Downtown, the bustling courthouse square thrives with landmark bookstore Square Books, beloved local eateries, and live music venues. During the Double Decker Arts Festival each spring, Oxford fills with color, sound, and visitors celebrating music and visual arts. The University of Mississippi lends the town a cultural buzz and spirited hospitality, while historic inns and boutique hotels offer comfort and elegance. From famous BBQ joints to refined dining, Oxford’s culinary scene appeals to every palate. Whether browsing bookshop shelves, savoring southern cuisine, or catching a live show, Oxford is a place where tradition and creativity live side by side—inviting you to join the story.