In the heart of northwest Mississippi is the small town of Oxford, home of the University of Mississippi.

Other than the University, the crown jewel of Oxford is the historic town square. It has been painstakingly preserved and is home to the beautiful courthouse and many of the best restaurants in the city. The smells alone are worth a visit. After a meal, visitors and locals alike enjoy people watching and strolling through the many quaint, locally owned shops. Square Books, Off Square Books and Neilson's Department Store are our personal favorites, and we rarely leave town without a new book or three.

A short walk from the square leads to Ole Miss where the Lyceum, Ventress Hall and the Grove are the most well known and photographed landmarks. While we are partial to Oxford in the spring and early summer, everyone should experience football season in Oxford at least once. Tailgating is an art form, the people watching is off the charts and of course SEC football is the best in the country.

Oxford is distinctly Southern with a rich literary history and a growing reputation as a mecca for food and the arts. April is a great time to visit -- there's the Double Decker Arts Festival on April 25 and 26 and plenty of Ole Miss sports to enjoy the rest of the month.

I want to have a picnic in the Grove before the summer heat sets in....