Oxford has a deep historic rooted in architecture, and there are over 150 homes and buildings that are registered under the Oxford Preservation Commission.
Oxford has just celebrated 200 years in existence in 2016, making it valuable for visitors to walk around the city, especially in the downtown districts. Take a good look at the museums, as each displays a significant part of the city’s past. You may also participate in Oxford’s annual events and see how it is to be a part of Oxford’s community. Check out our full list of the best things to do here!
1. Walking Tour of the Historic Downtown
Check out the beautiful architecture in the city, especially at the Main Street and College Street Districts. There are over 18 buildings built at different periods with very different styles like Greek Revival, Italianate, Victorian, Dutch, and French. Granville County Courthouse (101 Main St.), (former) Oxford Female Seminary (307 Raleigh St.), and C. G. Credle School (223 College St.) are the few that are public buildings, the rest are residential architectures well-reserved by the owner. You don’t need to be a student of architectural studies to be able to appreciate them, just use the self-guided tour provided by the Oxford Historical Preservation Commission, you will not miss anything significant!
2. Shaw Museum
Shaw Museum is a house museum dedicated to preserving the legacy of Dr. George Clayton Shaw and the Mary Potter Academy, which was built in 1898 in Oxford, North Carolina. The education initiatives developed many educators, government leaders, civil rights leaders, entertainers, and businessmen that help establish Oxford in history. Discover the city’s education past and see how these pioneer educators got it all started.
3. Granville History Museum
Granville History Museum tells the story of Oxford from the Native American Period to the recent history through artifacts, murals, printed material, a movie and oral histories. The city’s pioneers are featured, and you will find the history of education, agriculture, industry, jail and military among the exhibits. Children and adults alike would love the colorful displays, so make sure you include this in your itinerary when you walk around in Oxford.
4. Granville Little Theatre
After much walking, you may plan to stop at Granville Little Theatre, a theatre producing plays for over 80 years. Granville Little Theatre, also known as GLT, is entirely run by a volunteer community including the Board of Directors, light crew, actors, costumers, producers, musicians, stage techs, playbill designers, set builders, choreographers, sound techs, and even the curtain pullers.
5. Hot Sauce Contest & Festival
Every second Saturday of September, owner of Stovall’s Gifts hosts this Hot Sauce event. Every year, it has attracted over 12,000 visitors, coming to sample and purchase hot sauces, barbecue sauces, beer, wine and special foods all made in North Carolina. Plan your trip around this time to participate in the event, you will enjoy your time rubbing shoulders with the other visitors. This is an event you should not miss when coming to Oxford. Taste everything locally made and join in with the activities for everyone. And do not miss the famous Pepper Eating Contest!
6. The Oxford Farmer's Market
Since 1936, The Oxford Framer’s Market has been offering homegrown and homemade items directly from producers. It has been voted as the 2nd Favorite Small Farmer’s Market in North Carolina and the 11th Favorite Small Farmer’s Market in America. The Farmer’s Market opens the first weekend in May and it stays open until the end of October or the third weekend in November, depending on how the weather supports the harvest of crops. When visiting the market, do check out the nearby merchants in downtown Oxford.
7. Shop at Stovall’s Gifts
Shop local, eat local, spend local, enjoy local is the slogan for Stovall’s Gifts. Stovall’s Gift is a family owned business, who is also the host for the annual Hot Sauce Contest. The shop houses a huge selection of trendy gifts, decor, wreaths, garden flags, pottery, gourmet items, a wine selection and the largest micro brews in the area, as well as gift baskets, candles, rainbow sandals, pocketbooks, lotions and skin care products, and fashion jewelry - all locally made and designed. Make it a must-stop to shop for souvenirs for your loved ones back home!
8. Historic Oakwood
Near downtown Raleigh, the historic Oakwood neighborhood includes hundreds of 19th-century homes, many of which have been fully restored to their former glory. In addition to the architecture, you'll see beautiful gardens surrounding many of the homes. A walking tour guide can be found at the Capitol Area Visitor's Center, including a map and information about the houses and the history of the neighborhood. Maps and more detailed information can also be found at the Historic Oakwood website. It features the Farm History Center, the Cotton Gin House, and the Plank Kitchen. The gardens and orchards are the perfect place to bring your picnic and visit the friendly goats.
9. African American Heritage Sites
Raleigh's African American heritage runs deep, and the city is home to many sites that celebrate both the triumphs and sorrows of that journey. The African American Cultural Center at North Carolina State is at the Witherspoon Student Center and features exhibits by prominent artists that focus on this rich heritage. The Pope House Museum, located downtown on South Wilmington Street, is open on Saturdays for free, guided tours. Dr Manassa Thomas Pope was a graduate of the Leonard School of Medicine, Raleigh's first four-year medical school for African Americans. The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Memorial Gardens encircle a Bronze statue of King and a monument that honors the sacrifices of those who fought for civil rights. Mount Hope Cemetery, built in 1872, covers 35 acres, and is the largest African American cemetery in the city. Here, you will find monuments and plaques commemorating the lives of its residents.
10. Pullen Park
First opened in 1887, this was the first public park in North Carolina. Pedal boats are available to rent for a cruise around Lake Howell, and for the younger mariners there is a kiddie boat ride. Kids will also love the huge playground that includes water play for those hot summer days, and there are often shows in the Children's Amphitheatre. Fans of the Andy Griffith Show will want to pose for pictures with the Andy and Opie statue. The park also has a café, tennis courts, an aquatic center, sports fields, and the Theatre in the Park, as well as many special events throughout the year.
Read also: Top 10 things to do in Pennsylvania – Harrisburg today
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