The exterior of Wonderbird Spirits welcomes visitors to one of America’s
only grain-to-glass gin distilleries, where Mississippi Delta rice is transformed
into award-winning handcrafted gin. (Kyleigh Touro photo)
One of a Kind: Discovering the Hidden Gems of Oxford, Mississippi
By Kyleigh Touro
When people think of Oxford, Mississippi, they often picture the historic Square, the University of Mississippi or a Saturday in The Grove. While these places are certainly worth experiencing, CrappieNOW and CatfishNOW’s 2026 Media Camp offered a chance to discover another side of Oxford, one shaped by local businesses, family traditions, craftsmanship and Southern hospitality.
From a grain-to-glass distillery to legendary barbecue tucked inside a neighborhood gas station, each stop reminded us that some of the best travel experiences are found just beyond the well-known spots.
Wonderbird Spirits: Mississippi Craftsmanship in Every Bottle
Wonderbird Spirits, one of only two grain-to-glass gin distilleries in the country, has built its reputation on doing things differently. Using Mississippi Delta rice as the foundation for its spirits, the distillery combines traditional distilling techniques with locally sourced botanicals to create a product that is unmistakably rooted in the state.
Walking through the production floor, it’s easy to appreciate the attention to detail. Every stage, from fermentation and distillation to bottling, is handled with precision, blending science with artistry. The result isn’t just premium gin; it’s an experience that tells the story of Mississippi through every pour.
Beyond the spirits themselves, Wonderbird has created a destination. Visitors can tour the facility, learn about the grain-to-glass process, sample handcrafted cocktails and enjoy a welcoming atmosphere that celebrates local agriculture and craftsmanship. It’s a reminder that Mississippi is home to innovative makers who continue to redefine expectations.
Sky Mart & B’s Hickory Smoke BBQ: Oxford’s Best-Kept Secret
At first glance, Sky Mart looks like an ordinary neighborhood convenience store. But locals know it’s much more than that.
Family-owned and serving the Oxford community for more than 50 years, Sky Mart has become a place where neighbors gather, visitors stop in and just about anything can be found, from fishing bait and tackle to hot meals fresh off the smoker.
That smoker belongs to B’s Hickory Smoke BBQ, a local institution that has been serving customers since 1998. What makes B’s special isn’t fancy décor or elaborate marketing. It’s simple: exceptional barbecue made the right way.
The ribs spend hours in the smoker, carefully seasoned with a signature dry rub, while pork shoulders cook around the clock to achieve the perfect tenderness. Mississippi farm-raised catfish shares the spotlight with pulled pork and ribs, making it nearly impossible to choose just one favorite.
Perhaps the most surprising part of the story is the location. Attached to a gas station, B’s has become a destination all its own. Visitors make annual trips during Ole Miss football weekends, and many first-time customers quickly become lifelong fans. Coaches, locals, travelers and families have all found their way through the doors over the years.
As owner David Bird explained, “Don’t judge it by the cover.”
It’s advice that’s fitting not only for B’s BBQ, but for many of Mississippi’s hidden treasures.
Rowan Oak: Stepping Into Literary History
No visit to Oxford would be complete without a stop at Rowan Oak, the historic home of Nobel Prize-winning author William Faulkner.
Walking the grounds offers a glimpse into the environment that inspired some of America’s most celebrated literature. The peaceful trails, towering trees and preserved home allow visitors to slow down and experience a piece of Mississippi’s rich literary heritage.
For anyone interested in history, storytelling or Southern culture, Rowan Oak provides an unforgettable connection to one of the state’s most influential voices.
Taylor Grocery: Where Catfish and Community Meet
Another local favorite that perfectly captures Mississippi hospitality is Taylor Grocery.
Known throughout the region for its famous fried catfish and relaxed atmosphere, the restaurant has become a gathering place where family recipes, live music and friendly conversation come together.
Meals here aren’t rushed. Instead, visitors are encouraged to enjoy the experience, share stories around the table and appreciate the sense of community that has made Taylor Grocery a beloved destination for generations.
It’s the kind of place where first-time guests feel like regulars before the meal is over.
Booth’s BBQ: A Tradition Worth Tasting
No barbecue tour of North Mississippi would be complete without Booth’s BBQ.
Known for serving authentic Southern barbecue with recipes perfected over decades, Booth’s continues the region’s proud tradition of slow-smoked meats and homemade sides. Like many of Mississippi’s best restaurants, the focus is on consistency, quality and making every customer feel welcome.
Whether you’re craving pulled pork, smoked ribs or classic Southern comfort food, Booth’s offers another reminder that some of the state’s best dining experiences are found off the beaten path.
Booth’s BBQ also served as the perfect place for our Media Camp farewell dinner. Great barbecue has a way of bringing people together, and after one evening there, it’s easy to understand why this place has become a favorite among locals. It’s certainly on my list of must-visit stops the next time I’m in Oxford during football season.
More Than a Destination
One theme became clear throughout the 2026 CrappieNOW and CatfishNOW Media Camp: the places that leave the biggest impression aren’t always the ones listed first in a travel guide.
Oxford’s local businesses each tell a different story. Wonderbird showcases innovation and craftsmanship. Sky Mart and B’s BBQ celebrate community and tradition. Rowan Oak preserves literary history. Taylor Grocery and Booth’s BBQ remind visitors that some of life’s best memories are made around the dinner table.
Together, they paint a picture of Mississippi that is authentic, welcoming and proudly one of a kind.
Whether you’re visiting for world-class fishing on Sardis Lake, an Ole Miss football weekend or simply exploring North Mississippi, make time to venture beyond the familiar. You may discover that the places locals love most become your favorites, too.
(Kyleigh Touro is a Florida-based digital marketer, photographer, and storyteller who loves discovering the hidden gems that make small towns and outdoor destinations unique. Her work focuses on local culture, food, travel, sports and the communities that bring every adventure to life.)
