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!
Self-Guided Walking Tour of Historic Oxford
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.
Shaw Museum
Address: 202 E. McClanahan Street, Oxford, NC
Website: Shaw Museum
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.
Granville Country Historical Museum
Address: 110 Court St, Oxford, NC
Website: Granville Country Historical Museum
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.
Granville Little Theatre
Address: 3144 Webb School Rd, Oxford, NC
Website: Granville Little Theatre
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!
Hot Sauce Contest
Address: Downtown Oxford
Website: Hot Sauce 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.
The Oxford Farmer's Market
Website: The Oxford Farmer’s Market
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, that is also the host of the annual Hot Sauce Contest. The shop houses a vast selection of trendy gifts, decor, wreaths, garden flags, pottery, gourmet items, a wine selection, and the most extensive microbrews in the area, as well as gift baskets, candles, rainbow sandals, pocketbooks, lotions, and skincare products, and fashion jewelry - all locally made and designed. Make it a must-stop shop for souvenirs for your loved ones back home!
Stovall's Gifts
Address: 100 Main St, Oxford, NC
Website: Stovall’s Gifts
Join in with the community
Oxford is a historic, walkable, friendly city filled with community pride. Other than the Hot Sauce Festival, Oxford organizes many other community events throughout the year like Alive After 5, the Heritage Festival, The Lighting of the Greens, and the Christmas Parade. There is always something going on in the community, whatever season you choose to visit Oxford. So, walk in the neighborhood of the captivating architectural buildings, watch the local live theater production and shop for local produce in Oxford, North Carolina, and just enjoy what a city of 200 years can offer!