This Is The Friendliest Small Town in Ohio

Oxford, Ohio was created in 1810 to support one of the oldest public universities in the U.S., Miami University. Designed as a college town, the city of Oxford and Miami University have formed a sustainable partnership to integrate the community into the university's activities. Through events and programs the students and administrative staff at Miami University invite local citizens and visiting guests to participate in their productions. Miami University provides unique features but don't let that take away from all else Oxford has to offer in its parks and museums. Visit the town that was built around the university and see why it's the friendliest small town in Ohio.

Welcome to Miami University

Since its chartering by the State of Ohio on February 17, 1809, Miami University continued to grow and expand to the point that the town it was settled in, Oxford, was eventually incorporated in 1830. The school, as well as the uptown area, included a barbershop, a German butcher shop and bakery, a Sicilian grocery store, an Irish meat market, an English undertaking establishment, and a Greek candy store, making the area incredibly diverse. While the times may have changed, Miami's commitment to community hasn't.

One of their annual community events is Oxford's Earth Fest, put on by the Miami Environmental Professionals Association. Enjoy an afternoon of environmentally friendly entertainment, vendors, live music, and more. Activities are offered to teach participants about the inner workings of a natural environment and how to adopt sustainable practices. Another enlightening festival that incorporates Miami University in its program is the Electric Root Festival. This festival of arts and culture features performances from the Oxford Gourd and Drum Ensemble, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., L3V3L, Hero's Rise Street Dance Academy, and many more. Art education students at Miami contribute to the Make and Take Art exhibit, which offers craft activities for crafters. Food trucks, vendors, a meditation station, and the Wishing Tree are just a few of the other installations at the festival.

Around Town

Delight in the flora and landscape at the Silvoor Biological Sanctuary at Miami University. Follow the 0.3-mile trail through the grounds and take in the extensive wildflower garden, home to over 60 species. Guests are also invited to participate in spring wildflower walks to get an up-close look at the flowers, songbirds, and other wildlife. For more outdoorsy sites, be sure to check out the Black Covered Bridge, built in 1869 to provide access to a saw and grist mill on Four Mile Creek. Today, it is one of the few remaining covered bridges in southwestern Ohio. Characterized as one of the state's longest and most impressive covered bridges, it features an interesting combination of a Childs and Long truss.

The Black Covered Bridge is a well-preserved historical landmark in Oxford, and to gain more insight into natural preservation, visit The Hefner Museum of Natural History. Focusing heavily on animal biodiversity, conservation, and ecology, the museum offers exhibits, collections, specimens, and interactive programs. Also housed at Miami University, visitors can attend fascinating lectures that are archived online as well for anyone unable to attend.

Exquisite Eats

Since 1946, Mac & Joe's Restaurant, Saloon, and Sports Bar has been serving the community hot food, cold drinks, and entertainment seven days a week. Oxford's oldest tavern features lunch and dinner specials, as well as daily specials Monday through Thursday. Stop in for Mac Bites, Garbage Nachos, a Miami Tradition Sub, or their famous wings. For patrons interested in a more formal dining experience, Pickle And Pig is a Prohibition-era-themed eatery that takes guests back in time to honor that era. Vintage cocktails, classic bourbons, "giggle water," and refined food are just a few offerings in this 1930-themed speakeasy. Feast on a delicacy of smoked pork belly or stuffed mushrooms, while savoring an aromatic cocktail.

Overnight Amenities

What started as a guest house in 1919 slowly grew into a hotel in historic Uptown Oxford. In the lobby of the Elms Hotel is the original sign for the establishment, which was on South Main Street for almost 50 years. The guest house that became a hotel was named for the tall elms that once lined Miami University's campus, but sadly fell victim to Dutch Elm disease in the 1940s. Choose a standard room or a suite for your stay and enjoy all the amenities. Get even closer to the action at Miami University by staying at The Marcum Hotel and Conference Center, the only hotel in town that invites guests to experience the history and tradition of Miami University. Located on campus, the hotel offers guests free access to the rec center and 55 elegantly appointed rooms. Enjoy a tour of the campus before retreating to your room without ever having to leave the grounds.

A College Town Full Of Welcoming People

Although Oxford was built to sustain a university, it has evolved further past that over the years since its inception. While still maintaining a collegiate focus, Oxford has found a way to incorporate it into the everyday lives of the local community. Accept the open invitation to attend a sought-after festival, explore native wildflowers, or dine on a traditional Oxford delicacy: fried mac and cheese bites. The relationships and partnerships formed over the years since this town's birth are reflected in its activities, events, and more. Experience them for yourself in the friendliest small town in Ohio.