Oxford, MS

When we were in Miami, our driveway host, Ian, told us about a little spot in Mississippi we needed to visit: Oxford. He was right. This little slice of the south is the stuff right out of a southern gothic novel—and for good reason. This is the home of William Faulkner. 

The staff at Faulkner’s house, Rowan Oak, were especially welcoming and friendly (and super dog-friendly, I might add). The house is well-preserved and it feels like you are tiptoeing through one of America’s greatest writer’s head. (And, guess what? We have the same desk! For real. Me and Faulkner both have a thirteen colonies desk with hidden compartments and claw feet. I’ve never seen an identical one until we stepped into his house. Unfortunately, the similarities between he and I end there.) 

We also visited the world-renowned Square Books—a wonderful little shop right on the town square. Photos of authors adorn the walls and they have an expertly curated collection of sale items. On the top floor there’s coffee. If there is a heaven, it probably looks like this. Unfortunately, it was wicked cold, my friends, so we had to keep on trekking southward…