Just about 10 miles outside of Oxford lies a peaceful Mississippi town abounding in front porches and charm called Taylor. While Taylor is most definitely small (the whole town is just about four miles in its entirety), it boasts a variety of delightful local shops and restaurants. This quaint community is definitely worth visiting, and we have put together a “Taste of Taylor” guide to make sure you hit all the high points!
Eat and Drink:
GRIT
If you are looking to enjoy a sophisticated spin on classic Southern dishes, GRIT is the place for you! You will see classics you might expect to find on your Grandmother’s table with a bold and adventurous twist. Their menu boasts dishes filled with locally sourced and seasonal ingredients as well as a fabulous cocktail assortment. Their dinner and brunch menus rotate, so there is always something fresh and delicious to try! Reservations are recommended.
Dinner Hours: Thursday-Saturday 5:30-9:30 p.m.
Brunch Hours: Sunday 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Taylor Grocery
Southern Living claims this unassuming spot is home to “The South’s Best Catfish,” and we would have to agree. Customers travel from near and far to enjoy no-frills Southern classics like fried catfish, red beans and rice, country-fried pork, chocolate cobbler, and more. Locals have flocked to Taylor Grocery for over 100 years, so it is safe to say this spot has stood the test of time! You can’t go wrong with any of their dishes, but you can’t leave without trying their famous catfish platter. While Taylor Grocery doesn’t offer reservations, you’ll find many people “tailgate” in the parking lot while waiting for their table. This spot is brown-bag only – make sure it’s in a cup!
Hours: Thursday-Saturday 5 p.m.-9 p.m., Sunday 5 p.m.-8 p.m.
Lost Dog Coffee
Whether you need a mid-afternoon coffee break, a delicious pastry, a study spot, or even a nap, Lost Dog Coffee is sure to deliver! The cozy, laid-back atmosphere is so inviting and the delicious coffee and treats will keep you coming back. With lots of comfortable indoor and outdoor seating options and a variety of board games to choose from, you could easily spend an entire afternoon here. And we aren’t kidding about that nap- there is a Harry Potter-style closet room under the stairs that patrons are free to go take a snooze in. The baristas are fully equipped to whip up any coffee drink of your choosing, but we are partial to their lattes, scones, and almond butter oat bars.
Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 8 a.m.- 6 p.m.
Off Beat In General
Oxford locals will recognize the Blind Pig deli counter in the corner of this general store! Stop by for a delicious sandwich or salad and enjoy it on the patio or take it to go. You can also browse a curated selection of local goods, gifts, and groceries. We recommend the Blind Pig Club, the Red Bird, and the Pharaoh’s Chef salad.
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m.-7 p.m. (Deli opens at 11 a.m.), Sunday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (Deli opens at 11 a.m.)
Do:
Plein Air Farmers Market
Plein Air is a picturesque community in the heart of Taylor, and it is always bustling with local festivities. From concert series to weddings at the Plein Air chapel to their annual Conference on The Front Porch to their seasonal farmers’ market, Plein Air has plenty to offer. This fall, the farmers’ market will be held on September 14th and October 19th. Browse seasonal produce, handcrafted goods, and crafts by local artists.
WonderBird
Winner of Garden and Gun’s “Made In The South Award,” Wonderbird Spirits’ rice-based gin is Mississippi’s first “grain-to-glass” gin distillery. Aside from making award-winning gin, the distillery is absolutely gorgeous and open for tours and tastings.
Hours: Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday by appointment
