OXFORD

An hour north of Cincinnati you’ll find Oxford, a quaint college town that will surprise you with its vibrant local life. While Miami University is essential to Oxford’s economy – and is the reason Oxford was originally founded – it’s not the city’s only focus. Established in conjunction with the school in 1810, Oxford officially became a city in 1971. When school is in session, the city’s population expands to over 21,000. But it’s worth a visit any time of year.

Perhaps the most basic of services necessarily available to any healthy town is the local barber shop. Luckily for Oxford, there’s Kiki “The Barber” Harmon. Her eponymous shop is called, simply, Kiki the Barber, and is dedicated to providing top-notch hair care to anyone who walks through its doors. Kiki arrived in Oxford in 2016 from Nashville, and quickly amassed a devoted following of customers. And with good reason.

When you make an appointment at Kiki the Barber, you know you’re in for a quality experience. Kiki offers a variety of cut options, including everything from a cut and straight razor shave to the young’uns and legends cut, tailored to trending hairstyles and available for kids 17 and under and adults 65 and over, to a loc cut for any length of loc, to discounted cuts for military, police, and EMT professionals. On that note of giving back, in 2022, Kiki donated hair cut services to students at Talawanda Schools for picture day. Kiki’s shop atmosphere is as warm and welcoming as she is.

Kiki is quickly sweeping up all the accolades, too. She is the self-proclaimed Leading Lady of Tonsorial Artistry & Professional Grooming. In 2022, the Oxford Chamber of Commerce named Kiki the Barber Business of the Year. She also won the 2020-2021 Alignable Businessperson of the Year award. Kiki the Barber is by appointment only, so schedule a time today to see what everyone’s talking about.

Need to run some errands after your stop at Kiki’s? Yes, of course, you can do that in Oxford. The MOON (Miami Ohio Organic Network) Co-Op has plenty of options available to live a more sustainable lifestyle. Grab a gift from Apple Tree, or The College Artisans Shop. Pick up fresh produce at the Oxford Farmer’s Market or Butterfield’s Farm Market. You can have your bike repaired at BikeWise Bike Center, have your eyes examined at Oxford Opticians, and take care of your pets with PetWants.

Named Midwestern Traveler Magazine’s 2024 Best U.S. College Town, Miami University’s influence is inextricable from the businesses themselves, but that’s not a problem when the city’s wide variety of retail, restaurant, service, and business options are available and thriving all year round and cater to a broad demographic.

The Oxford Uptown Business District DORA (Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area) was formed in 2020, becoming a year-round option starting in summer 2022. Many of the participating establishments certainly court an of-age college crowd, but they are also frequented by permanent Oxford residents.

Bar 1868 hosts a variety of events, like comedy and drag shows, as well as hosting bar staples like pool tables. Church Street Social aims to be your home away from home, whether in town for school or not. Brick Street is a live music venue and bar to catch your favorite band. Circle Bar says it’s an Oxford townie favorite and is playfully hard to find (hint: look for a green alley door.) There are several bars and pubs in Oxford to fit nearly any vibe you’re looking for.

If you’re after a good bite to eat, Oxford has you covered there, too. From Bello Wood Fired Pizza to Fiesta Charra to O’Pub to Ohana Island Grill, the cuisine options are plentiful. Try the chicken tikka masala at Krishna or Little India. Stop into MImian’s and see why their slogan is Noodle, Dessert, Good Life. Caffeinate at Kofenya or Uptown Blends.

Whether you’re in Oxford for school, a haircut, or to visit one of its many eclectic shops, bars, or restaurants, you’re sure to enjoy your time there.