FOOD BLOG

Add creativity to your tailgate this fall with these fun snacks inspired by the SEC rivals coming to Oxford. Recipes by Sarah Godwin | Photographed by Joe Worthem This football season, take a few playful shots at the teams coming to town with tailgate recipes that pay homage to their home states and signature flavors. From LSU-inspired Traitor Taters to Mississippi State Dawg Chow, these dishes bring a little rivalry to the table — and give Rebel fans plenty to dig into bef

On Sept. 26, Fairpark will come alive to celebrate the 70th anniversary of Elvis Presley’s iconic 1956 Homecoming Concert. We asked Stephanie Hall, director of community outreach for the Elvis Presley Birthplace, to share the details. Interviewed by Emily Welly | Photos courtesy Elvis Presley Birthplace Q: What’s special about the upcoming Homecoming concert? A: We’re not simply commemorating a concert — we are bringing a moment in Tupelo’s history back to life 70 years la

Lee Harper’s miniature replicas do more than surprise and delight — they are brimming with historical facts and precise architectural detail that keep her fans and patrons wanting to learn more. Written by Sonia Thompson | Photos by Joe Worthem Anyone who has ever played with or admired a dollhouse knows what a joy miniatures are to behold. The tiny windows, the itty-bitty chairs, the wee cups of coffee. But for Oxford artist Lee Harper, the fun is actually in the research.

North Mississippi’s vibrant and diverse cycling community welcomes road and mountain bikers of all skill levels to participate in weekly rides, events and activities that promote the growing sport. Written by Dawn Denham | Photos by Joe Worthem Whether you prefer road, gravel or mountain biking, north central Mississippi offers plenty of ways to get on two wheels. From paved rail trails and quiet country roads to hand-built singletrack, the region has become a destination f

Brycen Sanders Brycen Sanders plays offensive line for the Ole Miss Rebels. This fall, he’ll also cohost a weekly podcast to reflect on the ongoing season. Interviewed by Emily Welly | Photos by Bruce Newman Q: If you had to sum up last season in three words, what would those words be? A: Dream come true. As a little kid, I always dreamed about playing college football, specifically playing in the SEC. Having the season we did with winning the Sugar Bowl and being so close t

Ole Miss Head Coach Pete Golding talks about his expectations, coaching philosophy, favorite pastimes and more. Written by Eugene Stockstill | Photos by Bruce Newman Head coach Pete Golding sat in a hot seat late last season, the likes of which most will never know, leading the under-the-gun Ole Miss Rebels deep into the postseason and paving the way for what’s to come. We talked with Golding recently about football, life and this upcoming season. Here’s what he had to say.

NCAA tournament appearances are becoming the norm across Ole Miss varsity sports, a testament to the university’s commitment to excellence in athletics. Written by Eugene Stockstill | Photos Contributed by Ole Miss Athletics Everyone knows all about the Ole Miss football team’s big effort in the playoffs last go-around. That the school’s baseball team made it to the College World Series again. And that the women’s basketball team made a fifth straight appearance in the nati

Backed by a laser-focused coach, an experienced offensive duo and diehard fans, Ole Miss Football is primed to go all the way. Written by Eugene Stockstill | Photos by Bruce Newman and Joe Worthem Ole Miss fans need no reminder of how close the Rebels came to hoisting the big prize last season. Or how much seems to be riding on this upcoming one. Just ask athletic director Keith Carter. “We were 18 seconds away from playing for a national championship,” Carter said. “Miami

Several players from the 2025 Ole Miss roster are now part of NFL teams, joining a growing list of professional players who got started as Rebels. Written by Emily Welly | Graphics Provided by NFL Communications | Photos Provided by Ole Miss Athletics Turn on an NFL game this fall, and you will likely find a former Ole Miss Rebel on the field. More than 40 Rebels are now listed on the rosters of 20 different NFL teams. At least five of them are NFL rookies. Four of them h

Explore Music City, host to two Ole Miss football games this season. Written by Amy Conry Davis | Photos by Joe Worthem As football season kicks off, it’s the perfect time to reshape the way you travel — by following your favorite team on the road. Instead of seeing an away game as just another date on the schedule, use it as an invitation to explore somewhere different and experience a place you might not have chosen otherwise. Let tailgates and team spirit guide the wee

By celebrating Southern culture, family life and SEC football, an Oxford artist builds both her art and her audience. Written and photographed by Lindsay Pace Christian Wash Garvey didn’t set out to build an online following. She was just sharing stories of the South. “We have this very self-deprecating sense of humor,” Wash Garvey said. “We know the way that we come across to the rest of the world, and we lean in in a way that I really appreciate.” Today, that instinct has g

Honor system roadside farm stands draw neighbors and passersby for produce, flowers, eggs and more. Written by Eugene Stockstill | Photos by Lisa Roberts | Illustrated by Sarah Godwin “Come and get it!” That old-fashioned shout-out has real meaning for north Mississippi farm stands that run on the honor system. The small stands are sprinkled all around country roads in this corner of the state in the summertime selling their goods. Customers can find fresh eggs, fruits and

A collaborative effort to reduce food waste on campus creates connections throughout the Lafayette-Oxford-University community. Written by Emily Welly | Photos by Joe Worthem When the Ole Miss campus comes back to life as students return in August, so does the Flower of Life Food Rescue Project, a collaboration between students and the Oxford Community Market that benefits the Oxford-Lafayette community. Flower of Life started in 2020. Ole Miss classes were forced online be

Savor the summertime flavor of fresh corn with these original recipes. Recipes by Sarah Godwin | Photos by Joe Worthem School may be back in session, but it’s still summertime, So pick up some sweet corn at a local grocery store or farmers market to try these tasty recipes. Roasted Street Corn 5-6 ears corn, husked 2 tablespoons melted butter 2 tablespoons mayonnaise 2 tablespoons sour cream ½ cup cotija cheese, divided Minced cilantroTajín (or similar chili-lime seasoning)

Pet Cover Contest Winners Over the years, Invitation’s annual pet cover contest has become a reader and staff favorite. And even before the pet contest officially began almost 10 years ago, animals and pets were regularly featured in the magazine. Here’s a look back at the photogenic animals that have made the cover over the years.

Behind every transported rescue animal is a community working together to create a pet’s new beginning. Written by Lena Anderson | Illustrated by Bryan Nigh Ladybird had every reason not to trust people. The hound-heeler mix had been shot in the back leg and left injured in a field before making her way into rescue. Yet when volunteers picked her up, she leaned into the care they offered. “Here is this precious soul who was brutally injured by a human, but still trusted us

Meet Kevin, the first goat to ever grace the cover of Invitation Oxford. Name: Kevin Owner: Sonny Shuffield Breed: Nigerian Dwarf Goat Age: 6 months About Kevin: Kevin lives with 3-year-old Sonny’s grandparents, Christy and Bart Glass (known as “Lulu” and “Hoppa” to Sonny). He was a Valentine’s Day gift from them along with great grandmother Glenda Drewrey, or “Jean Jean.” Christy describes Kevin as very spoiled and super friendly. “He’s a sweetie,” she said. “Sibilings”: Ano

Libbie Patterson finds creative freedom painting whimsical portraits of pets and young people. Written by Eugene Stockstill | Photos by Joe Worthem Oxford painter Libbie Kakales Patterson’s family history is filled with the sort of images that would make a poet weep. So, it seems to make perfect sense that she would spend her days in an art studio making blank canvases come to life. George Kakales, once a shepherd in the mountains of Greece, left the old country with his wi

Congratulations to Birdy, a friendly dog who found her forever home after losing her original owners. Name: Birdy Owner: Ella Smith Breed: Cocker Spaniel / King Charles Spaniel Age: 2 (turning 3 Dec. 23) About Birdy: Birdy was 8 months old when Ella adopted her after her original owners died. She ended up at the vet hospital where Ella works and eventually became Ella’s. She started with the name Harley, but it didn’t quite fit, and she quickly became Birdy, short for “Bird B

Sara Ann Brown — Boys & Girls Clubs of North Mississippi Sara Ann Brown is the new chief executive officer of Boys & Girls Clubs of North Mississippi. She brings more than 22 years of leadership experience across the military, government and private sectors, with a career dedicated to developing people, strengthening organizations and creating lasting impact. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband, Jeff, whether camping, fishing or enjoying the outdoors wi

Blooms of Grace is a Tupelo flower ministry responsible for gathering flowers leftover from weddings and other events and rearranging them into bedside bouquets for patients in hospice care. Tina Barber started the organization in 2012 with help from her children. Q: What are some ways your ministry has changed or evolved since you started? A: I began Blooms of Grace 14 years ago to teach my children about service and compassion. My tiny helping hands were 6 and 8 years old,

For the fourth consecutive year, the Ford Center will play host to Oxford’s community musical, a community-led production that takes place one weekend in June. Joe Jackson, who has been part of the show each year, is director and choreographer for this year’s show, “State Fair,” which takes place June 26 and 27. Tickets are available at olemiss.edu/fordcenter. Q: What makes the community musical special and different from other performances at the Ford Center? A: The commun

A bespoke clothier in Oxford hits it big around the country. Written by Eugene Stockstill | Photos by Joe Worthem The burgeoning Oxford clothier Blue Thread Project wants you to know that you don’t have to settle for something off the rack when you buy your next suit. “I love being able to make people feel confident in their clothes,” said Chandler Rios, chief executive officer of Blue Thread. “That really brings me joy to see someone who has never had a custom suit put that

These sweet and savory snacks are perfect additions to a wedding-day brunch or bridal shower. Recipes by Sarah Godwin | Photographed by Joe Worthem Make a bridal brunch special by serving a few tasty morsels you make yourself. These seasonal recipes, made with simple ingredients and bursting with bright, summery flavors are great options. Add custom cookies and petits fours from your favorite local bakery (like these from Bremma’s Bakery in Oxford) to make your spread complet

A peek inside Elizabeth Howorth’s sewing space. Written by Emily Welly | Photos by Joe Worthem Elizabeth Howorth does her creative projects from a special space in her house that serves as both a practical location to sew and write and as inspiration for her projects. “My secret empire,” Elizabeth laughed. “I call it my office. It’s certainly also my sewing room.” The bright and cheery room, which has about 100 square feet of workspace, was previously a master bathroom (the H

A mother-of-the-bride adds a very special handmade touch to her daughter’s wedding day details. Written by Emily Welly | Photos by Joe Worthem A creative at her core, Elizabeth Howorth has been sewing since her mother taught her when she was about 11 years old. Last fall, she took on one of her biggest and most personal projects yet: the flower girl dresses for her daughter Eliza’s wedding. “I want to do something really unique and special for this event,” Elizabeth recalls t

In Taylor, the Lusco family is carrying forward one of Mississippi’s most storied restaurant traditions. Written by Lena Anderson | Photos by Joe Worthem Some traditions are too meaningful to disappear. They simply find a new place to continue. At Lusco’s in Taylor, a restaurant cherished for generations is welcoming guests again, carrying its history while making room for new memories. Lusco’s, the beloved family-owned restaurant that operated in Greenwood for more than a ce

Fireflies prepare to set the dark hours on fire. Written by Eugene Stockstill | Photo by Sumeet Kulkarni If you’re from the deep South, you probably call them lightning bugs. Others say fireflies. They go by other names, too. Firebugs. Candle flies. Lamp bugs. Whatever you call them, get ready, because their annual light show is just about to start. Fireflies show up at the end of May and show off for just a few weeks, and multiple Mississippi organizations have traditions of

Superior Artisan Wood repurposes downed trees and stands up for the environment. Written by Eugene Stockstill | Photos by Joe Worthem Chad Fletcher and Allen Murphree own and operate Superior Artisan Wood in Lee County, one of the only companies in the state that repurposes urban wood. What exactly is wood repurposing? Well, let’s say your favorite aunt had a gigantic tree fall in her backyard during Winter Storm Fern, but she hates the idea of burning it up or having it haul

A historic College Hill home that’s been in the same family for 90 years has been given new life to accommodate modern living and future generations. Written by Eugene Stockstill | Photos by Joe Worthem FoxShaw, the renovated house in Lafayette County where Leigh Shaw Fox and her husband, Chip, plan to retire one day, has a rich, old history. It was once a part of the old North Mississippi College’s dairy barn, which was located on a site that also included a dormitory, a mul

A creative studio in the woods inspires not only an artist but also her family. Written by Sonia Thompson | Photos by Joe Worthem Driving through the stone-and-iron front gates of Splinter Creek — a community of modern lake houses on County Road 343 — and down a winding gravel path to Sarah Frances Hardy’s studio, the prominent colors on display are blues and greens. The pine trees, the native grasses, the shades of the deepening lake waters all show off the soothing hues of

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo and the start of summer with this Honeydew Margarita, a refreshing twist on a classic cocktail. Recipes and Styling by Sarah Godwin | Photographed by Joe Worthem Honeydew Margarita Variations on classic margaritas are endless. This summery twist adds fresh honeydew juice for a drink that’s vibrant, sweet and refreshing. Fresh lime juice or simple syrup Tajin or salt Ice 2 ounces fresh honeydew juice ½ teaspoon simple syrup 1 ½ ounces tequila 1 ounce

Aimee Nezhukumatathil is an Ole Miss professor and a New York Times bestselling poet. Her latest book is titled “Night Owl.” Interviewed by Eugene Stockstill Q: Talk a little bit about your new book, “Night Owl,” and about how much of your work is inspired by nighttime. A: These poems are all centered around the nighttime. During the day, everything asks to be fixed quickly, answered quickly, and when I became a mom … it pretty much doubled. But at night the demands fade, a

Home & Garden For many years, usually (but not always) in May, we have published a Home & Garden-themed issue. These magazines have featured luxurious homes, quicky cabins and creative renovations. We have visited with local farmers, expert flower growers and many master gardeners. One thing all our Home & Garden stories have in common is the sense of pride they reflect in this place we call home. Here are just a few of our favorites.

Dabney Day is the writer and director of independent film “The Gardener,” which will be screened April 28 in Oxford as part of its national release. Q: “The Gardener” is being screened in Atlanta, Los Angeles, Honolulu and many other cities around the country. Why is it important to you to show this film in Oxford? A: As a Mississippi native — and specifically from Greenville — Oxford has always been one of my go-to places when the senses long for calm in a chaotic world. A s

There’s a movement afoot to put northeast Mississippi on the musical map for its place in the birth of rockabilly music. Written by Eugene Stockstill | Photos by Joe Worthem If you are from northeast Mississippi, rockabilly is your proud birthright. And there’s a movement afoot to make sure you and everyone else knows it. And just what is rockabilly, you might be asking yourself? It’s Johnny Cash preaching “Folsom Prison Blues” to a roomful of rowdy inmates. It’s Elvis Presle

Through quilts, landscapes and experimental projections, artist Coulter Fussell explores memory, material and Mississippi life in her sweeping new exhibition at the Mississippi Museum of Art. Written by Lena Anderson | Photos by joe worthem Water Valley artist Coulter Fussell is the subject of a major new exhibition at the Mississippi Museum of Art this spring, bringing her distinctive textile-based work to a statewide audience. Titled “Coulter Fussell: The Proving Ground,” t

Inspired by the Masters golf tournament, these recipes are sure to please at any springtime gathering. Recipes and Styling by Sarah Godwin | Photographed by Joe Worthem April has arrived, and with it, golf season is officially in swing. Golf leagues at local country clubs and community courses are teeing off for the season. Friends are packing up their clubs and taking off for golf trips to dreamy destinations with pristine fairways and manicured greens. Collegiate players

Memphis native Allyn Fraser is this year’s Double Decker Arts Festival poster artist. Interviewed by Emily Welly | Photos by Madi Aldrich with Kelly Ginn Photography Inspired by her city, her family and the people who love her art, Allyn Fraser creates interesting, colorful canvases, does live portrait work and even has a new mail club. We talked to her about her background and being chosen as this year’s festival poster artist. Q: Did you always know you wanted to be a full-

From the main Nicholas Air stage to Blue Delta Alley, the music will be nonstop at this year’s Double Decker Arts Festival. Artists of all genres will line the streets of Oxford when the Double Decker Arts Festival pops up April 24-25. Meanwhile, the sounds of the festival will be heard from all corners of the Square. Here’s a look at the music planned for this year’s festival. Friday April 24 6 p.m. Penelope Road Five-person band from Atlanta playing ’70s rock, funk and sou

A Tupelo business and a local nonprofit experiment in creative community-building to make the world more beautiful. Written by Eugene Stockstill | Photos by Joe Worthem Ten years ago, Julie West of Tupelo started a business called ReDesigns in her garage after she and two of her daughters witnessed women learning to sew at an African orphanage. That experience provoked her to start up ReDesigns, which turns leftover bits and scraps into art. It’s a process sometimes referred

Now available on the Square and far beyond, hard work, creativity and opportune timing aligned for Wonderbird Spirits’ locally crafted gin to take flight. Written by Emily Welly | Photos by Joe Worthem The craft gin produced by Wonderbird Spirits just got little easier for locals to taste. In December, Wonderbird opened a tasting room on the Square, inside the Lyric in the cozy space that previously housed Bar Muse. The intimate 350-square-foot space is “optimal for a tasting

Throughout the years, our April magazine has almost always been about art, music and — of course — Double Decker. In fact, for many of our 20 years, Invitation Oxford has been the official guide of the Double Decker Arts Festival, running the artwork from the official poster on our April cover and including a complete guide to the festival inside the magazine. We have also written about participating artists, the music lineup, festival food and more. We hope you enjoy looking

A dilapidated former car wash is now a business incubator and vibrant gathering space for the residents of Ripley. Written by Sonia Thompson | Photos by Lauren Lindsey of Lolly Lins Photography Cleaning up spaces that need improving must be ingrained in Elizabeth Behm’s DNA. As a child growing up in Ripley, her father owned the local car wash. “He would let me keep anything I found in the vacuum if I cleaned it out,” Behm said, laughing. So, it’s perhaps not a stretch that i

Tulips and ranunculus come into bloom at Fudgetown Farm, marking a new season on a family farm rooted in Oxford. Written by Lena Anderson | Photos by Joe Worthem The anticipation of spring feels even more palpable this year, with a collective desire to bid farewell to a brutal winter and welcome its warmer, brighter counterpart. Fudgetown Farm is answering the call, as rows of specialty tulips and ranunculus unfurl across the farm’s former pastureland, signaling the return of

Community murals add color and character to downtown New Albany. Written by Eugene Stockstill | Photos by Joe Worthem New Albany has an ongoing art exhibit that’s open 24 hours a day to everybody free of charge. The painting, in fact, is all over the walls. A $100,000 grant from the American Rescue Plan Act recently brought a quintet of artists to “The Fair and Friendly City,” who created murals on the exterior walls of several businesses throughout the downtown area. Visito

Even in the darkest days, north Mississippi friends and neighbors stepped up to bring life back after January’s historic ice storm. Written by Emily Welly | Photos by Joshua Mccoy, City Of Oxford & Joe Worthem The Destruction In the days following Jan. 25, everyone in north Mississippi faced a harsh reality left by Winter Storm Fern. Here are some facts to put the disaster in perspective: 29 deaths in the state More than 180,000 power outages in the state In Oxford, 28,000 wi

Building Community First and foremost, Invitation is a community magazine. Through the years, we have strived to tell stories about the people, places and events that define who we are and to reflect the communities that make up north Mississippi. Here are a few of our favorite issues and feature stories that met that mission.

The head of the Ole Miss women’s basketball program talks sports and life. Written by Eugene Stockstill | Photos Contributed by Ole Miss Athletics In her time at Ole Miss, Coach Yolett Alessia McPhee-McCuin has taken the women’s basketball team to four straight appearances in the NCAA tournament, and, under her leadership, the team has reached the Sweet 16 two times. So, when we interviewed her at the end of last year just before the season started, expectations

Hope and love are brought to life by a trademark mule in a Southern painter’s sought-after artwork. Written by Dawn Denham | Photos by Joe Worthem It’s no wonder I felt as if I knew her before I met her. First there’s the name, “Church Goin Mule,” which I heard whispered all around me at the One Night Stand art show last fall in Oxford. Then, those ladies making a beeline for Mule’s room down the row of bright red doors. They were seeking painter Marshall Page Blevins — now,