Join us as we travel 59 miles east across the northern part of Mississippi along U.S. Highway 278, from the university town of Oxford to the music-rich city of Tupelo. This drive offers more than just a connection between two notable towns—it’s a well-maintained, four-lane corridor that cuts through scenic woodlands, rolling hills, and small-town charm, with a few places worth pulling off for a closer look.
Our journey begins just west of Oxford at the junction with the unsigned Mississippi Highway 315, not far from Sardis Lake. From there, we hop on U.S. 278 as it travels east into Oxford. Instead of going through the heart of the city, 278 acts as a southern bypass—allowing us to skirt around the bustling university town. But don’t let that stop you from making a detour into Oxford itself. Home to the University of Mississippi (better known as Ole Miss), the city boasts a rich literary legacy thanks to William Faulkner, whose home, Rowan Oak, is now a museum. The downtown square is packed with shops, cafes, and music venues that make for a lively stop before continuing the drive.
As we continue eastbound past Oxford, U.S. 278 intersects with Mississippi Highway 7 at a major interchange before turning southeast. The landscape begins to shift here—still wooded, but more rural and tranquil as we move past Thaxton. A few miles later, we cross MS-336, a smaller connector route that leads to more hidden corners of Pontotoc County.
Approaching Pontotoc, the highway sweeps around the northern edge of town in a well-constructed expressway alignment. This area features interchanges with Mississippi Highways 15 and 9, making it easy to access the town center. If you’re up for a quick detour, Pontotoc offers a glimpse of small-town Mississippi charm, with historic buildings, a quaint courthouse square, and nearby hiking and picnic opportunities in the Pontotoc Ridge area.
Leaving Pontotoc behind, U.S. 278 bends even more southeast, running just southwest of Trace State Park—a great spot if you’re looking for a break in nature. The park has trails, a lake for paddling or fishing, and peaceful wooded areas for picnicking or camping.
From here, the route begins to straighten as it approaches Tupelo, birthplace of Elvis Presley and a regional hub for northeastern Mississippi. Before entering the city proper, U.S. 278 intersects with the Natchez Trace Parkway, a scenic byway that traces a historic Native American and pioneer trail. The Parkway is a worthy adventure in its own right, offering gentle curves and peaceful views through some of Mississippi’s most beautiful hardwood forestland.
Our drive ends at this interchange, just south of downtown Tupelo. But if you’ve got time, consider heading into town to visit the Elvis Presley Birthplace and Museum, take a walk through Fairpark, or explore the vibrant downtown area, which has grown into a center for dining and culture in recent years.
🎵 Music: Track List
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