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Since the decision to leave Oxford became final I’ve begun to appreciate just about everything about it - maybe barring the weather. In the three plus years that we’ve spent here I’ve been able to thoroughly explore this wonderful little city and there are a few places that have become very special to me. So, when Jessie tagged me for a meme my groan was truncated as I saw the title - A Weekend In Your City. I’ve been meaning to do a “Best of Oxford” post, so this meme gave me a timely kick in the rear. I’ve modified it and I won’t tag anyone, but if you happen to find yourself in our lovely city for a weekend, here are my suggestions:

Best Place to Eat: Two places, similar menus. Edamame is near the city center and serves oustanding Japanese cuisine. It’s a tiny little place on Holywell Street and is usually packed to the gills with a line spilling out onto the sidewalk outside. Reasonable for lunch but a bit pricey for dinner. The katsu kare is a must and start off with their signature edamame.

A little further away from the center, out along the Cowley Road is Red Star Noodle Bar. It features similar food - Japanese and Chinese inspired rice and noodle dishes - but is much more affordable. I love the interior as well, it features bench style seating so that you’re often sharing a table with complete strangers - very proletarian. Try the Chili Beef Ramen or Ebi Katsu Bento.

Best Place to Stay: With us if you get here in the next few weeks. Actually, I don’t know. I’ve stayed at the guest rooms of my boss’s college and potentially the worst B&B in Britain, so I’ve got no great insight here I’m afraid.

Best Shopping Mall: Dr. O’C is better equipped to answer this question, being the family shopaholic. One of the things I like best about Britain is that it is not (yet) littered with concrete mall monstrosities. The main shopping district in Oxford is in the city center along Cornmarket, George and Queen Streets - which are littered with the chain shops that you can find in any town center in Britain. For something a bit more original, try the Covered Market, which is also an Oxford landmark. One of my favorite shopping districts is along the Cowley Road which is full of charity shops (cheap books, CDs and DVDs) and funky Asian grocers.

Best Landmark/Tourist Attraction: There are really too many to talk about. Tour at least one of the colleges - Christ Church and Magdalen are the most popular, and rightly so. But if you can get into Worcester College, they have some of the nicest grounds of any of them. Make your way up to Jericho and take a walk through Port Meadow, a wonderful way to spend part of a sunny day. Bring a picnic. The Ashmolean Museum, Radcliffe Camera and Bodleian Library are all good sights to see. It’s worth noting that entrance to any of the University buildings is limited during the academic term, so if you can sneak in between terms you’ll see much more.

If you’re up for a walk, take the Thames Path down from the city center toward Iffley. At Iffley lock is a nice old pub called the Isis that, if open, is a good place for lunch. Follow the path into Iffley village and you’ll be in our neck of the woods. There are some great old houses - including a couple with thatched roofs. Iffley Church and the graveyard surrounding it is one of my favorite places to ramble about. There is a good restaurant at the Tree Hotel in the village serving Indian, Thai and English food at an unfortunately steep price.

Entertaining the Kids: Well, mine is a bit young yet to ask. But, if I were a child, and I have been accused of having the maturity level of a child, I would be able to spend at least half a day at the University Museum. It is my favorite place in Oxford bar none, and they have special activities and scavenger hunts for the kiddies. The adjacent Pitt Rivers museum is a living testament to centuries of British plunder. Check out the bees and the shrunken heads.

Breathtaking Views: Oxford is surrounded by hills but most of them are built up on the city facing sides. Probably the best views that you would be able to see as a tourist would be from one of the towers. Carfax Tower is at the intersection of St. Aldate’s, Cornmarket Street, Queen Street and the High Street and affords stunning views of Oxford’s dreaming spires. For a broader perspective, the top of Shotover Hill offers great views of Oxford from the east (including the lovely Didcot Power Station).

Popular Outdoor Activity: Punting. Punting sucks, but is a must in Oxford. The best way to see the underbelly of the city is along the Thames and Cherwell Rivers. During the summer months you will see hordes of punts slowly struggling around the Oxford waterways. The problem, and source of their suckiness, is that they are nearly impossible to steer and propel. A hint - rent a canoe instead. Same view, easier going.

Best Place to Immerse Yourself with the Natives: The Brits are notoriously stand-offish, so the best time to make contact is when they’ve had a drink or two. Oxford is full of pubs and some of the best to find townies are the Turf, Lamb and Flag or The Royal Oak all of which are near the city center. If you’re not much for the pub scene, try Freud on Walton Street or The Magic Cafe off the Cowley Road. If you really want to get to know an Englishman and you’re in Oxford in the summer, try asking them to explain the rules of cricket - you’ll be in for a long conversation. There are usually matches on in the University Parks - another good way to while away a sunny afternoon.

Best Websites for What’s Happening in Oxford: Well, besides this one Daily Info has tons of information and is great for locals and tourists alike. Schmap has a great online map, which includes a photo by your underwhelming narrator. Hell, if you make it here in the next five weeks, I’ll give you a guided tour.

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