Folks living in Oxford know that the downtown Square is a special place and the heart and soul of Oxford and now the rest of the country knows too.

Oxford was named the second best Public Square in the United States by the 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards from USA Today.

Last week, USA Today announced that Oxford secured the No. 1 spot as the “Best Small College Town” and the No. 4 spot as the “Best Small Town Food Scene.”

Oxford was one of 10 public squares nominated by an expert panel and then voted on by USA Today readers. Voters chose the best squares based on aesthetics as well as historical significance and communal importance, according to USA Today.

On the Best10 list website, Oxford Square is described as having “well-preserved architecture, and it hosts diverse boutiques, art galleries, and local shops, including the oldest department store in the South, and is renowned for its dining options from down-home Southern cooking to haute cuisine. The Square is also a cultural hub, hosting special events and festivals.”

Campus Martius Park in Detroit, Michigan took the No. 1 spot.