my top ten cemeteries!

by Kaylah Stroup
best cemeteries, favorite cemeteries, graveyard

In nearly every aspect of my life I think young Kaylah would approve of how adult Kaylah lives her life. I’ve got a handful of critters that I can’t imagine life without. (I used to wish for kittens while I blew on dandelions. Not that we ever had a shortage of pets!) My hair is always dyed a fun color, and my fashion sense is basically the same albeit a little bit cooler. Long live overalls! There is one thing area where I feel I’d be a let down – Halloween. For the last few years I haven’t even considered dressing up for Halloween. I guess I just don’t see the need. Halloween parties aren’t really my jam so spending the time and money to create something unique just isn’t a priority and I actually feel a little sad about it. I was disappointed to see that Halloween fell on a Monday this year and not the weekend… because that meant I’d have to post something on the big day. I’m sorry I don’t have any ~totally cute last minute costume ideas~ for you to add to your Pinterest board but I do have a list of my top ten cemeteries. Lets be real, that’s way cooler anyway, at least in my book!

I’ve visited numerous cemeteries over the years. I don’t think there has ever been one I didn’t like but some definitely stand out above others. These are in no particular order, except my number one which you will find listed last. A portion are located in Ohio, which should be no surprise since I live here, but the others are all across the US. Below each photo is the name of the cemetery which will link you to the original blog post for more photos!

Rehoboth Mission Cemetery
Rehoboth, New Mexico

Choosing a photo of this cemetery to include in this post was hard. Do I share the view that initially attracted me there? Or do I share one of the many unique memorials found inside? Rehoboth is still and will most likely remain for a very long time one of the most unique places I have ever been. I mean, how often do you see a grave surrounded in hot pink bricks?

Big Springs, West Virginia

While not the most grand cemetery, it was easily one of the most interesting to get to. We had to park in a stranger’s driveway, cross a stream on foot, and then hike up a hill where a bunch of cows were grazing. This is my family cemetery, and looking back at the post I wrote on it I’m kicking myself for not taking more photos. Visiting with my mom and grandpa was a super special experience.

Mt Vernon, Ohio

Old headstones, tons of symbolism, and the grave of two famous sideshow performers – what more could you ask for?

philadelphia
 Laurel Hill Cemetery
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

I could spend days exploring Laurel Hill Cemetery and still feel like it wasn’t enough. 74 acres means there is lots to see. Unique headstones galore! I visited three years ago around this time and can’t express just how beautiful it was. Well worth the drive!

Bennington, Vermont

Fan of Robert Frost? Well this is where he’s buried! While that might be the selling point for most, I was more intrigued by the old stones with strange carvings. This place is packed with history and even has a beautiful old church on the property. Make sure to check out the Walloomsac Inn across the street if you visit!

Savannah, Georgia

To be fair, I don’t actually recall whether the photo above is of Laurel Grove or Bonaventure. Anyone know? I visited both while in Savannah a few years ago, and didn’t keep my photos organized very well. There were a few others as well, and I loved all of them but I was a bit more taken by Laurel Grove. Spanish moss and cemeteries are a match made in heaven! I am dying to get back and see more. (Next month! Ah!)

Columbus, Ohio

Brown Pet Cemetery is the only cemetery that has ever made me cry. The relationships between people and their pets always gets me! Pictured above is my favorite headstone there. In a time when photography wasn’t as prevalent as it is now it’s amazing that someone loved their kitty so much they got glamour shots of her taken.

Cleveland, Ohio

Monroe Street Cemetery is my local cemetery. (Technically it’s not the closest one to my house but that one is all fenced off and trespassing seems out of the question since it’s in the middle of a residential area.) I’ve really come to love this place. I’ve spend countless hours wandering around, and taking photos yet I still manage to find something new each time I visit. If you happen to go, make sure to check out the tiny, old hidden headstones along the fence by the scrapyard. Those are some of my favorites. In the summer they’re nearly hidden by vines.

Danville, Ohio

Workman Cemetery was a random find in the middle of nowhere that ended up being one of my absolute favorites. Old headstones, and overgrown patches – a place after my heart! I honestly still love looking through my photos from this location. The colors and depth of field make it seem like something from a dream world.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Mount Moriah is the cemetery of my dreams. Easily one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been. I can only imagine how awesome it looks this time of the year will fall foliage. I honestly still can’t believe it was real and that within a few days of even knowing it existed that I got explore it. While I certainly hope conditions improve and the volunteers continue to help clean up, I’m super stoked to have been able to see it all overgrown.

So maybe I won’t be dressed up in a fun costume tonight but rest assured I am wearing my skeleton leggings and my dog is in his skeleton costume so maybe young Kaylah would think I was still cool. You know, that and the fact that I have a job where I can make a list of my ten favorite cemeteries!

Do you have a favorite cemetery? Any awesome cemeteries near you I should check out when I eventually make it out your way? I’ve got a running list, always looking to add more!
xoxo

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20 comments

Ariel October 31, 2016 - 3:20 pm

My favorite cemetery is the one that is right next door to my family home. Growing up on that dead end (pun intended) was so special! It is set on a bluff above our river- it's pretty large and you can even see Monticello from there. It has stones dating back to the Revolutionary War days, there's a designated pet area, even a section where many of the stones are engraved in Greek! If you ever happen to be in central VA, you should check out the Riverview Cemetery in Charlottesville for sure. Though clearly I'm biased 😉

Kaylah November 1, 2016 - 9:02 pm

That sounds beautiful! I don't think I've ever seen a Greek stone!

Meg Green October 31, 2016 - 7:47 pm

Love your list! I think you would totally be into Elmwood Cemetery in Memphis, TN! Confederate soldiers, yellow fever epidemics, what's not to love!
bit.ly/2dPABsp

Kaylah November 1, 2016 - 9:04 pm

Oh wow, it looks beautiful. That no man's land headstone is so cool.

Alexandra November 1, 2016 - 3:46 pm

I'd like to go to all of these, please! I've been planning a trip to Mount Moriah forever but it hasn't come together yet. I read somewhere that it was in a sketchy neighborhood – did you get this vibe? I was planning to go by myself but after reading that was scared off a bit 🙁

Kaylah November 1, 2016 - 9:10 pm

Yes/no. I mean, it's not the best neighborhood. I don't think it was necessarily a bad neighborhood though. It just seemed a little worn around the edges, the kind of neighborhood where you don't leave valuables in your car. I didn't see anyone who concerned me though. I'd be comfortable there alone.

I'd say if there were anyone sketchy lurking around they probably wouldn't bother the weirdo hanging out in the cemetery, especially if you're there in the morning or midday. 😛

Alexandra November 2, 2016 - 2:16 pm

Thanks for the intel! Will try to get there asap 🙂

Hannah Peterson November 1, 2016 - 5:26 pm

I'd say this is way better than a last minute cute costume idea. WAY. better. As far as favorite cemeteries, mine can be found in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, especially waaaay up at the tippy top, between Houghton and Copper Harbor. They almost always involve a trek through some woods and iron fencing. Not to mention it's just one of the most beautiful parts of the country.

Kaylah November 1, 2016 - 9:11 pm

Oohh! I enjoy a nice challenge to get to a place! 🙂

Amber Renee November 1, 2016 - 6:43 pm

Fabulous list! The UP has so many over grown cemeteries just I'm the woods. And one with home made grave markers. That one made me cry. A clearly very young child wrote "mommy" with their finger on a tiny piece of wet cement…

Kaylah November 1, 2016 - 9:11 pm

Wow! That's crazy! I'd love to see that.

Kristina Burkey November 1, 2016 - 7:53 pm

Again I say unto you: FOREST HILLS!

Kaylah November 1, 2016 - 9:12 pm

I will make it out there again someday, don't you worry! 😀

Michelle November 3, 2016 - 4:42 pm

I'd add the Sacajawea Cemetery to your to-do list. These days the Chamber of Commerce hands out maps and directions, so it's not as hard to find as it was on our first visit. If you ever make it to Salem, Oregon there's the Pioneer Cemetery on Commercial Street. I can't get over how close it is to a busy road and how peaceful it is once you get into the trees. (Pictures of my last visit at We also liked the Virginia City Cemetery in Nevada.

Jasilyn Albert November 15, 2016 - 5:43 am

I'm so behind on my blog reading. D: I love that you have been to so many cemeteries that you can come up with a top 10. It's really neat to see the different characteristics of each cemetery. I mean, these are all places for the dead yet you managed to capture a different feeling with each of them!

hello haha narf November 30, 2016 - 7:06 pm

there is a little cemetery within a mile of my house. i used to walk my dog the opposite way, but decided to head towards the cemetery and stroll through it, possibly grabbing a few photos of headstones with my trusty beloved phone. as i approached the gate i went to take a picture of the house for sale next door and my phone froze, then rebooted. i slowly walked towards the gate as my phone turned back on. just as ludo and i were about to walk through the gate my phone went solid red and shut down. it wouldn't turn back on. i left. phone finally turned on when i got to my front door. still haven't been back to hollywood cemetery (pittsburgh, pa).

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LisaKnisley May 20, 2020 - 11:37 pm

My husband’s favorite cemetary is the one that’s up a hill down in southern Ohio. It’s on Dry Bone Rd. In Pike county or maybe Ross county. His great grandfather donated the land for a free cemetery and a good deal of the Knisleys are buried there. It’s small and behind a church called New Fain but you better have 4 wheel drive to get straight up that hill. My husband said the old big cadillacs his family drove when he was young couldn’t make it up the hill and they had to walk it. He wants me to bury him there if I can figure out how to do it.

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