Greatest Graveyards for Halloween

Appealing to my darker side, whenever I go to a new city, I typically seek out an old cemetery or two. I love the artistry of the historic headstones; mixed with the ravages of time, they provide a means of storytelling for the ages. The first two shots here are from the Granary Burying Ground in Boston. Skulls were a typical design element for tombstones.



From Kings Chapel Burying Ground, also in Boston:



Hollywood Forever may not compare in age to Boston, but it definitely controls the market on kitsch. Where else could you have a Lady in Black who delivers roses to an idol she has never met? Such is the power of silent screen star Rudolph Valentino who died all too young in 1926.



Once known as Calvary Cemetery, Pioneer Park in San Diego still has all the dead bodies buried below the ground...but all the headstones removed and dumped in a ravine, save for a handful that were deemed important by the City back in the 1970s. The select few were moved to the back of the park and re-installed so as to have more space for the park itself. Can you say Poltergeist?



Springwood Cemetery in Greenville was a cool discovery for me; you just never know what creepy or sad little figures you’ll see on a headstone.



Old Santa Rosa Chapel is another favorite; small, quaint, peaceful, and rich with history.



St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 in New Orleans has the future resting place of Nicolas Cage:



Most know about Bonaventure Cemetery in Savannah; Laurel Grove is its lesser known counterpart:





I hope you all have a fun (yet safe!) Halloween!

See more Graveyard photos at my main website.

Savannah: An Architectural Feast

One of the things I most admire about Savannah is its architecture. Successfully (for the most part!) blending a myriad of styles, it really is a feast for the eyes. These two overhead shots were taken by going to the top of a few parking garages in town.



This one feels like Key West.



I love the rowhouses; how cool it would be to live in one of these grand old homes.



SCAD gets much credit for saving/rehabbing many of the old buildings in Savannah that most likely would have been victims of the wrecking ball.















The Davenport House: the one that is credited with beginning the movement for historic preservation in Savannah. Thanks, Isaiah!







Even the cemeteries have cool "buildings" and architectural details:





Going inside the buildings can be just as fascinating. Here's the Chamber/Visit Savannah Building:



Inside is this impressive bank vault, which shows the creativity of re-purposing beautiful old buildings.





Thanks for humoring my fascination with this beautiful city.

See more Savannah, Georgia photos on my Savannah web pages.

Savannah Rock 'N Roll Excursion, Pt. 4

Another early a.m. in Savannah with my camera, spent mainly in Forsyth Park. What a beautiful way to start the day; huge old trees, pedestrian friendly paths, a welcoming fountain, and historic statues.







I had a few destinations for the day that weren't really within walking distance, so The Perry Rubber Bike Shop was the perfect place to rent bikes to get to where I needed to go.





AND they had a cool historic tile floor to marvel over while the paperwork was getting done!



First stop: Laurel Grove Cemetery. I'd been wanting to visit for the last few years, but because it's on the outskirts of town, had never quite made it.





This face is so haunting.







James Pierpont, the composer of "Jingle Bells" is one of the more distinguished residents of Laurel Grove.



Took a break for lunch and ventured back to Clary's.



An olive burger hit the spot and I was ready for more biking!



Drove the bike out to Bonaventure Cemetery, which is one of my favorite spots in Savannah. That may sound creepy because it's where the dead "live," but if you've ever been there, you'll know what I'm talking about.



Nothing like a little Faux-D© to make you feel like you are there:



The beautiful oak trees, the graceful Spanish Moss, the statuary...



absolutely gorgeous. The cobweb was the perfect bonus to this shot. It was as if the statue was sleeping, waiting to be awakened.



The blank eyes are like something out of the Twilight Zone.



The little cherubs are a reminder that infant death was an all too real (and often) occurrence back in the day.



One of the most touching graves/statues is that of Little Gracie, the beloved daughter of a local hotel manager. She is also one of the most popular spots in Bonaventure, earning signage that assists inquisitive visitors in finding her.





The Old Candler Hospital looks horrible during the day, but at night, it has a "Great Expectations" decayed glamour. There's something appealing to me about historic buildings just before they have been restored; once the restoration occurs, they seem to lose the old ghosts and tangible history. I'm all for restoration and preservation, but too often buildings become so "clean" and spic and span that they no longer retain their original character. Just sayin'...





The Mansion on Forsyth was the setting for drinks and appetizers; my good friend Mary (a local concierge) joined us for the evening.



The Mansion is HUGE!! Set inside a historic gothic architectural wonder, it has been given a glitzy Las Vegas-style makeover.



The bar is called 700 Drayton, named after its street address, which should make it easier for visitors to find!





Lots of "art" crammed inside (quotes intentional):



Plenty of comfortable seating:





and very tasty appetizers.





Still, it strayed a little too far from the style of historic Savannah to make it a regular stop on my annual trip. Dinner (as if appetizers would have been enough!) was at Local 11 Ten Restaurant on (you guessed it) 1110 Bull Street.



Hip and trendy, it was also very dark and quiet. Emphasizing local, fresh, and "intelligent" cuisine, something seemed a bit depressing about this place. The servers seemed devoid of personality, and it almost felt like conversation should be kept to a whisper.



I very much enjoyed my meal, but can't say I'd rush back. Although called "Local," very little of it evoked Savannah's historic charm.



Oh yes...there will be more; tomorrow is the big finish!

See more Savannah photos on my Savannah web pages.