When I first visited Atlanta I didn't think there was much of a chance of moving here. It just didn't seem like "home." That is until I visited the Oakland Cemetery. I am a bit morbid, as most of you reading this might know, but I don't like cemeteries for any morbid reasons. They're just peaceful, and some are filled with great art or interesting monuments.
Oakland Cemetery is located in either the downtown area, the Grant Park area, or East Atlanta, depending on who you talk to. I just say it's on Memorial and Boulevard.
It's not a huge cemetery (especially for anyone who has visited Arlington Nat'l), but it could still take up a few hours of your time walking around. If you're in Atlanta for the wedding, be sure to bring plenty of water because it will most likely be humid and hot. Take your time and find Margaret Mitchell's (hint: she doesn't use that name), Bobby Jones's (famous golfer; bring a golf ball to leave on his grave if you golf), and Maynard Jackson's (Atlanta's first black mayor) graves. Take a guided tour to learn more about the history. Be sure to visit the gift shop (the bathroom sometimes works, and they sell water/soda) and say hello and thank whoever is working.
As you're walking around you might notice some trees uprooted or some monuments toppled, etc. There was a tornado in Feb. 2008 and they're still working to restore everything they can. So if you can manage it donate some money to help them out.
Walk around and look at all the cool mausoleums and statues, find the Confederate soldier's graves, the "Sleeping-or-dead Lion" and the Jewish section. Look at all the great trees, plants, and flowers. Watch the MARTA (Atlanta's "mass transit" -- MARTA is Smarta) trains pass by, and take pictures of the awesome Atlanta skyline.
Parking can be tricky, but if you drive to Oakland Ave. there is a little unpaved parking lot, and some parking on the street. Just be sure to hide all valuables and lock your car up tight. It's best to take MARTA, because the King Memorial Station is right there.
I love cemeteries too, very much actually. I just went to a "new" one with my friend Ruth last week. It is tiny, located on Lavista Rd., near the intersection of Frazier and Lavista..there are even headstones/footstones of unidentified Civil War soldiers in the center, accompanied by a huge oak tree. It is easy to miss. Is Oakland the oldest cemetery in ATL? I know there is one with graves from the 1700's, I just forgot which one. I still have never been to Oakland! If you and Alyssa still have not been to the cemetery on Church St. in Decatur, it is a really fun one to visit. Ooohh, how I love cemeteries. I also went to one in Canton recently, with Staci. ;o)
ReplyDeleteGlad you posted this, Randall! Can't wait till September.
Kensey