Top 5 Reasons to Visit
Historic Oakland Cemetery this Fall

When the weather starts to cool down, which could be a while from now in Atlanta, I’m always looking for new, outdoor fall activities and places to visit. I always make a few day trips up to the North Georgia mountains to see the leaves change, try some of the vineyards’ offerings, and pick apples. As for locations in the Atlanta area, I have a great idea for you! If you haven’t been to Historic Oakland Cemetery, take a weekend morning this fall to walk along the 48 acres of Victorian gardens and statues with a cup of coffee in hand. It’s a peaceful refuge in the busy city, and a perfect addition to any “staycation!” Here are the Top 5 reasons you should check it out.

It’s FREE!

With all of the things to do in the fall that cost money – weekends in the mountains, football, apple picking, pumpkin picking, and drinking as much cider as possible, a free place to spend your time is a great find!

It’s a calm green space in the heart of the city!

While everyone else is headed to Piedmont Park and the Beltline, Historic Oakland Cemetery is never crowded. Take a picnic or jog along the paths, stopping to check out the dates and names on the headstones. With 48 acres of gardens, green space, and benches, you’re sure to find a serene spot all to yourself.

Walk through Atlanta’s fascinating history!

Oakland Cemetery was started in 1850, and during the war, land was added to bury soldiers who died in local hospitals. It was designated a rural garden cemetery, and families often took carriage rides and picnics when tending to the graves of their loved ones in the late 19th century. Keeping with the garden theme, Oakland was also home to Atlanta’s first greenhouse, which was built in 1870.

Margaret Mitchell, author of Gone with the Wind, is buried here.

There are numerous famous Atlantans buried here, including Margaret Mitchell, Bobby Jones, Maynard Jackson, and Ivan Allen Jr. There are signs along the walkways pointing you to historic graves, and you can also take a guided tour to learn more about those buried here and how they shaped the city of Atlanta to what it is now.

It’s a tradition for golfers to leave a golf ball on Bobby Jones’ grave.

Check out the neighborhood restaurants!

Grab coffee at Octane Coffee Bar across the street before your walk through the gardens, or plan for brunch at Ria’s Bluebird; both are local favorites. Bars like Six Feet Under and The Republic Social House have great views from their rooftop patios, and Mi Barrio serves up some wonderful Mexican food. If you don’t live in the Grant Park area, this is a great chance to try some new restaurants.

Sipping tea in Historic Oakland Cemetery on a beautiful October morning

Take a Halloween tour!

Speaking of guided tours, the Spirit of Oakland Halloween Tour is an exciting annual event at the end of October. Docents in Victorian costumes guide you through the cemetery. Tickets sell out fast, and you can buy them here.

Have you been to Atlanta’s Historic Oakland Cemetery, or do you have a similar historic cemetery in your city that has become a wonderful park to explore? Tell us about it in the comments!

Meagan Martz at A Friend Afar

Meagan grew up in the North Georgia Mountains and spent her first trip abroad in Italy. She’s been traveling all over the world ever since, learning Spanish, Japanese, and Thai. She travels for the food, the culture, and the history.