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    my top ten cemeteries!

    by Kaylah Stroup October 31, 2016
    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?

     Freed Cemetery
    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.

    Mound View Cemetery
    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!

     Old Bennington Cemetery 
    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!

     Laurel Grove Cemetery
    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!)

    Brown Pet Cemetery
    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.

    Monroe Street Cemetery
    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.

    Workman Cemetery
    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.

     Mount Moriah Cemetery 
    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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  • Unity Brick Church Cemetery

    by Kaylah Stroup October 27, 2016

    For the longest time I’ve been saying “someone should make a cemetery finder app!” It sounds like a super niche product but I know I’m not the only person out there whose idea of a good time is wandering around an old cemetery. Google is obviously a great resource but it has its limits, plus …

    Read more
  • my 8 favorite beauty products!

    by Kaylah Stroup October 26, 2016

    “Beauty blogging” is something I’m always dipping my toes in but can never seem to commit to. I’m a dabbler in make-up. I love to try new things but most doesn’t stick around for too long so I never get around to blogging about it. I’m not incredibly talented and could probably use a few …

    Read more
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I'm Kaylah! Renovating a 150-year-old home in Northeast Ohio. Likely found in my garden.

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THE DAINTY SQUID
  • blog
    • all the posts!
    • stroup mansion
    • some of my favorite posts
    • plants + gardening
    • beauty, fashion + hair
    • reviews
    • window shopping
    • explore everywhere
  • about me
  • contact
  • shop