Cemeteries are an unexpected way to experience a new place. It may sound strange, but hear me out. They’re often meticulously maintained, offer beautiful walking paths, and provide insight into local history. With that in mind, here are a few of the most interesting cemeteries to visit in the United States.
Cities of the Dead—New Orleans
The Big Easy (New Orleans) is filled with iconic places of rest, and the city’s above-ground tombs are stuff of legend. Both beautiful and haunting, a stroll through a NOLA cemetery is something you won’t soon forget. If you’re staying in the French Quarter, is an easy walk. It’s the oldest cemetery in town (dating back to 1789), and allegedly houses the remains of voodoo queen Marie Laveau. You have to check out the pure white pyramid that actor Nicolas Cage erected for himself.You can check off a few boxes visiting this historic . Since it’s located in the Garden District, you can take the St. Charles Streetcar from the French Quarter for a city tour. Take your time wandering through this non-denominational, non-segregated cemetery from 1833. Fun fact: Horror writer Anne Rice used to live around the corner, and drew inspiration for the Mayfair Witches and Lestat the vampire’s tombs.After, grab lunch at the historic —it’s just kitty corner (or is it katty corner? Guess that depends on where you’re from!). Open since 1880, this is the place where fancy people enjoy turtle soup, shrimp and tasso henican (wild Louisiana white shrimp with tasso ham, pickled okra, five-pepper jelly and Crystal hot sauce beurre blanc), gumbo and fresh Gulf fish. Don’t come dressed like a schlub—the dress code prohibits shorts, flip-flops, t-shirts, sweatshirts, sweatpants and ripped jeans. That sounds so southern, doesn’t it?