In Defence of Walking Around Cemeteries

            Spooky? Yes. Morbid? Perhaps. Bad idea? Hell no. Some may consider cemeteries to be dark and spooky places, and not the right place for a casual walk- but please take time to reconsider the humble cemetery as a destination. While the local parks may be loud, crowded, full of screaming children and piles of smelly dog shit left by inconsiderate jerks- the local cemetery is peaceful, and quiet. Most of the cemeteries in the Saratoga Springs area are also designated historical landmarks and are kept clean by staff who would probably like being acknowledged for their hard work.

           For those who have trouble walking on uneven ground, most cemeteries have narrow gravel roads, which make it easy to walk around much like the paths in the park. In addition, it is quiet and serene. You're probably not going to hear children throwing temper tantrums, or hear homeless people panhandle for change. Most cemeteries are regularly maintained by caretakers and have landscaping. Many historical cemeteries have large monuments and mausoleums. Many larger cemeteries in america were made with the idea of the area being visually appealing, much like a park or even an outdoor museum.

            Most of these are very well made and preserved, and have interesting features and architecture. A lot of artisans really put in their time into making these headstones. Many of the older ones have hand carved features that were painstakingly made by hand, while newer headstones have incredibly detailed laser engravings done. In both cases, families put in much love and money into creating these memorials for their loved ones. Some may consider it creepy, but I think it is nice to appreciate the love and the hard work that goes into creating and maintaining these memorials. It is not only a show of artistic skill, but a display of the love that families and friends have for each other that continues even after someone has died.

        The clean landscaping allows you to walk in a place that is serene and quiet. Most cemeteries, prohibit the bringing of dogs on the premises, which means- no piles of dog shit! I can't tell you how many times I have screamed out profanity, discovering that my nice boots were covered in dog shit, because of some idiotic jackass who thinks they're too good to clean up after their dog. In the park, on the side walks, into front of businesses, it's a literal plague in downtown Saratoga. It is a true testament ot the saying: "money can't buy class". Thankfully, the entitled uppercrust of Saratoga have yet to start bringing their vermin to the cemeteries. So try walking around some cemeteries. You might find that you like it.

More reading:

Saratoga Springs Public Library
(The saratoga springs public library has a huge breadth of information to share. Many people who are into genealogy use the saratoga room as a resource to find cemeteries and information on where distance family members are buried.)

Gravesite Symbolism
(A bit of historical knowledge about the work and symbolism that goes into the creation of headstones and monuments.)

Find a Grave

(This website is run by user submissions and is organized by location. They have most of the historical cemeteries in Saratoga submitted to their site. There is no verification for information on most of this website, so please tread cautiously when researching. Always double check with alternative sources.)

Everyday Goth Guide to Cemetery Etiquette. 

(Please use common sense in addition to these guidelines. If you have questions, just look up the cemetery before visiting and pay attention to the rules of the area.)