Some Sundays are meant for slowing down, reflecting, and creating memories. This past weekend, our June Women’s Group meetup took us somewhere I never imagined I would spend a Sunday afternoon—Oakland Cemetery in Atlanta.
When I first started planning the outing, my initial thought was, “Who wants to go to a cemetery?” But after hearing so many great reviews, my friend Tavi and I decided to give it a chance. Sometimes the best adventures are the ones that take you outside of your comfort zone.
We signed up for the Margaret Mitchell Tour, and it turned out to be an incredible experience. I walked away learning so much more about the legendary author of Gone with the Wind and her connection to Atlanta’s history. One thing I didn’t expect? The Georgia humidity! It was definitely doing its thing, but thankfully much of the tour was shaded, and the staff even handed out small fans to everyone. Those little fans became everyone’s best friend during the tour!
The tour also gave us a deeper appreciation for Margaret Mitchell, one of Atlanta’s most celebrated authors. Born in Atlanta in 1900, Mitchell spent much of her life observing the city’s culture and listening to stories about the Civil War and Reconstruction from relatives and neighbors. Those stories later inspired her to write Gone with the Wind, the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel published in 1936. The book became one of the best-selling novels in American history and was later adapted into the Academy Award-winning film. Although Mitchell wrote only one novel, her work left a lasting impact on American literature and helped bring worldwide attention to Atlanta’s history.During the tour, it was fascinating to learn more about her life, her connection to the city, and how the people and places around her influenced one of the most famous novels ever written.
Founded in 1850, Oakland Cemetery is Atlanta’s oldest public cemetery and serves as the final resting place for more than 70,000 people, including mayors, governors, soldiers, entrepreneurs, artists, and many of the city’s most influential citizens. It is much more than a cemetery—it’s an outdoor museum and one of Atlanta’s most treasured historic landmarks. Walking through the beautifully landscaped grounds, surrounded by Victorian monuments and centuries of history, gave me a new appreciation for the stories that helped shape the city
One of the best parts of the day was sharing the experience with my friend, Tavi. I want to give her a special shout-out for always being such an amazing friend, supporter, and someone who’s always ready to get out, explore, and simply enjoy life. Everyone needs people in their corner who say “yes” to making memories, and I’m grateful she’s one of those people. Great conversations, great laughs, and always great vibes.
After spending the afternoon surrounded by history, it only seemed fitting to continue the theme.
Our next stop?
Six Feet Under.
Yes…after visiting a cemetery, we went to a restaurant called Six Feet Under! The timing couldn’t have been more perfect.
Located just across from Oakland Cemetery, Six Feet Under has become one of Atlanta’s favorite seafood restaurants since opening in 2002. Known for its laid-back atmosphere, fresh seafood, rooftop seating, and unique location overlooking historic Oakland Cemetery, it’s one of those places that gives you a true Atlanta experience.
Although we’ve eaten there before, this visit was different because we both decided to step outside our comfort zones and order something new from the menu. I’m so glad we did! The food was absolutely delicious, the customer service was excellent, and as always, the conversations around the table were even better.
Sometimes it isn’t just about where you go—it’s about who you’re with.
As we wrapped up the afternoon, I headed home feeling refreshed. It was Sunday, so I turned on some gospel music during the drive, allowing the messages of faith, hope, and gratitude to fill the car. After a day spent learning about history, appreciating friendship, enjoying good food, and simply being present, I couldn’t help but smile.
Life doesn’t always require extravagant vacations or expensive experiences. Sometimes all it takes is saying yes to something different, learning something new, sharing laughter with a good friend, and appreciating the city that’s right in your own backyard.
Atlanta continues to surprise me with its rich history, hidden stories, and unforgettable places.
Before I go…you know Mondays are usually reserved for my movie reviews!
Since this week’s adventure was all about learning the history of Margaret Mitchell, I’m switching things up just a little. My Monday movie recommendation is Gone with the Wind, the classic film based on Margaret Mitchell’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel. Whether you’ve seen it before or it’s your first time watching, it’s a piece of cinematic history that connects beautifully with everything we learned during the tour at Oakland Cemetery.
And if you’re a fellow book lover like me, I also encourage you to read Margaret Mitchell’s novel, Gone with the Wind. It’s fascinating to experience the story through both the pages of the book and the legendary film.
As always, thank you for joining me on another Cece in the City adventure. Until next time, keep exploring, keep learning, and never stop making memories.
Click link to check out book
Click link to check out the Oakland Cemetery
