A trip to Savannah can't be completed without a visit to Bonaventure cemetery, one of the most haunted areas in Savanah, about 10-15 minute drive from historical district. This cemetery is also famous from the book and movie Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. The cemetery provides a tour, $30 per person. You can also do your own tour. We did not take the tour due to crunching in time. We downloade a map from the Bonaventure historical society and drove through the cemetery. We stopped at the interested area and walked around to visit famous tombs. There are many symbols and beautiful statues carved by a famous sculptor, John Walz. The most famous grave is Gracie, in section D, who belonged to little Gracie, who died in 1889 at age 6 from pneumonia. Other tombs like Hershbach angel in as well as Taliaffero in section D. Section H and F also have amny beautiful statues. read more

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Dawn was fabulous. Great tour guide hitting the highlights for a 2 hour walking tour. Looking out for our stepping on live oak roots as well. She even sang a tribute. Ty read more

Bonaventure Cemetery Tours - John Mercer. Song writer singer capital records. - Historical Tours Near Me - Savannah, Georgia

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Had a great tour and learned a lot about the history of the symbolism on grave markers. Good group size and you're able to hear everything that was presented! read more

I recently took the Bonaventure cemetery tour and I highly recommend it. I learned a great deal and the actual setting the river is quite beautiful. Our tour guide Steven was very informative and personable. Your could ask him anything and he always took the time to answer in a detailed way. When you are in Savannah I am sure you will be happy to explore the cemetery with this tour guide. read more

This was a a amazing experience through the beautiful cemetery of bona venture. I forget are tour guides name but he was very good. he kept us entertained, had good story's, and overall amazing. It is also an amazing sight all over the cemetery and if you are stopping by savannah i highly recommend stopping by. read more

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We decided to schedule this tour very last minute. We scheduled a 10am walking tour. Our guide was Dawn of Savannah's Dead. She was so wonderful! We were fortunate to only have 1 other couple on our tour and so it was very private. She had such great energy and knowledge. She even sang to us at Mercier's grace plot! This tour is 2 hours of walking. They provided hand fans at the beginning of the tour. Their shop and bathroom is decked out in ghost stuff and that may be because we are approaching Halloween season. Or because it's a cemetery tour. I highly recommend booking this. We paid $23 per person with the military discount. We learned a lot and really enjoyed our time. read more

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Absolutely amazing! I learned so much and had a great time! Our tour guide was awesome! Highly recommend. read more

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This was an awesome tour of the Bonaventure Cemetery. Don did a great job of painting the picture of how people lived during different times from when cemetery was a plantation to when it was turned into the cemetery. He really knows his stuff without question. For me it was interesting to hear about founders of Savannah, see where they lived from other tours, then see where they were laid to rest. It didn't surprise me to hear that people get married in the cemetery. The oak trees with moss hanging were so beautiful. It wasn't the season for the flower buds on the trees and brush when I went, however Don showed us pictures of how that would look. Graveyards can be scary for some but I enjoyed walking through and seeing the different headstones and family plots. I definitely think this I is worth checking out. Either do this first or do after a tour of downtown. read more

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Our guide Steven was fantastic! Very engaging with our group as well as knowledgeable and a great way of presenting the info. We did a 2 hour tour and I would have happily spent 2 more hours listening to Steven's great history , stories, and insight. Great classic Savannah experience! read more

We were in Savannah in late October and booked a Bonaventure Cemetery Tour for one of the mornings. The meeting location was very easy to find, there was plenty of parking and inside the office/gift shop there were several bathrooms for people on the tours. Just before the start time, we were all met outside by 'Dawn of Savannah's Dead,' who would be our guide. We were all checked in and asked to share where we were from. With a brief intro and safety information about the short walk to the cemetery, we were off. The pace of the tour, even with a group of maybe 25 was nice, not too rushed, enough time to take some photos, but also not too slow. It was very clear from the onset that Dawn knows Savannah and Bonaventure. She was incredible with sharing information about the property's history, the cemetery and notable figured buried there. But, she also shared some interesting information on funeral iconography and what many of the grave decorations, and statues represent. Where Dawn really excels is in her storytelling - she knows about the people who make the cemetery famous. From the family who owned the plantation to the founding fathers of Savannah and other notables buried on the property. It was informative, interesting, and well worth the price! Two side notes, not necessarily related to the tour - Bring some bug spray as you're right off the river and can get buggy. Additionally, if your schedule allows spending some time in the cemetery after their tour. They cover a TON in two hours but we really enjoyed wandering a bit more on our own afterward. read more

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The cemetery was very interesting. Our guide was very knowledgeable and friendly. I would recommend this place read more

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I toured this beautiful & somewhat live oak Spanish moss lined southern gothic cemetery with "Dawn of the dead of Savannah". She was awesome & didn't spare any details. Not only was she informative about religious art/preparation of Victorian era bodies for death but she told of Savannah's richly intimate society as well. I could have done an 8 hour tour with her! Take this tour & thank me later read more

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What a great time with our tour leader Dawn of Savannah Dead. She took us all across the cemetery telling us stories of Savannah families. The scandals the love stories how the southerners won't let their graves face the north. I recommend this tour with Dawn. We learned so much in two short hours. read more

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Booked this tour for Sunday of Labor Day weekend. Tour group was small, maybe 20 guests, and our tour guide was the infamous Dawn of the Savannah Dead. If you are lucky she will even sing you a little song! Highly recommend this tour company. read more

Bonaventure Cemetery Tours - Historical Tours Near Me - Savannah, Georgia

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A "Must-Do" On Your Trip To Savannah! https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/bonaventure-cemetery-tours-savannah-4?select=mIOgvnsfrROcNqvlbsOBZw SITREP Your trip to Savannah will be missing one of the BEST stops you could possibly make if you don't go to Bonaventure Cemetery ("Bonaventure"), actually in the TOP 10 LIST for most beautiful cemeteries in the world. https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/bonaventure-cemetery-tours-savannah-4?select=r17MwilsXo0WFGpH6t7nfQ&userid=3mNz5nQFTIBQm0oU5mBR0w THE SETUP I met up with a wonderful group of friends for an active itinerary of events during a weekend in Savannah, and this tour was definitely one of the highlights of the entire weekend. THE BEAUTY As the locals proudly share, Bonaventure Cemetery is hauntingly beautiful and is quintessentially Southern Gothic. https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/bonaventure-cemetery-tours-savannah-4?select=_nOL8NSi3K_gOcbY9psM0Q&userid=3mNz5nQFTIBQm0oU5mBR0w Over the better part of two (2) centuries, Bonaventure has captured the imaginations of writers, poets, naturalists, photographers, and filmmakers, and is visually stunning because it is: = part natural cathedral https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/bonaventure-cemetery-tours-savannah-4?select=3_q6lQo-TaBQ0ip5FcrmYA&userid=3mNz5nQFTIBQm0oU5mBR0w = part sculptural garden https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/bonaventure-cemetery-tours-savannah-4?select=GQMXZizz33khJKMxL1t5DA&userid=3mNz5nQFTIBQm0oU5mBR0w = but with a reverence for even the more distant past into the lands of the Pharaohs far far way... https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/bonaventure-cemetery-tours-savannah-4?select=US1k52CrPKMHC0IZxglfCw&userid=3mNz5nQFTIBQm0oU5mBR0w These all allow you moments to transcend time to an earlier era in The South. THE LOWDOWN A must-stop on your trip to Savannah. read more

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Beautiful cemetery with so much history. It's like being at a museum. Bonaventure Cemetery has some of the most intricate headstones I've ever seen. Definitely worth checking out. read more

A time travel experience of history and beauty. This is the place to venture. I went twice while in Savannah.

This historical cemetery tour with Mrs. Dawn was splendid!! She did an amazing job and very knowledgeable. I highly recommend booking with her! The gift shop worker was not very nice so don't judge it off of her, ha. They are not exaggerating about the bugs!! They are HORRIBLE. Even though it's hot, wear a loose long sleeve to keep the bugs off. read more

Bonaventure Cemetery Tours - Historical Tours Near Me - Savannah, Georgia

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Steven was a great guide, he had many stories of the cemetery, and tidbits and fun facts about general cemetery lore and tradition. The two hours went quickly, but was very enjoyable. He took our picture at the grave of Gracie at the end of the tour. read more

Bonaventure Cemetery Tours - Historical Tours Near Me - Savannah, Georgia

We did the tour with Dawn of Savannah's Dead. She was incredibly knowledgeable and had a very captivating way of telling the stories. We went with our five kids (ages 8-18), and they enjoyed it as well (although a little long for the eight year old). They were impressed by how much she knew about the people and the history of the cemetery so much that they begged to go back for one of her ghost tours! Unfortunately, they were sold out for our dates/group size, but I would recommend Dawn to anyone looking for a great tour. A couple of tips: go to the bathroom prior to starting the tour, wear comfy shoes, bring bug spray, bring water, and take the fan they offer you at the check in desk! It truly was a life saver! read more

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Do yourself and your friends a favor and book this tour during your stay in Savannah !!!! I promise you that you will have spent 3 hours gaining unbelievable knowledge of this beautiful slice of mystery and intrigue not to mention the absolute beauty of the monuments. Shannon is so much more than storyteller, he's a wealth of information about the history of her Residents and the roles that those Residents played in not only Savannah but of the world. I myself will be going back in October for the Halloween tour. Beyond excited. Note that this is not one of those Ghost tours that are frequent in savannah. This tour is about the beauty, mystery and stories of how the beautiful Bonaventure came to be. read more

Lauren was the BEST tour guide! She is super knowledgeable and 10/10 on the dad jokes. Definitely would recommend her to anyone! read more

Bonaventure Cemetery Tours - Historical Tours Near Me - Savannah, Georgia

Guys! If visit Savannah, this tour is a must! First off the cemetery is just beautiful, but the tour gives you such insight on so many that are buried there and and their stories. It is a 2 hour tour, so wear comfy shoes, but those two hours go by so fast because you're just having such a wonderful time exploring with your guide. Our guide was Chris and he was fantastic. The group was small and everyone wore masks so social distancing was held up to standard. I'd love to go back and continue learning more about this place. read more

Dawn did a fantastic job as guide! Her incredible knowledge of the Bonaventure Cemetery and of Savannah history in general was amazing. There was a very personal feel to tour, highlighted by her connection to Johnny Mercer, through his niece. Her performing a medley of his songs while standing near his families plot was incredible. I would recommend this tour to anyone visiting the Savannah area. read more

Dawn of Savannah's Dead was an extraordinary storyteller and guide for our Bonaventure Cemetery tour. This the second time my husband and I were on her tour and she did not disappoint us. It was accurate in the historical context and as interesting as it was educational. You will not find a better lesson in funerary iconography and artistic symbolism. Her singing and presence is a delight. My family was so happy that we included this tour in their first taste of Savannah. read more

Suzanna was an excellent tour guide through the Bonaventure maze. Great highlights on famous graves, I learned so much about reading symbolism on headstones and learned that what you see isn't always what you think you're seeing. Highly recommend this tour! read more

Bonaventure Cemetery Tours - Beautiful & serene - Historical Tours Near Me - Savannah, Georgia

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We booked this tour in advance for a weekend trip to Savannah. When Friday morning arrived, it was raining. I was afraid this would really limit what we got out of the experience. However, the tour was still great. Parking options are a bit unclear, but from what we were told on-site, you can either park inside the cemetery at the lot near the caretaker's house / visitors' center or just on the other side of the boundary (there are gaps in the wall/fence there). Our guide, Shannon, met our group and led us through to the far end of the garden. We started at 10 a.m. and ended at around 12:30 p.m. (which was longer than expected, but fine). He is quite knowledgeable and entertaining. The range of topics he touched on was impressive. Aside from the "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil" backstory, topics included how the cemetery was laid out, Freemasonry, how funerary sculpture was done, oddities about certain family plots, and general Savannah history. I'd definitely prefer to take this tour on a sunny day, but I was surprised at how little the rain really mattered on the day we toured. I would definitely recommend this as a worthwhile 'Savannah experience'. read more

Dawn of Savannah's Dead is a star. She led my group of cousins thru Bonaventure and shared with us her deep knowledge of Savannah's history. We had the most amazing experience. Dawn sang to us at the Mercer Family graveside and it was magical. Ten out of ten, Dawn! Love you, sister! read more

This is a must see in Savannah! It is so beautiful! There are gorgeous statues, foliage, and wrought iron gates. You can see over a marsh nearby where there are yachts and sailboats. I could spend hours there if it weren't for the mosquitos (bring some bug spray and an umbrella). What I like to do is do some research on famous people interred at Bonavendure and then find the graves on my own. It's not easy to do this as there are very few, quality maps online so as to encourage tourists to buy guided tours. Either way, have fun, learn some Savannah history, take some pictures, and enjoy some gorgeous art. read more

Bonaventure Cemetery Tours - Little Gracie. A gorgeous likeness of a little girl who lost her life from influenza. It is one of the most famous graves in Bonaventure. - Historical Tours Near Me - Savannah, Georgia

Glad we decided to take the guided tour and not do it on our own. Our tour guide Alyssa was very entertaining and knowledgeable and took us to some of the most notable grave sites. It was a hot day in Savannah but there was plenty of shade trees and we took in a lot. Make sure you wear comfortable shoes and bring bottle water and bug spray and have a pee before you go. Also bring cash for a tip. read more

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Shannon Scott is very knowledgeable of the history, details and inside stories from days gone by. This is my second tour with Shannon. I learn so many interesting details! Love Shannon and Bonaventure!!! read more

Our guide, Shannon Scott, had us hooked from the very first story-tales of murder, love, voodoo, conspiracy theories, tragedies, and 9in)famous locals of the area. The tour was about 3 hours, but I feel like I could've listened for much longer. He is incredibly knowledgeable of not only the cemetery, but also Savannah and the surrounding areas. He is a spirited story teller and elevated my expectations of this tour. It was well worth the price. read more

Had a lovely tour. Just over two hours. Suggest bringing water or a hat.

Great tour with Dawn of Savannah's Dead. Most informative , Lots of stories, cemetery art. Very attentive to everyone in the group. Lovely lovely singing voice! Thank you Dawn for a wonderful tour read more

Lisa Marie was a walking history book and kept us captivated and entertained for one of our afternoons in Savannah. If you have doubts about spending several hours in a cemetery, you'll quickly change your mind after a few moments with this charming guide! She was a wonderful storyteller and acted out some of the "characters" behind the gravestones. Highly recommend this tour group to get the most out of your visit to such an expansive cemetery filled with unique tales and a rich history of the South. Shannon was very easy to communicate with and ended up refunding us for our after-hours tour due to a low turnout, so we switched to the regular daytime tour. We even got an extra 45 minutes of narration from Lisa Marie, so be prepared to go a bit over your allotted time. It's a long while on your feet, so wear comfortable shoes and outerwear depending on weather. (Lisa Marie was kind enough to supply bug spray, which was appreciated!) But what a beautiful place and well worth the price. Thank you for such a great first visit to Bonaventure! read more

A delightful adventure with Rick. Very informative and enjoyable trip. The gnats were intolerable, which is not your fault, but made it downright miserable for my husband . Great Job overall, read more

We went on the daytime tour, which started on time and went a little bit over (no one was complaining). Lisa Marie was amiable and very knowledgeable about the history behind some of the cemetery's graves. These stories were intriguing and kept me engaged. However, she didn't convey as much about the Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil as the Web site would have you believe. All in all, an excellent experience. Highly recommend. read more

Bonaventure Cemetery Tours - Little Gracie - Historical Tours Near Me - Savannah, Georgia

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Super tour. Shannon is so informative and made the tour so interesting!!! My 22 year old loves it as well. I would have loved to have done his after hours tour too! Highly recommend read more

Just completed our tour of the Bonaventure Cemetery with tour guide Susannah and "wow" does she know her history!! A+ for this young lady! She knows the family & history of this town so well, and her enthusiasm shows in her well articulated tours. Would highly recommend this gal to anyone seeking to tour this amazing historical location in Savanna! read more

First tour I took in Savannah. It was great: the beautiful trees along with the artwork and the history behind it given by our guide, Chris. Worth the time and money. read more