Savannah: Bonaventure Cemetery Story Tour with Local Expert

Summary

Stories & symbols among the moss in Bonaventure’s quiet paths

You’ll walk Savannah’s Bonaventure Cemetery with a local guide who brings legends and lost voices to life. Expect stories at famous gravesites, quiet moments beneath mossy oaks, and small surprises tucked between art and symbolism. It’s more than history — you’ll feel part of Savannah’s living memory.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to feel so curious stepping through the gates of Bonaventure Cemetery — it’s not just the Spanish moss or that soft, almost salty air from the river nearby. Our guide Shannon started right away with a story about Johnny Mercer (I’m still humming “Moon River”), and suddenly I was listening harder than I thought I would. The way he described the statues, the little details on each grave — it felt like we were walking through chapters of Savannah itself, not just a cemetery.

We wandered past Little Gracie’s grave and someone left a tiny stuffed rabbit there; I don’t know why but that got me. Shannon’s stories weren’t rehearsed — he’d pause, point out some odd symbol or tell us how families used to picnic here (which sounded strange at first). There was this moment when sunlight hit a marble angel just right and for a second, it felt like everything went quiet except for the cicadas. You notice things like that when you’re not rushing. He even explained why azaleas grow wild here — something about old traditions and soil, but honestly I was distracted by how bright pink they looked against all that stone.

It wasn’t just history lessons either; we talked about “Midnight in the Garden of Good & Evil” and someone tried to quote from it but messed up the line, which made everyone laugh. The tour moved at an easy pace (even with some uneven paths), and Shannon or his protégé always checked if anyone needed a break or had questions. By the end, I felt weirdly calm — maybe because you realize how much life is tangled up in these old stories. I still think about that hush under the trees sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Guided tour of Bonaventure Cemetery

• Meet host Shannon Scott or protégé
• Stroll through historic cemetery sections
• Learn stories of famed dead
• Explore statues and symbolism
• Discover burial rites and plant life
• Visit gravesites of Johnny Mercer and others
• See locations from Midnight In The Garden of Good & Evil

Top questions

Is Bonaventure Cemetery wheelchair accessible?

The cemetery is wheelchair accessible, though some surfaces are uneven and may require assistance.

Who leads the Bonaventure Cemetery tour?

The tour is led by Shannon Scott or his highly-rated protégé, both local experts.

What famous graves are visited on this tour?

You’ll see gravesites like Johnny Mercer, Conrad Aiken, Little Gracie, and locations from "Midnight In The Garden of Good & Evil."

How long does the Bonaventure Cemetery tour last?

The exact duration isn’t specified but expect an unhurried stroll through key sections with plenty of storytelling stops.

Is pickup included for this Savannah cemetery tour?

No hotel pickup is included; check your parking and meeting instructions before arrival.

Are children allowed on the tour?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller during the tour.

What should I wear for this day trip to Bonaventure Cemetery?

Dress appropriately for all weather conditions as the tour operates rain or shine.

What’s included

Your day includes an expert-led walk through Bonaventure Cemetery’s most historic areas with either Shannon Scott or his professional protégé guiding you through stories, art symbolism, burial customs, plant life insights, and famous gravesites. Wheelchair access is available (with some uneven ground), strollers are welcome, service animals are allowed—and you’ll get plenty of time for questions along the way.