Hollywood is an exquisitely beautiful, historic cemetery for all the family to explore.

This cemetery is gorgeous, historical, and incredibly memorable! It is in the middle of architectural sites and surrounded by an English garden. Built in the middle of the 19th century, Hollywood Cemetery was developed as a “rural” style garden cemetery set apart from the typical city cemetery. Its natural and architectural beauty helped earn its recognition as a “registered arboretum.” You will find historical families and figures here such as presidents (James Monroe, Jefferson Davis, and John Tyler), generals, authors, and other famous notables. While in the middle of two snow storms, we escaped our secluded yard for an adventure. I had no idea a stop along the river would lead to so many deep conversations with imaginative and inquisitive 4-year-olds. We studied up on graves, crypts, and niches. They asked questions leading to conversations about homes on Earth vs. Heaven. I knew it was important to teach them how to show respect to those buried and tried to explain it in a way they understood. They skipped, raced up and down hills, and took some quiet moments when we passed “houses” and monuments of skeletons that were currently people in heaven. We talked about what they were remembered for and why we honor them. We even saw another family learning the history of those among us. Here’s hoping it was as positive an experience for them as it was for me. At least they now know a little bit more about skeletons other than Halloween decorations!

On the way home, we stopped at a lookout to soak in the beautiful scenery along the banks of the James River. This is a beautiful place to take pictures and even portraits for your family! You may even see a train go by right beside the cemetery while there or over the river through your water view! This is especially exciting for preschoolers!

Operating hours at Hollywood Cemetery are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Public restrooms have reopened and the administration office has partially reopened. Please ring the bell at the door to gain access. Tours are offered here and may be up and running currently! Please access the website (www.Hollywoodcemetery.org) or call the office (804-648-8501) for further assistance. 

Navigating the 135 acres of valleys, hills, and stately trees can be quite overwhelming. Follow the blue line on your right. To tour and exit the entire grounds. Red on your right means “wrong way” and blue in your right actually means “go”. Stop by the office for a map or see/download here https://hollywoodcemetery.org/pdf/HollywoodCemetery-NotableGraveSitesJune2011-21.pdf. 

Enjoy your day!