This might sound odd, but we do enjoy a day in the cemetery.

Not just any cemetery, but the historic Frederick Law Olmsted–designed Mountain View Cemetery, in the foothills of Oakland and Piedmont. Not only is this place incredibly beautiful, you will recognize the names of many of its residents, whose monikers grace many a street and landmark throughout the Bay Area. Take a visual journey behind the gates of this 154-year-old piece of history, and into our day with the dead.

(V. Alexandra de F. Szoenyi)

The nature setting seen on the headstone of Thomas Hill is a fitting tribute. Hill was an artist who captured scenic landscapes of Northern California. Hill's 1865 painting, View of the Yosemite Valley, was selected as the backdrop for the head table at President Obama's 2009 inaugural luncheon.