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)

These beautiful stained glass windows from David Hewes' (1822-1915) grave are still in good condition. Hewes provided the golden spike—a nearly 56-inch-long, 17.6-carat gold spike made by San Francisco jewelers Schulz, Fischer & Mohrig—that was part of the Pacific Railroad dedication in 1869.