Are you hooked on The Vampire Diaries? Like many fans, once you dive into the world of Mystic Falls, it’s hard to escape. When the episodes ran out, the next best thing was to step into that world myself. A weekend trip to Covington, Georgia, to explore the real-life filming locations of The Vampire Diaries was the perfect fix for a fan craving more.
For any true Vampire Diaries enthusiast, visiting Mystic Falls, or Covington as we know it, is a must-do. As a huge fan myself, tracing the footsteps of Elena, Damon, and Stefan through these iconic locations was a dream come true. While I wasn’t watching from day one in 2009, once I started, I devoured every episode in a single month. It’s an immersive experience that takes fandom to a whole new level, and one I wholeheartedly recommend.
Planning Your Mystic Falls Trip on a Budget
Thinking about your wallet? That’s smart. Let’s be real, fang-tastic adventures shouldn’t break the bank. The great news is, a trip to Georgia can be surprisingly affordable. Here’s how to keep your expenses in check:
Fly into Atlanta for the Best Deals
Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport is a major global hub, making flight prices competitive. Flying into Atlanta is significantly cheaper than smaller regional airports. Saving on flights means more money for Mystic Grill burgers, right?
Rent a Car for Covington Exploration
Trust me, you’ll want a car. Covington is a bit outside Atlanta, and you’ll need wheels to explore properly. Plus, the area is charming and deserves a good look around. For car rentals, Kayak often offers great deals.
Accommodation: From Budget to Boutique in Mystic Falls (Covington)
Where to stay depends on your style. Are you channeling Katherine Pierce levels of luxury, or are you more budget-conscious? For a truly immersive experience, consider staying at a historic inn – perfectly thematic for a vampire adventure!
I highly recommend the Twelve Oaks Bed & Breakfast. Not only is it used as a filming location itself, but the Covington Visitor’s Bureau also gave it a glowing recommendation. For more budget-friendly options, check Kayak for hotels in Atlanta, just a short drive from Covington.
And if you’re also a fan of The Walking Dead, why not double up on your fandom trip? The Walking Dead filming locations are only about an hour from Covington!
A visual guide to some of the iconic Vampire Diaries filming locations in Covington, Georgia, your real-world Mystic Falls.
Guided vs. Self-Guided Mystic Falls Tour: Choosing Your Vampire Diaries Experience
Now that the logistics are covered, let’s talk about exploring Mystic Falls! The filming locations in Covington are mostly public, giving you two ways to see them: explore on your own or take a guided tour.
While I usually prefer solo adventures, for The Vampire Diaries, a guided tour is the way to go. And the only tour you need is the Vampire Stalkers Mystic Falls Tour. At $55 USD per person, it’s worth every penny, and it supports the Ian Somerhalder Foundation!
Here’s why the Vampire Stalkers Mystic Falls Tour is essential for any serious fan:
Jessica, the tour guide and founder of Vampire Stalkers Mystic Falls Tours, is the expert on The Vampire Diaries filming locations. Hailing from Covington, she’s been following the show since its 2009 debut and has connections with the cast and crew.
This tour provides unparalleled insider knowledge and behind-the-scenes stories you won’t find anywhere else. Plus, Jessica’s enthusiasm is infectious, making the experience even more enjoyable.
The Mystic Falls Tour grants exclusive access to the private Lockwood Mansion estate, a location featured in countless scenes. A self-guided tour only offers a drive-by view. On the official tour, you get to explore the grounds and even meet George Lockwood, the mansion’s resident feline celebrity!
There’s a chance you might even spot some Vampire Diaries cast members! While not guaranteed, they are known to interact with fans, and being with Jessica certainly increases your chances.
Key Vampire Diaries Filming Locations You’ll See on the Mystic Falls Tour
Here are some of the unforgettable Vampire Diaries locations you’ll encounter on the Mystic Falls Tour, bringing your favorite seasons to life:
The Square: The heart of Mystic Falls. Countless scenes unfold here – from casual town moments to intense confrontations. Stepping into The Square truly feels like entering the show.
Elena’s Father’s Doctor’s Office: Remarkably, this location retains some of its set dressing, unlike many others that are cleared after filming. A cool detail for eagle-eyed fans!
The Mystic Grill: The iconic hangout! Hearing stories about the scenes filmed here is fascinating. You can even dine at the Mystic Grill, though the interior scenes are filmed on a soundstage. P.S., the food is fantastic!
Mystic Falls Courthouse: As you enter Covington, the Courthouse immediately screams “Mystic Falls!” It’s the defining exterior landmark of the fictional town.
The Damon and Elena Rain Kiss Scene Location: Remember that iconic, heart-melting rain kiss? You can visit the spot where this unforgettable scene was filmed.
Whitmore College Campus: Movie magic transforms a local park into Whitmore College. It’s a beautiful, serene spot in reality, adding another layer to its on-screen persona.
Bonnie Stops Matt’s Heart Location: Relive the intense moment from a recent season where Bonnie uses her magic on Matt. This location brings a chilling scene to reality.
The Lockwood Mansion: An incredible estate and Tyler Lockwood’s on-screen home. Many memorable parties and scenes were filmed here. Don’t forget to look for George, the resident cat who loves the spotlight!
The Cemetery: While most cemetery scenes are filmed on a soundstage, this location has been used for filming as well, adding to the Mystic Falls atmosphere.
Walk of Fame: The Stars of Mystic Falls: Keep an eye on the sidewalks around The Square! You’ll find pavers honoring Paul Wesley (Stefan Salvatore), Ian Somerhalder (Damon Salvatore), Nina Dobrev (Elena Gilbert/Katherine), and the Worthington Manor (Lockwood Mansion).
Explore the Gallery of Covington, Your Mystic Falls!
Covington, Georgia: Where The Vampire Diaries magic comes to life.
A closer view of the Covington courthouse, a staple backdrop in Vampire Diaries, as seen from the Vampire Stalkers tour.
The iconic Mystic Falls Courthouse in Covington, Georgia, a must-see location for fans.
The Mystic Grill in Covington, a real-life restaurant that brings the show to life for fans.
A side view of the Mystic Grill, showing its place within the Mystic Falls town square setting.
The serene park in Covington that transforms into Whitmore College in The Vampire Diaries.
The romantic spot in Covington where the famous Damon and Elena rain kiss scene was filmed.
Iconic benches in Mystic Falls Square, Covington, featured in numerous scenes throughout The Vampire Diaries seasons.
Another perspective of the Courthouse from the Square, highlighting its central role in Mystic Falls.
The exterior of Dr. Gilbert’s office, a familiar sight from the early seasons of The Vampire Diaries.
A paver stone celebrating The Vampire Diaries, part of the walk of fame in Covington.
Worthington Manor’s paver, recognizing the Lockwood Mansion’s significance to the Vampire Diaries saga.
Paul Wesley’s commemorative paver in Covington, honoring the actor behind Stefan Salvatore.
Nina Dobrev’s paver in Covington, celebrating the actress who played Elena Gilbert and Katherine Pierce.
Ian Somerhalder’s paver in Covington, dedicated to Damon Salvatore’s portrayer.
The magnificent Lockwood Mansion estate in Covington, offering fans an exclusive tour experience.
George Lockwood, the charming cat resident of the Lockwood Mansion, greeting visitors on the tour.
A serene moment in the Covington cemetery, a filming location, with a bird adding to the peaceful atmosphere.
The unassuming location in Covington where the dramatic scene of Bonnie stopping Matt’s heart was filmed.
Final Thoughts: Respecting Mystic Falls and its Magic
Your Vampire Diaries pilgrimage to Mystic Falls is about to become a reality! If you’re a dedicated fan, visiting Covington is an almost essential experience. Just remember, while we all love TVD, let’s ensure we remain respectful visitors.
Please, don’t be the fan who spoils the experience for others. If you encounter cast or crew (who are known to be incredibly gracious), remember they work long, demanding hours to bring us the show we adore.
Be considerate. Use common sense. And definitely, never take anything from the sets as souvenirs. Such actions create problems for everyone.
For more information on planning your visit to Covington and exploring The Vampire Diaries filming locations, check out The Covington CVB.
