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10 Biggest The Vampire Diaries Plot Holes & Contrivances Across All 8 Seasons

The vampire diaries: 18 major differences between the books & the tv show, "we were so wrong": the vampire diaries nearly screwed up elena, stefan & damon's casting.

• Vampire Diaries was primarily filmed in Covington, Georgia as the fictional Mystic Falls, but also had some filming locations outside of Georgia.
• Fans can visit The Mystic Grill, Scoops, Lockwood Mansion, Twelve Oaks Bed & Breakfast, and other iconic places featured on the show.
• Some filming locations, like the Salvatore Boarding House, were filmed in multiple locations, including ones that are no longer accessible to the public.

Even the biggest fans of the series have wondered where was Vampire Diaries filmed. The series follows a group of teens who become embroiled in the supernatural in a small Virginia town, but it didn't actually film in Virginia. After filming the pilot episode in Vancouver, British Columbia, The Vampire Diaries moved the entire production to Covington, Georgia, where most of the series was filmed as the fictional Mystic Falls . Some Vampire Diaries filming locations can also be found outside of Georgia, though the show was rarely shot outside the state.

Whether for casual fans or die-hard long-time viewers who followed the Vampire Diaries Delena episodes , these places are perfect for any Vampire Diaries fan tour. Throughout The Vampire Diaries' 8 seasons and 170 episodes, Elena (Nina Dobrev), Damon (Ian Somerhalder), and the rest of the ghoulish immortals spent a lot of time hanging out in real locations that fans can physically visit. Among the various establishments are cafés, ice cream shops, boarding houses, public squares, and historical mansions. So, where was Vampire Diaries filmed, and how can viewers find and actually visit these places?

Despite its popularity, The Vampire Diaries demonstrates many plot holes and contrivances throughout its eight seasons regarding how the magic works.

10 The Mystic Grill

The mystic grill can be found at 116 clark street, covington, georgia.

Probably the most famous of all The Vampire Diaries filming locations, The Mystic Grill is a real eatery that fans can visit in Covington . The restaurant was opened in 2014 by fans of the show. Viewers may only recognize the outside, as the exteriors of the restaurant were filmed for the iconic Vampire Diaries Mystic Falls haunt, while the interiors were filmed on a sound stage.

The restaurant is open until at least 9:00PM on a regular basis

Nonetheless, it's a cool, worthwhile place to visit for viewers who remember Alaric recognizing Damon at The Mystic Grill, or that awkward double date at the Grill with Matt, Caroline, Stefan, and Elena. They probably won't be able to just take over a live-music stage and sing to their crush like Caroline did to Matt though. The restaurant is open until at least 9:00PM on a regular basis.

Scoops can be found at 1131 Church St., Covington, Georgia

Any Vampire Diaries fan tour around Covington wouldn't be complete without a visit to Scoops, the colorful confectionary ice cream shop that Elena and the gang visit more than once on the show. This location isn't known for epic scenes in the show, but for a behind-the-scenes reason: the cast loved it.

Though the location didn't feature as much as The Mystic Grill, Scoops was frequented by The Vampire Diaries cast repeatedly during filming. For instance, Damon Salvatore's (Ian Somerhalder) favorite treat at Scoops is the banana pudding milkshake (via Go Covington ). The shop is known for having unique flavors and offering up sugar-free options . The ice cream shop is located in the heart of Covington Square and is open Monday-Saturday from 11 AM-10 PM and Sunday from 12 PM - 9 PM.

8 Lockwood Mansion

Lockwood mansion is created from two covington locations.

One of the most iconic building locations on the show includes Lockwood Mansion, the place where fans can pay respects to the fallen werewolf Tyler Lockwood (Michael Trevino) and his family. The mansion is present in every season of The Vampire Diaries and plays host to some epic events, like the Masquerade Ball. By the time of Legacies taking place, it's mentioned that Sheriff Donovan would allow the students to use it, so Matt Donovan is the owner after the events of The Vampire Diaries .

Fans can visit the Lockwood Mansion in Covington, although fans might have to travel to two different locations. The first location includes Worthington Manor, a lavish abode situated in Covington. The place is a private residence but can be toured for a modest price by an outfit called Vampire Stalkers. The current owners also rent it out through AirBnB . For those who simply want to snap a picture outside where Klaus killed Mikael, it's located at 2129 East Street, SE Covington, Georgia.

Movies that filmed scenes in Covington include Sweet Home Alabama (2002), Remember the Titans (2000), and Jungle Cruise (2020).

7 Twelve Oaks Bed & Breakfast

Twelve oaks is located at 2176 monticello st, sw covington, georgia.

Lockwood Mansion of the present day and Lockwood Mansion of the past are actually two different locations. That's not uncommon for The Vampire Diaries , to use parts of two different locations to get a specific look or architectural design. In a lot of cases, the show would even film outside the building, but then film anything that took place inside on a soundstage, much like the crew did for Mystic Grille scenes.

Where was Vampire Diaries filmed for the Lockwood Mansion flashback scenes? The second Lockwood Mansion is actually the Twelve Oaks Bed & Breakfast, a fully operational tourist spot where visitors can stay overnight . In fact, The Vampire Diaries cast members often stayed there during production themselves. The location plays a prominent role in "Memory Lane," the fourth episode of season 2. The elegant, upscale Twelve Oaks Bed & Breakfast was built in 1836. For those who don't want to stay overnight, daytime tours of the location can be arranged too.

There are many great TV adaptations of novels and The Vampire Diaries is one of them, but it features many changes from the original L.J. Smith books.

6 The Gilbert House

The gilbert house is a private residence.

Elena and Jeremy Gilbert's (Steven R. McQueen) house, which burned down in The Vampire Diaries season 4, actually still exists. Long-time viewers who vividly remember how Elena burned down the house to cover for Jeremy's death may find it surreal to see this particular Vampire Diaries filming location still standing. The exterior was used to film shots for the show while the inside of the Gilbert house was created on soundstage sets.

Currently a private residence, visitors should be more careful when attempting to visit the house and not disturb the residents. Those who want to drive by and grab a quick snapshot or selfie should make their way to 2104 Floyd Street, NE Covington Georgia . The Goonies fans, however, will remember how much the lives of private residents can be disrupted by eager fans as the Astoria home in the movie was frequently sought out by fans for decades.

5 Grams' House

Grams' house is a private residence.

Another great stop for any Vampire Diaries fan tour is the house of Sheila "Grams" Bennett (Jasmine Guy), who played Bonnie's (Kat Graham) grandmother. Bonnie visits the house whenever she needs words of wisdom or encouragement from her beloved family member, resulting in some of the funniest Vampire Diaries quotes alongside the wise insights from Grams. The house appears often in season 1 of the series but isn't revisited again until season 8. It's never made clear what happens to the home after Sheila dies during the use of magic that is too strong for her to control.

Even after death, Grams' spirit manages to protect Bonnie when she becomes The Anchor. Those who want to visit Grams' humble abode and see how it differs from the many historic mansions among Vampire Diaries' filming locations can head over to 2136 Conyers Street, SE Covington, Georgia.

4 The Clock Tower

The clock tower is located at 1124 clark street, sw covington georgia.

Where was The Vampire Diaries filmed during scenes that feature the clock tower in the background? Those scenes occur when the show features the Town Square or the very center of Mystic Falls. Within the show, the clock tower is connected to the police station, and is usually visible during big outdoor celebrations, like that of Founders' Day.

The clock tower that's often seen on the show is actually part of the Historic Newton County Courthouse. Across the street from the courthouse is a shop called "On Location Gifts," where fans can buy all sorts of The Vampire Diaries merchandise. Visitors and long-time Vampire Diaries filming location hunters can expect to be welcomed at both places.

Non-vampiric visitors will want to avoid reenacting that scene in The Vampire Diaries where Damon and Elena hang out near the top and then jump off the clock tower.

3 Whitmore College

Whitmore college is actually part of emory university.

While most Vampire Diaries filming locations are in Covington, several other places in Georgia were used as well. That's common for a lot of television shows that film in Georgia, like The Walking Dead or Stranger Things, as well. By scouting additional locations, the crew don't have to completely take over one town for eight months out of the year, but can move to different locations periodically.

One place worthy of visiting is Oxford College of Emory University in Oxford, Georgia, which doubled as Whitmore College on the show. Notably, Elena, Bonnie, and Caroline (Candice King) attended Whitmore in The Vampire Diaries season 5. The college is also where Professor Shane kept most of the strange artifacts in his collection. Located at 801 Emory Street in Oxford, Georgia, the place was founded in 1836, the same year as Twelve Oaks Bed & Breakfast (Lockwood Mansion), and was likely chosen due to its similar Gothic architectural design.

2 Whitmore Frat House

The frat house is a real oxford college frat house.

Before leaving Oxford, fans shouldn't head right back to Covington just yet. Anyone making their way to iconic locations on a Vampire Diaries fan tour ought to check out the Oxford College fraternity house called Orna Villa. This real location served as the thematic "Murder House" in The Vampire Diaries season 4, episode 4, "The Five."

Even before being accepted to Whitmore, Elena and Damon shared a key moment in The Vampire Diaries by attending a fraternity costume party in this episode, which memorably ended in a grisly massacre and some huge revelations. Erected in the 1820s, the Orna Villa site is just down the street from the Whitmore College campus at 1008 N Emory Street, Oxford Georgia. It's the oldest house in Oxford and was once home to Emory College President Alexander Means. The building is rumored to be haunted.

1 Salvatore Boarding House

Salvatore boarding house has a location in covington as well as in british columbia, canada.

Much like the Lockwood Mansion, the Salvatore Boarding House seen on the show was filmed using two different Vampire Diaries filming locations . In the pilot, the location used was Foxglove Farm located at 6471 224 Street, Langley, British Columbia. The enchanting place has been used for several films and TV shows and can be visited by interested fans.

The second location used for the Salvatore Boarding House includes Glenridge Hall, situated at 598 Abernathy Road, NE Atlanta, Georgia. While both sprawling locales feature the same open courtyard driveway and wooded surroundings, eagle-eyed fans will notice the architectural differences. Moreover, visiting both places would require 2,500 travel miles.

The house itself was demolished several years ago

Vampire Diaries fans will be disappointed to learn that damage to the older Glenridge Hall left the house beyond repair. The house itself was demolished several years ago to clear the property for a new development. Sets have been recreated as part of studio tours, however, that Vampire Diaries fans can still see in Covington, even if they can no longer visit the actual house.

The Vampire Diaries

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Based on the novels by L.J. Smith, The Vampire Diaries is a story about the developing love triangle between Elena Gilbert and two vampiric brothers, Stefan and Damon Salvatore. Set in the town of Mystic Falls, Virginia, the show follows the trio from high school through college as they battle for one another's affection.

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43 Vampire Diaries Locations to See in The Real Mystic Falls

If you’ve followed me for some time, you already know I’m a die-hard fan of The Vampire Diaries franchise—a popular vampire TV series filmed in Covington, GA, commonly known as The Real Mystic Falls .

This picturesque small town in Georgia is home to some of the show’s most epic filming locations .

Writing about this makes me relive the excitement from my first visit to Mystic Falls in 2020, and when I also visited filming locations from The Originals —the popular spin-off series from The Vampire Diaries .

If you’re wondering if Mystic Falls is in Virginia or Georgia , let’s just say that in our hearts, it could be both! ( wink, wink ).

But in reality, Mystic Falls is located in Covington, Georgia and it’s the most epic place to be if you’re a fan of TVDU (The Vampire Diaries Universe) .

From Elena Gilbert’s house with the iconic porch to the Lockwood Mansion , Caroline’s house , the iconic Clock Tower and the Mystic Grill ; it’s all here!

Additionally, you can also see where the decade dances were filmed, where the Delena kiss scene took place and even the Frat Murder House and Wickery Bridge .

Nonetheless, I want you to know that even if you’re not a fan of this popular vampire series, Covington, Georgia has many promising experiences and many things to do that make it a bucket-list destination for everyone.

Can You Find Things to Do in Mystic Falls Without a Tour?

Absolutely! You don’t need to be part of a tour to see and explore the many filming locations from The Vampire Diaries. You’ll be able to get the full “ Hollywood of the South ” experience with a self-guided tour, at your own pace.

There are many great shops around Covington Square where you can shop for TVD merch and fun things like blood bags , vervain vials and all the epic jewelry like Elena’s daylight ring and vervain locket necklace.

For places to eat in The Real Mystic Falls, definitely try the coffee at Bread & Butter and the Fried Green Tomatoes at the Mystic Grill .

There are also many incredible TVD-inspired places to stay in Mystic Falls like Caroline’s House, the Carriage House at the Lockwood Mansion and Elena and Damon’s Little Pine Cottage .

🩸 What is TVD? It refers to the series The Vampire Diaries that originally aired on the CW Network from 2009 to 2017. The show concluded with 8 seasons and two spin-off shows— The Originals and Legacies , forming The Vampire Diaries Universe which is still followed by millions of fans worldwide.

Don’t Miss These Locations When You Visit Mystic Falls

If you’re ready to start planning a trip to Mystic Falls , you’ve come to the right place!

As an avid fan of The Vampire Diaries, I’m also a frequent visitor to Covington, GA.

Throughout the years I’ve had the opportunity to visit many exciting Vampire Diaries filming locations in Covington, Georgia.

Now, I’m here to share with you the locations and best things to do in Mystic Falls for the most unforgettable experience.

But First… Stop by the Covington Welcome Center

This should be your first stop and it’s also one of the things that you don’t want to miss, especially if you want a picture with the Mystic Falls Welcome Sign .

You will find the original wooden sign inside the Welcome Center, another placed on the exterior of the building and a painted mural Mystic Falls Welcome Sign at The Alley in Mystic Grill.

The Covington Welcome Center has the biggest collection of items and props used during the filming of all of the TVDU series.

Some of the iconic things to see are Damon’s car , Alaric’s Vampire Hunting Kit , Elena Gilbert’s Coffin and the Salvatore Mansion Cellar Door .

You’ll also be able to see exhibitions from other popular films and shows that have been filmed in Covington, Georgia.

Adjacent to the Welcome Center is The Film Garden —an art project that highlights the film history of this beautiful Georgia town and it’s definitely a must-see!

📍 Covington Welcome Center : 1143 Oak St SE, Covington, GA

1. The Iconic Clock Tower

Even if you haven’t watched the show, you’ll be in awe of the beauty of the town’s historic Clock Tower built in 1884!

An iconic location for fans of The Vampire Diaries but also one of the best places for photos in the town square.

I suggest you take a walk around and take pictures of it from many different angles because you just can’t enough of its beauty!

📍 Covington Clock Tower (Newton County Courthouse) : 1124 Clark St SW, Covington, GA

2. The Lockwood Mansion

If you’re interested in going to the Lockwood Mansion, you should know that booking a tour with Vampire Stalkers (Mystic Falls Tours) is the only way to get inside the property grounds, past the gate.

However, photos outside the gate of The Lockwood Mansion (Worthington Manor) are allowed.

📍 Lockwood Mansion : 2129 East St, Covington, GA

3. The Town Square

The town square, wooden benches and all, is largely seen throughout some of the most popular scenes of both The Vampire Diaries and Legacies .

Covington, Georgia is a very charming town with a lot of filming history and every inch of the square makes for great photo ops and fun self-guided walking tours.

It’s also referred to as the Hollywood of the South and it even has its very own Walk of Stars to prove it!

Most recently, Covington became the home of Netflix’s Sweet Magnolias series.

4. The Mystic Grill in the Iconic “ Mystic Falls Georgia “

For TVD fans the Mystic Grill needs no introduction. But for the sake of others visiting Covington, this is one of the best places to eat in the town square and the food is delicious!

Keep in mind that with this being a very popular filming location, long wait times can be expected, especially if you visit in the high season.

Mystic Grill also offers souvenir glasses with the most famous quote: “ It’s okay to love them both…I did ” and occasionally serves Damon’s Prison World Pancakes .

Be sure to get them when you dine in and visit The Alley Shop downstairs for the greatest Vampire Diaries merch, a small museum with set props and clothing items worn by the cast.

In my opinion, it’s the best Vampire Diaries-related gift shop around town!

📍 Mystic Grill : 1116 Clark St, SW, Covington, GA

5. Flashback Lockwood Mansion

Fans of The Vampire Diaries will also recall this, as it was in parts of the 1864 flashbacks .

But this beauty was also the inspiration behind the plantation featured in Gone with the Wind .

Twelve Oaks Bed & Breakfast is a must-see when you’re in Covington, Georgia.

📍 1864 Lockwood Mansion : 2176 Monticello St, SW, Covington, GA

6. Grayson Gilbert’s Office Sign

This sign is located in the town square right across Scoops and right next to it is the sign for Elena Salvatore, M.D.

📍 Grayson Gilbert, M.D. sign (Wildart LLC) : 1105 Washington St SW, Covington, GA

🍨 Don’t forget to grab Ian Somerhalder’s favorite at Scoops —the Banana Pudding Milkshake.

7. Whitmore Frat House Party (the Murder House)

The Frat House Party event takes place in the fourth episode of Season 4 or as many may recall it…when Elena and Damon get ‘ high on blood ‘!

📍 Frat Murder House : 1008 N Emory Street, Oxford, GA

8. Get a Taste of New Orleans in Olde Town Conyers, Filming Location from The Originals

The ornate ironwork–which is so iconic of the city of New Orleans , can be found all around Olde Town Conyers. Hence the reason why Conyers was one of the main filming locations for The Originals series for most of the filming of its five seasons.

What I loved the most about this quaint little town was the sense of magically stepping foot in New Orleans !

There’s also a train station, shops, and restaurants around the town.

While here, you’ll be able to see the street where the death of Jane Anne Deveroux took place , in the first episode of The Originals.

Additionally, you’ll find places like Simply Naked Candles which was the actual filming location for the Jardin Gris Voodoo Shop located at 906 Center Street, Conyers, GA.

📍 Olde Town Conyers : 901 Railroad St, Conyers, GA

9. View the Rooftop Shown in Season 1, Episode 2 of The Vampire Diaries

For those hardcore fans like me, you’ll remember this iconic rooftop featured in the first season of The Vampire Diaries.

An unforgettable scene was filmed on the rooftop of the Butter Bakery & Coffee Shop.

In the scene, Damon said the iconic phrase “ That’s for me to know and for you to dot dot dot “.

Who remembers this scene? 🙋🏻‍♀️

Go For a Drive to Visit These Iconic Filming Locations

The following filming locations require driving time, with the closest one being 15 minutes from the town square.

10. Salvatore Boarding School 

This gorgeous mansion was seen in The Vampire Diaries but was mainly featured throughout Legacies as the Salvatore Boarding School for the Young & Gifted and is very much worth the visit!

📍 Boarding School : 5520 Kent Rock Rd, Loganville, GA

11. Bell’s Grocery Store from the Prison World

In 1994 Prison World , Bell’s was the iconic grocery store we all remember, primarily because this is when Kai’s character was introduced for the very first time.

📍 Bell’s Grocery Store : 11377 Brown Ridge Rd, Covington, GA

12. 1864 Salvatore Mansion

This one surely needs no introduction, but I’ll do it anyway!

Built in 1890, this stunning mansion is just as perfect in person as it is in the show.

The Salvatore Mansion is home to the 1864 flashback scenes of Katherine, Stefan and Damon .

Being here brought back nostalgia and memories of the time when we all fell in love with the Salvatore Brothers .

📍 Salvatore Mansion : 617 Dixie Ave, Madison, GA

More Filming Locations of The Vampire Diaries

Wondering where the rest of The Vampire Diaries filming locations are? I have you covered in the list included in this last section!

Some of the most asked questions from my readers are “ Where is the gym in Covington? ” referring to where the 20s dance of The Vampire Diaries took place, and “ Where did the Delena rain kiss take place ? “.

Well, the gym is conveniently located at the heart of the town and it can be found on the main route leading towards Academy Springs Park , which is where the Delena kiss took place.

Here are more Vampire Diaries filming locations to see in Mystic Falls:

13. elena gilbert’s house: 2104 floyd street ne, covington, ga, 14. isobel’s house: 2146 conyers st, se, covington, ga, 15. caroline forbes’ house: 2118 floyd st, ne, covington, ga, 16. rebecca’s house: 3115 pennington st, covington, ga, 17. dead witches mansion: 3188 conyers st, se, covington, ga, 18. grams and bonnie’s house: 2136 conyers st se, covington, ga.

19. Damon and Elena kiss in the rain location: 3120 Conyers St SE, Covington, GA

20. stephan’s garage job: 4162 washington st, covington, ga, 21. whitmore college: 801 emory st, oxford ga, 22. gillespie’s pub (celtic tavern): 918 commercial st ne, conyers, ga (s4 ep 8: “ we’ll always have bourbon street”, 23. the armory: 1680 westview dr, atlanta, ga, 24. wickery bridge: 5098 klondike rd, lithonia, ga.

25. The Falls (Amicalola Falls): 418 Amicalola Falls Rd, Dawsonville, GA

26. bree’s bar: 4122 emory st, covington, ga, 27. damon & elena’s future home: 11 dartmouth ave, avondale estates, ga, 28. matt’s house: 1133 conyers st, covington, ga, 29. tj’s garage: 1186 clark st, covington, ga (where stefan stopped with katherine), 30. caroline and alaric’s house: 1134 reynolds st se, covington, ga, 31. damon and elena hotel scene: 4300 snapfinger woods dr, decatur ga, 32. the falls, amicalola falls state park: 418 amicalola falls state park rd, dawsonville, ga ( great place for hiking in georgia ), 33. the depot (where damon took elena when he kidnapped her): 4122 emory st nw, covington, ga, 34. delena’s last dance: the filming location for damon and elena’s last dance was a spot outside the studio property and there is no public access., 35. alaric’s dallas house: 1134 reynolds st se, covington, ga, 36. liz forbes’ funeral: 1113 conyers st se, covington, ga, 37. prison world hospital: 4159 mill street ne, covington, ga, 38. historical society beautification day picnic and swimming hole, costley mill park, 2455 costley mill rd ne, conyers, ga, 39. abby bennett’s house: 6990 s goddard rd, lithonia, ga, 40. delena human house: 11 dartmouth ave, avondale estates, ga, 41. elijah and katherine gazebo scene: 938 main st, stone mountain, ga, 42. house where bonnie stops matt’s heart: 4145 dorchester dr. se, covington, ga 30014, 43. the ‘salvatore house’.

For those hoping to see the gorgeous estate featured on The Vampire Diaries as the home of the Salvatore Brothers , you should know that this property no longer exists.

Glenridge Hall , the real-life name of the Sandy Springs mansion listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was sold and demolished in 2015.

However, you can get the next best thing right in the town square!

With its grand opening in June 2024, Mystic Mercantile offers the most unique experience in Mystic Falls—the iconic Salvatore House living room .

Most of the items that take part in bringing this space to life are actual props used in the filming of The Vampire Diaries.

From the entrance brick and lamps to the picture frames and living room couch to the bourbon glasses and decanters, and even some of the books!

If you plan to be in Covington for a few days, definitely check out Mystic Mercantile!

Have you been to Covington, Georgia aka Mystic Falls? Drop your comment below!

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About the Author

Yanitza Ninett

Yanitza is an avid adventurer with 15+ years of hiking experience and outdoor travel. As a PADI-certified scuba diver, she's also passionate about ocean conservation. When she's not exploring the great outdoors, Yanitza obsesses over The Vampire Diaries and dreams of traveling to Mallorca, Spain.

• Yanitza Ninett https://nextstopadventures.com/author/nextstop 10 Jaw-Dropping Facts About This Historic Bridge in Virginia
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70 thoughts on “43 Vampire Diaries Locations to See in The Real Mystic Falls”

My daughter and I are here now 11/12/2023 for her 30th bday ! We love the towns !!

This is so exciting! What an EPIC way to celebrate a 30th birthday!

I am coming down the weekend of 09/29/2023(its my birthday weekend!) and I am so excited!! This is my first time coming and I cannot wait!!

Yay!!! You’re going to have so much fun! An EPIC birthday for sure! Let us know how it goes 🙂

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10 The Vampire Diaries Filming Locations Fans Can Visit

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The Vampire Diaries introduces fans to the wholesome small-town vibe of Mystic Falls. Though Mystic Falls is a fictitious place, fans can visit the real hometown of The Vampire Diaries , Covington, Georgia, where much of the series was filmed. From the famous clock tower and the iconic Mystic Grill, there are plenty of places The Vampire Diaries fans can visit in Covington.

Most of the iconic filming locations are packed around Covington square . Damon's favorite ice cream shop, the Grill and the clock tower where Vicki Donovan tried to unleash hell on earth are all in one place. The Lockwood Mansion, Elena's House and Grams' House might be slightly harder to find. However, there are local guided tours available. For die-hard fans who want to grab a selfie at the Wickery Bridge, where the story of The Vampire Diaries begins, a 20-minute drive from downtown would grant them that satisfaction.

10 Scoops Is Damon's Favorite Ice Cream Shop

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Scoops is The Vampire Diaries cast's favorite ice cream shop. Located at 1131 Church St., Covington, Georgia, the iconic ice cream shop has made an appearance several times on the show. While nothing epic has happened at Scoops, it's one of the most famous locations.

Scoops is a good place to try the bad brother, Damon Salvatore 's favorite treat, a banana pudding milkshake. The shop is abundant in sweet treats like candies, ice creams, milkshakes and all things chocolate. They offer 32 different flavors of handcrafted locally manufactured ice cream and 10 different types of ice cream cones. They use all-natural ingredients and offer the finest natural flavorings. As one of the best shops in the heart of Covington Square, the shop opens Monday to Saturday from 11 AM to 1 PM .

9 The Mystic Grill Was Inspired by The Vampire Diaries

The famous Mystic Grill where Matt Donovan worked as a busboy can be found in the heart of Covington Square at 116 Clark Street, Covington, Georgia . Being the second most famous The Vampire Diaries filming location right after the Salvatore Boarding House, even the strongest vampires on the show have gotten a drink at the Mystic Grill. The Grill is a real restaurant that fans can visit. The show filmed the exterior shots of the restaurant at Covington Mill, a historic grist mill. The real-life owners of the Mystic Grill decided to model their restaurant off of the fictional location from the show. The interior scenes at the restaurant were created on a soundstage set.

The historic building housing the real-life Mystic Grill was built in 1906 by C.S. Thompson. It was originally a bank and has had quite a past. It was home to many businesses before it became the restaurant it is today. The restaurant highlights local farmers, and its menu consists of southern food with a fun twist.

8 There Are Two Filming Locations for the Lockwood Mansion

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Lockwood Mansion is one of the most iconic building locations in The Vampire Diaries , being in every season of the show and paying host to epic events like the Masquerade Ball. The show used two locations to create the old and new Lockwood Mansion. After Tyler Lockwood's departure from Mystic Falls, Matt Donovan became its owner. In Legacies , he would even let students visit the iconic mansion.

The first location of the Lockwood Mansion is Worthington Manor, a lavish abode in the downtown historic district of Covington. The address is 2129 East Street, SE Covington, Georgia. While it's a private gated property, the location is also famous for being the key place in Sweet Home Alabama and Jungle Cruise. Fans can access the inside of the house through exclusive Mystic Falls Tours housed by Vampire Stalkers. The owners also rent the house out through AirRnB, though two nights minimum reservations are required. Fans who plan on staying at the lavish mansion should prepare to have at least a thousand dollars in their pocket to enjoy its luxury.

7 Twelve Oaks Bed & Breakfast Is the Second Lockwood Mansion Filming Location

Twelve Oaks Bed & Breakfast is where all the flashback scenes of the Lockwood Mansion were filmed. Fans can recognize the location in the scene where Stefan and Katherine danced together during Miss Mystic Falls in the good old times. The location is at 2176 Monticello St, SW Covington, Georgia.

Built in 1836, the elegant mansion is also known as the infamous plantation home of the Wilkes family from Gone with the Wind . Today, Twelve Oaks Bed & Breakfast is a fully operational tourist spot, where fans can stay overnight. It's also where cast members of The Vampire Diaries stayed during the filming of the show. Compared to the other Lockwood Mansion, Twelve Oaks is in many ways more affordable. For those who don't want to stay overnight, the location also offers daytime tours.

6 The Gilbert House Is a Private Residence

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The historical Gilbert house is still standing at its original location on 2104 Floyd Street, NE Covington Georgia, despite Elena burning it to the ground to cover for Jeremy's death in The Vampire Diaries. The show only used the exterior of the house to film scenes, while the interior was created on soundstage sets. Elena and Jeremy Gilbert's house is currently a private residence. Fans can easily recognize the front porch where Elena kissed Stefan (and later on, Damon).

The best way to visit the Gilbert house is through Mystic Falls Tours offered by the Vampire Stalkers through exploregeorgia.org . They have become friends with the cast and do a great job showing fans the sets and immersing them in everything The Vampire Diaries. The tour provides exclusive access to several historical homes that are used in the show. With Legacies still in production, lucky fans might be able to catch some behind-the-scene action.

5 Grams' House Is Not to Be Disturbed

Just like Elena's house, Grams' house is a private residence . Fans who want to pay a visit to the famous location should not in any way disturb the owners. The house is one of the stops offered on the Mystic Falls guided tour.

Sheila "Grams" Bennett has appeared several times throughout the show to help and warn Bonnie about witch-related issues. Bonnie is one of the most powerful witches in the show, but even she needs support and help from time to time. Bonnie visited the house whenever she needed help from her family members. Grams is known for her words of wisdom, being one of the ghosts guarding their loved ones in the world of the living. Season 1 of The Vampire Diaries shows Grams' house the most. However, the house isn't revisited until Season 8. While fans might never find out what happened to her house after Sheila's death, they can visit the real historic mansion from a distance at 2136 Conyers Street, SE Covington, Georgia.

4 The Clock Tower Is in Downtown Covington

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Just in case fans can't find the famous clock tower, the address is 1124 Clark Street, SW Covington, Georgia . The clock tower is where Stefan saved Katherine when she attempted to end her human life by jumping off the tower. It's also the location where Damon and Vampire Elena sat before jumping off together. The tower is part of the Historic Newton County Courthouse, sitting right next to the Mystic Falls town center. Being arguably Georgia's most famous clock, construction began in 1865, the same time when the courthouse was built. There are four levels to the clock tower. The actual clock is housed in its original location, above three stories. The bell is housed above the clock. The bell was forged in New York the same year the tower was constructed.

Across the street from the courthouse, there's a shop called "On Location Gifts" where fans can look around for all things The Vampire Diaries. At the town square, fans can also find a local business called "Vampire Stalkers," where guided tours of The Vampire Diaries are offered. Some cast members have even taken the tour.

3 Salvatore Boarding House Is Demolished

There are two filming locations for Salvatore Boarding House. One is located in Covington, and the other one is in British Columbia, Canada. The one in Glenridge Hall in Sandy Springs is known as the original Salvatore Boarding House, situated at 598 Abernathy Road, NE Atlanta, Georgia. This is where most of the interior of the Salvatore Boarding House is inspired and filmed. ( The Vampire Diaries filming crew also recreated the interior of the house to use for the show.) The estate itself was built by Thomas K. Glenn on 400 acres of farmland north of Atlanta in 1929. The property included stables, barns, smith and carpentry shops and workers' houses. Thomas and his wife lived at Glenridge Hall until his death in 1946. His granddaughter and her husband then tried to preserve the house in the 1980s. The home was listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has been a filming location of many films and television shows, including Driving Miss Daisy, until its demolition a few years ago.

The Salvatore Boarding House in the show's pilot is Foxglove Farm, which is located at 6471 224 Street, Langley, British Columbia. Just like Glenridge Hall, Foxglove Farm is also famous for its frequent appearance in films and TV shows. The property has a rich agricultural history and the barn itself is 130 years old. However, they rebuilt the barn to create the lower level, which is now used for catering, bathrooms, business meetings and weddings.

2 Elena Frequents the Mystic Falls Cemetery

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The Mystic Falls Cemetery is known as the South View Cemetery in Covington. Located at Southview Drive, Covington, GA , the cemetery is nestled right in the old downtown area of the town. There are some nice markers and sightings of Daughters of the American Revolution. There's also a memorial to Confederate soldiers.

Elena frequented the cemetery with her diaries in the early part of The Vampire Diaries. Later, the cemetery was more often seen in association with the Salvatore family. In the show, Stefan told Elena that the Salvatore Mausoleum was where his father was buried. The Salvatore Mausoleum is also known as the oldest part of the cemetery. After Damon's death, Elena frequented the location once again. The cemetery is also where all of her dead friends and family members are buried. The cemetery is also the location where Klaus killed his mother Esther.

1 Wickery Bridge Is Where Elena's Parents Died

Located at 5090 Klondike Rd, Lithonia, GA, the infamous Wickery Bridge is about 15–20 minutes away from downtown Covington. The bridge is known in The Vampire Diaries as the place where Elena's parents had an accident . Their car drove off the bridge, and Elena was the only survivor. Die-hard fans know that Elena was still mourning her parents in the show's pilot.

The bridge, though a minor location, played a crucial part in the story. Damon almost drove Elena off the bridge from the exact place where he had his humanity turned off. Vampire Elena also took off her daylight ring in an attempt to end her vampire life on the bridge. While fans might feel inclined to grab a selfie on the bridge, the location isn't exactly safe. Fans have reported cars flying across the bridge. Those who plan to visit Wickery Bridge should be extremely careful.

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7 'Vampire Diaries' filming locations to visit in Covington, Georgia

The Vampire Diaries may have ended in 2017 , but the town of Mystic Falls lives on — sort of. Covington, Georgia, is the doppelgänger for Mystic Falls, Virginia, where the show is set. And when we say doppelgänger, we really just mean that it's where Vampire Diaries filmed since its 2009 premiere .

The cast and crew have long since packed their bags , but fans of the CW series can still drive around town and spot familiar places where Elena , Damon, Stefan, Caroline, Bonnie, and the rest of the gang hung out. Ahead, check out some of the best Vampire Diaries filming locations to visit while in Georgia, from the real life Whitmore College to the fictional-turned-real Mystic Grill.

Elena Gilbert's home

Take a trip down memory lane with a drive past the home of Elena and Jeremy Gilbert . Yes, on the show, the house burned down in season four , but the property is still standing in Covington. 

The house is currently occupied (it was on the market in 2012 ), but going inside isn't important anyway. Only the exterior of the house was used during filming.

The Lockwood mansion

You may want to visit the Lockwood mansion to pay your respects to Tyler and his family. The teen werewolf lost numerous loved ones throughout the series and ultimately met his own  early demise . 

In real life the Lockwood mansion is called Worthington Manor . It's a private residence, but a tour group in the area called Vampire Stalkers claims to have the exclusive rights to take you to the location. It may be worth the $55 if you're a fan of the Damon-and-Elena-heavy  Miss Mystic Falls episode. If you simply want to drive by the location, you can find the address here .

Flashback Lockwood mansion

Two buildings were actually used for filming the Lockwood mansion. While Worthington Manor was used for modern day shots, the Twelve Oaks Bed & Breakfast in Covington can be seen in flashback episodes to 1864. You can stay overnight at the bed and breakfast, which can be spotted in season two, episode four of The Vampire Diaries (and according to Twelve Oaks' website, the cast and crew also stayed there sometimes).

The Mystic Grill

You can actually eat at the Mystic Grill  — just don't expect Matt Donovan to be your waiter. Partners John and Angi Beszborn and Ronnie and Kelley Johnston were inspired by fans of The Vampire Diaries and brought the fictional restaurant to life in 2014. 

The inside of the restaurant might not be recognizable to viewers, though. The show only filmed outside of the building, and shot inside scenes on a soundstage. The building was filled with offices  before being turned into a restaurant. Check out the menu  here .

Let's hope that the real-life restaurant fares better than the on-screen Mystic Grill, which hasn't exactly had the best luck . 

The clock tower

How many times did the town vampires hang out on top of the Mystic Falls clock tower? You might not be able to climb up, but you can still snap a photo in front of it. The clock tower is part of the Newton County Courthouse located in the center of town.

Whitmore College

The Vampire Diaries didn't film exclusively in Covington. The series also shot some scenes at Oxford College in Oxford, Georgia. Oxford College doubled as Whitmore College, which is where Elena, Bonnie and Caroline attended school in season five. If only Alaric Saltzman was a real professor there.

The Whitmore College frat house

While you're in Oxford, swing by Orna Villa , a historic Greek Revival house. Built in the 1820s, the location was transformed into a frat house for a memorable — and bloody — episode of The Vampire Diaries . Before Elena even got accepted to Whitmore, Damon took her to a frat costume party to experiment with choosing a victim. Orna Villa is located at 1008 N. Emory Street in Oxford, Georgia.

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The Vampire Diaries Filming Locations – A Guide to Covington

I’m obsessed with The Vampire Diaries so, when I ran out of episodes I did what I do best, travel. And what better way to get the fix of your favorite neck-biting vamps than by squeezing in a weekender to Covington to explore The Vampire Diaries filming locations?

The Vampire Diaries Filming Locations in Covington, GA

If you’re a total Vampire Stalker you are going to flip out when you go to Mystic Falls, or as we call it in the real world, Covington, Georgia. Like you, I’m a huge fan, and hitting up The Vampire Diaries   filming locations has been on my bucket list for a while.

No, I haven’t been watching it since 2009 when it started, but when I finally got on the wagon, I binge-watched every single episode in a matter of a month. Yes, a month. Let me tell you, it’s a whole new level of geekery and I highly recommend it. 

How much will that cost me? Some budget-friendly tips to keep your money in your pocket.

Okay, okay, you’re budget-minded and I get that. Naturally, you want to get right to it. Is this even a feasible trip? No sense in getting your fangs out if you can’t actually afford it.

The good news, visiting Georgia is actually pretty budget-friendly. Here are some pointers to keep you winning:

Flying Into Atlanta

Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport is a flight hub, one of the largest in the U.S. This means your flights are much cheaper than say if you were trying to fly into Tampa. Hey, even I like to save money (there’s always a kid or an animal who needs it more than I do).

Renting a Car

Really, you’re going to have to do this. Covington is a hot minute outside of the city. Plus, it’s the kind of place to check out and deserves more than a once-over. I always rent from Kayak… It’s just plain cheap.

Where to Stay

Well, this depends on your “Katherine” level. I’m a total Katherine when it comes to lodging. Call me spoiled but the hotel industry was my first career. I like unique places to stay, especially historic (and in light of the theme here, a historic inn is perfectly fitting)!

I can recommend the Twelve Oaks Bed & Breakfast . Firstly, because they actually use this property for filming and secondly, because it came highly recommended to me by the Covington Visitor’s Bureau (and they don’t just put travel bloggers anywhere…we get the goods).

Apart from this, you can always save when using Kayak in Atlanta which is just a half-hour away. I’m not paid by Kayak, I just really love Kayak.

While you’re at it, if you’re a fan of The Walking Dead , you may as well knock that geek trip off your list too! It’s just an hour from Covington!  

Vampire Stalkers Mystic Falls Tours – Winging it Versus Having a Guide

Okay so, now that we’ve sorted that, let’s start talking! The Vampire Diaries filming locations in Covington A.K.A. Mystic Falls, are pretty much public property which gives you one of two options. You can either wing it, or you can take a guided tour.

Personally, I prefer the guided tour (and I generally dislike tours they bore the crap out of me), but when it comes to a film (the one you know darn well you’re crack-addicted to) a guided tour is anything but boring.

The ONLY tour to take for this is the Vampire Stalkers Mystic Falls Tour .  It will run you $55 USD/person and worth every dime. Plus, it’s partnered with the Ian Somerhalder Foundation which I love.

There are three and only three reasons I opted to take a guided tour of Mystic Falls with Vampire Stalkers over chumming it along on my own:

Jessica, the guide (and founder of Vampire Stalkers Mystic Falls Tours) knows more than you  I do about The Vampire Diaries filming locations . She’s from Covington, Georiga, she’s been watching The Vampire Diaries filming since it began in 2009, and she knows the cast.

This means that taking this tour will leave you with insider knowledge and backstories you otherwise NEVER would have known. Oh, and her startup story is awesome too. She is overall just a ball of sunshine and adored by the cast and of course now me.

Mystic Falls Tours has access to the VERY private Lockwood Mansion estate where loads upon loads of scenes have been filmed. When you wing it you just get the creepy drive-by version. AND, you don’t get to meet George Lockwood, the infamous fabulous feline.

You may get to actually see (some of the former) cast of The Vampire Diaries while you’re there.

Now, I’m not guaranteeing anything, but let’s just say they are known to ham it up with fans when they are done, and being seen with Jess is never going to hurt the situation.

Here are some of The Vampire Diaries’ filming locations I was able to see on the Mystic Falls Tour.

Just so you know, there’s a pretty little photo gallery at the end of this article for you to explore. Back in the day before Google updated a million trillion times, I had these images embedded under each location. But, in order to optimize this post to its fullest potential, I had to make a gallery so, keep reading to check that out.

Many scenes are shot here. Bench scenes, town scenes, and more. As soon as you stand in The Square you feel like you’re in the show. It’s pretty cool.

Elena’s Father’s Doctor’s Office

The show has to remove the props because people tend to steal them. This one got to stay though! Pretty cool!

The Mystic Grill

Gah! The Mystic Grill like for really reals! So cool hearing about all the scenes filmed here. You can actually eat inside, however, keep in mind all the inside stuff is filmed at a soundstage. P.S. the food is UHMAZE!

Mystic Falls Courthouse

When you roll into Covington this hits you! Boom, you’re in Mystic Falls. This is really the icon of the exterior set of Mystic Falls.

The Damon and Elena Rain Kiss Scene

We all melted when we saw this one. Like c’mon, this is one of the most memorable scenes in the series!

Whitmore Campus

Movie magic turns this into Whitmore Campus. Pretty cool! This is actually a local park which is very peaceful and serene.

Where Bonnie Stops Matt’s Heart

In the current season, we all just saw how Bonnie used her witchy magic to stop Matt’s heart and barely start it again. Whew! That was here!

The Lockwood Mansion

Such an amazing estate. This historic real-life home is Tyler Lockwood’s home in Mystic Falls . Lots of cool parties and scenes shot here. You can’t miss George either. He’s the resident spotlight stealer. He loves attention, so expect him to come around when you’re there!

The Cemetery

Most of the cemetery scenes are done at the soundstage, but this has been used for scenes before.

And just for fun! The stars in town:

All around The Square, you will find pavers in the sidewalks. Among them are the pressings of Paul Wesley (Stefan Salvatore), Ian Somerhalder (Damon Salvatore), Nina Dobrev (Elena Gilbert/Katherine), and the Worthington Manor (Lockwood Mansion).

Check out my gallery of Covington!

Now I know you’re stoked. If you’re like me you’re an uber-fan and you swear you have to make it to Mystic Falls or you’ll die. Please remember while we all love TVD, there are some things you just shouldn’t do.

As in… don’t be that person that ruins it for everyone. No one likes that person.

If you see talent (they are really cool and often will come by to say hello if they have time), please keep in mind these people work 12-16 hour days. They have a lot of responsibility to remember lines and get into the characters we all love.

Don’t be an ass. Use your best judgment.

Don’t ever steal anything from the set. Sure it’s a trophy but at what cost? This type of move will cause nothing but problems for the people who aren’t doing these things. For more information on visiting Covington and the greater Atlanta area to explore The Vampire Diaries filming locations, please visit: The Covington CVB

Christa Thompson is the Founder and Chief Editor of The Fairytale Traveler. She started traveling the world in 2003 when she attended a summer abroad study at the University of Cambridge in England. Since then, her wanderlust has been fierce. Her three passions in life are her son, traveling, and being creative. The Fairytale Traveler brand gives Christa the opportunity to do all of these things and to live intentionally every day. "It's never too late to believe in what you love and to pursue your dreams." -Christa Thompson

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164 comments.

I’d love to visit these places. Vampire Diaries is one of my favorite shows.

What about the school? Do you know where it is?

I do believe that is a sound stage.

The high school,or Witmore? The witmore scenes were shot at Oxford. Not sure about the high school.

Witmore scenes were shot at Academy Springs Park https://www.facebook.com/pages/Academy-Springs-Park-Covington/530759740270818

The house in which Stefan stayed in Savannah Ga?

Do you mean the Salvatore Home?

I want to take my daughter to stay at the bed and breakfast for her birthday and do the tour. It’s September 2020, are all of these places still open? Is Covington still dedicated to honoring the show and fans? T. Sanderlin

I have never seen the show myself, but I know a lot of people that love the show! I am pretty sure this would be someone’s graceland.

OMG I love this so much. I never thought to visit the place where it’s filmed, but I LOVE this show and want to get down there someday!

Oh it’s so awesome! You totally should!

My niece loves the Vampire Diaries and I’m sure she would love to check these places out! What a cool place to go.

The cat is a big bonus! Honestly, I have never seen any of the Vampire Diaries.

Question. Does anyone know where the scenes of the water falls and quarry were shot? It reminds me of Tahlloula Falls but im not positive and I can’t find it online.

I think it was Tallulah but you might call the tour office and ask them.

I love TVD. It is one of my favorite shows. How coll that you visited where they film! Awesome!

We drive through Georgia on almost a yearly basis to Florida. I had no idea the show was filmed there. I just started watching this show on Netflix and cannot seem to get enough of it. I feel somewhat obsessive…I need to tone down a bit. haha I am bummed that Elena moves on to Damon. I really like her with Stephan. However, they are both actors gorgeous and very charismatic. 🙂

I love the Vampire Diaries. It would be so nice to visit all these places.

I haven’t gotten into the Vampire Diaries. I’ll have to see if I can find season 1 on netflix or hulu.

I never think about taking tours, this would be so much fun. Even if I didnt love the show, which I do, it looks like a good sight seeing place!

I’ve never watched that show but these places do look awesome to visit. Thanks for sharing.

I’ve only seen clips of the show before, but this is the kind of thing that excites me. I would love to see those places. We’re in NC so I think that’s not too far from here. Going to check it out.

What a fun tour! I loved watching the Vampire Diaries and its so fun to know that the Mystic Grill is a real place!!!

Jennifer Ashley http://www.prettylittledetails.ca

I’ve never watched this show but I would totally travel for a TWD tour. I love that shows and movies are filmed partly in real cities. It’s so cool to literally walk into your favorite shows and walk the same places as your favorite stars have. If shows were purely on a sound stage it wouldn’t make the show as real, I think.

Still jealous of your Walking Dead tour. ;( But I have never seen this show, even though I’m vampire obsessed. I would only stay in B&Bs in the South, for sure. Theyre always amazing.

What a fun tour. I know my oldest and his wife would love to do this one too!

This would be perfect for any fan of the show. Haven’t really watched it but if I were a fan, I would totally go on this tour!

Omg I just love Vanpire Diaries! How cool to see photos of all the places I’ve seen in the show!!!!! Soooo cool!!!!

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This is so cool! I am going to Covington in 2 weeks and I am super excited about it! Do you by any chance remember what cemetery you went to as well as what local park the kissing scene took place?

im from the UK and love love TVD… I am currently trying to get enough moolah together so I can visit site. Thanks for this info page. debz xx

You’re welcome!

Where was episode Cold As Ice filmed? I’m specifically wondering about the Santa Pub Crawl scene. Thanks!

I will ask Jessica at Vampire Stalkers and get back to you!

TVD Christmas episode where they did the pub crawl and there were all the Santa’s and Santa’s helpers was filmed in Stone Mountain. It is a very cute town we went there to try and see filming that day.

THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!! TVD fans stick together! And PS I’m going to DIE over the debacle they are in now.

Thank you Michele! I appreciate your reply. How did you know this? I am curious to know where a fan can get this kind of information for future reference. 🙂

Where is the famous salvatore house?

Sadly it was demolished to build a car factory. Tears ensue.

Thank you! Yes, please ask her! She is the expert after all. 😉

What is better to catch filming weekends or weekdays? Do they film in March?

Weekdays and I believe yes they are back in March!

Are they filming the vampire diaries now in august

Thank you so much 🙂

Do you know where the waterfall is from S2 E20 and can it be visited?

Let me ask the guide this one!

Is there a list of the locations with address for people who come when tour isnt available or it isnt in the budget? Thanks

I don’t know that the tourism office has published anything like that, but one look around and many places stand out.

There is! Google vampire diaries locations in Covington GA and most will pop up on Google maps

Do you know where the Delena rain kiss scene filmed?

Yes it’s in the article actually. It’s where they film Whittmore. I drive by it all the time now that I live here! YAY!

Loved it! Do you know how long the tour takes? Like what time it starts and what time it ends? thanksss

You can get all that information on their site which is linked in the article 😉

Hello everyone, in 2014 i wanted to become a vampire from one man in UK and he collected my money, and he did not make me a Vampire. In 2015 someone directed me to a vampire lord in Bulgaria and this man make me a vampire. I will advice anyone who want to become a vampire should contact Wallace Graham via email: [email protected] the money who make a Vampire.Miss Jennet.

So I actually love in Georgia and have still never been on this tour (sad) but do they take you to the Salvatore mansion and are the plate things on the ground with their names on them in the town square of Covington?

The mansion hs sadly been torn down. I know. A freaking tragedy! They are building a Mercedes factory or something there… UGH! Yes there are inlaid stars in the square 😉

Are Elena coming back at the 8 season and are they filming the 8 season?

Not likely.

And in witch website do you look at TVD 😀

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Do you know during which months they will be filming? Thank you.

They are filming now but it will be short… not many episodes this season sadly 🙁

Can you tell me where I can find the location from the Rain Kiss Scene ?

It’s in the park in town. Very easy. I forget the name of the park tho but our town is small, you could roll up and ask anyone where the park is and they will tell you 😉

Academy Springs Park

I was wanting to know if you had addresses for the Damon/Elena rain kiss scene.

This is the final season, with not as many episodes to film. Do you think they will still be filming in September?

Maybe, it’s possible 😉

R they filming right now?

Hi!! i’m from Chile, and i’ll be in canada this fall term and it’ll be the closest i’ve ever been to Georgia!, so i’m planning on going on september… do you think maybe the will be filming there?, and do you know when is it more probably for me to run with someone of the cast??? on the weekend, during the week ? .. etc and the last question, how do I reach Covington? any bus service and from where can I take it?, i’ll be traveling from Detroit 🙂 i’m super excited!!

Okay well for one, the filming is very top secret. No one knows in advance when they are filming unless it will be on their property or disrupting business. This is for obvious reasons. They film both on the sound stage and on location… Second, there is not bus service to Covington and Canada is over a day’s drive from here. You would need to fly into Atlanta and rent a car. Covington is 30 minutes out of the city and 45 minutes from the airport. There is not public transport to Covington. It is a small town. I recommend you rent a car and take the tour.

I love when people say Covington is a small town.. Lol ive been by it several times and to it once and got lost in like 5 minutes of being there.. But i never made it into the town center, just the outskirts. Lol I live about an hour south East in a smaller city outside Augusta.

What’s the name of the park the delena kiss scene is at?

It’s in the comments below 😉

I am getting the amazing opportunity to go the Atlanta area for business and I plan to extend my trip to go on TVD set tour! It’s an hour drive- but totally worth it! Do you know if filming is going on the first week in October or is filming already over for the season? Thanks!!

I think they film through October… it’s hit or miss. But I can tell you when they are filming it’s very secure. They have had so many issues with vampire stalkers that they’ve had to block a lot of the actual town off. But much of their filming is done on a sound stage. They aren’t out there all the time you know. As in, I live here and I’ve yet to see them filming around town…

Hi there!!! We are planning a trip to Mystic Falls Covington GA in 2 days!!! I only live an hour away but just found out about 6 months ago where they filmed!! I can’t tell you how excited I am about this trip. I’ve been waiting for this trip for about 3months. All your information on this was so helpful as to what to do and not to do. Especially what to expect and not to expect thanks for all your information. Hopefully I will be able to give more information after my tour!!!!

That’s so awesome!!! I’m so excited for you, you’re going to flip out when you see Mystic Falls. Head over to Conyers too and check out where they film the Originals! Super rad! xox

But where is high school?

That was my question, too.

High school is a sound stage. In fact a lot of it is done on the sound stages where they have their studio in Decatur.

The school is real and you can visit. The football field is in Monroe, Ga. It looks the same as when they filmed there. Hope this helps.

Where did they film the scene in season one episode eleven where Elena and Damon stop on the side of the road in Georgia

I would have to ask Mystic Falls Tours about that one. Can you email me and I’ll add it my list of things to do this week!

Where is the scene where Damon and Elena first meet filmed ??

I’d have to ask my friends over at Mystic Falls Tours 😉

Are they still filming? Or has show wrapped up yet?

Yes they are still filming 😉

What is the best time or days to catch them filming & are they still filming now?

Can you visit the town without doing the tour?

Sure, most things are public but the tour does have exclusive access to the private location which is the Lockwood mansion.

Are they going to show the season finale in the square in covington?

I haven’t been home in weeks but I will find out!

Yup. This weekend. I’m going. There is an event page on Facebook

I love the vampire diaries i got my sister into liking it too we’re going on a road trip to Georgia to go on the tour we’re both super excited i don’t know what im going to do when the show ends

Me either!!!! 🙁

Coming from Richmond Virginia this weekend for the vampire diaries finale. Have taken a tour with Jessica before but she is all sold out this weekend. Looking to cram as many tvd filming locations into the weekend as possible. Have heard several shows have shot in and around Walton mills, starrsville plantation and gathier plantation, that willouby is really stone mountain, etc. Where are these locations? Are there coordinates I can put in the gps?

Look up film locations on google maps. I’ve heard that helps! And have SO MUCH FUN!

Do you know where Season 2 “Kill or be Killed” was filmed. The volunteer site. It looks beautiful

I sure don’t I am sorry.

This place looks like a place I live but I wanted to know for sure, no need to broadcast just curious of where the bar was?

Covington, Georgia at the Mystic Grill 🙂

Is Wickery Bridge a real location in or around Covington? That would be a pretty awesome place to see. Thank you for all of this info, can’t wait to “geek” out on the tour!

I do believe it’s at the park where they film the kiss scene, but I don’t believe that’s the name of the bridge.

It’s a soundstage. Sorry lol. You will find out so much on the tour. They know everything there is to know.

The High School is real. The football field is filmed in another location in Monroe, Ga. It still looks like it did when filming.

Do you know the address for the high school and is it also in Monroe or just the football field?

Do you know the address to the Gilbert lake house? My friend and I have been searching high and low for the address. It’s a gorgeous view!

the film “Vamper Diaries” was so epic, i felt so emotional in several scene. I really enjoyed it, i just wished it never ended because i miss it every day, but right now i am on “The Originals” looks so much like vampire diaries with some same characters of Vamper Diaries”.. i just wish i could travel and see mystic falls..

Do you know the name of the park the Delena kiss scene was filmed?Been twice to Covington and haven’t found it yet.Email me Please??!!

It’s called Academy Springs Park

I put my name wrong.Its Bradford

Can anyone tell me where the house is that Bonnie stops Matt’s heart??

It’s in a small neighborhood called Dorchester Place right off the square in Covington. It’s the second or third from the last on the cul de sac. You’ll know it when you see it. 😉

Someone else asked this as well, but where was the waterfall scene (season 2, episode 20) filmed?

Amacalola falls in dawsonville GA

Where is the swimming hole location filmed?

I just got into this show a few years ago and I totally love it. Its an epic story. Just watched the last episode, wish the last series had been longer (it didn’t have as many episodes as the earlier series’s) especially regarding the last plotline which seemed squashed into a couple of episodes especially after the other storyline took over the whole series. Sorry this sounds confusing I wanted to say this without spoilers, but I believe that people who watched it will get it. About places my totally favourite set over the whole series had to be the Salvatore Mansion, their furniture was totally gorgeous, it was like a character in itself. Does anyone know where it is and if it is in the tour (yes I know the interior had to be a stage). I really like how Caroline evolves over the course of the show, I didn’t really like her character in the first few episodes but she really grows into such an admirable person. The guys where totally gorgeous, Damon, Stefan, Alaric, Matt, Enzo, Tyler’s uncle. The girls grew into really great role models, who were strong intelligent women who stood by their friends through thick and thin. I didn’t think I’d like it cause I thought it would just be a teen show but this show is more directed at different ages ( I fit into the Alaric and Damon age group). So this show was great in that it had storylines across the age ranges. The thing is its not just about vampires, its an epic love story and its about loyalty, bravery and friendship in adversity. And it is the camaraderie between the characters that make it stand the test of time. Not all the storylines were as enjoyable as others, i know there were times I felt like shouting at the screen, there were a couple of times characters and laughed with them too. There aren’t many shows like that today that you can suspend your disbelief and get so immersed in the story that you feel the emotions alongside the characters. Thank you vampire diaries. I am sorry the show is over but since it is still on Netflix at the moment I am sure I will step inside their world again for a little while. And its nice to share with other fans.

Thank you for all of your wonderful comments. If ever you want to share more of your thoughts on the UK feel free to send me an email! I’m always looking for a good story to publish 😉

I was wondering about the Salvatore Mansion too and came across this article https://www.priceypads.com/salvatore-boarding-house-aka-glenridge-hall-torn-down-photos/# how sad I couldn’t believe it, the mansion was truly gorgeous and such a shame that it was demolished.

Yeah…. they tore it down 🙁

The most awesome part for me is watching the show and seeing the town I grew up in. Planning to stop at the Mystic Grill on my next visit there

Hi just wondering is the cemetery a real place? And the forest scenes? Or is that on set ? I would love to take my daughter and do the tour. We are coming from Sydney Australia.

There is only one real cemetery scene, the one with the bird during the day. The rest are soundstage. Not entirely sure about the forest, I know a few of the later ones maybe.

Do you know which cemetery it is? I have googled cemetery’s in Covington and there are a couple?

The Cemetary was a soundstage, but there is one that they used for just one scene… it’s right in the middle of downtown Covington behind the white church.

Ahh I have to go here sometime is the salvatore house here or is it just a random house? has anyone ever been to the originals set, Coming from UK

Covington, Georgia is actually what got me into watching TVD. I came here once, a couple of years ago, when we were visiting my aunt, who works in a shop on the square. I had no idea that Covington was where TVD was filmed, and I was pretty confused once we parked and I saw groups of people walking around with t-shirts that said stuff like, “Damon’s wife”. So I guess thats the story of how I came to the set of TVD by accident lol

Yeah, it’s a pretty cool spot.

What’s the address for where Bonnie stops Matt’s heart?

It’s in the Dorchester neighborhood next to the park. But it’s a private residence.

4145 Dorchester Dr SE, Covington, GA 30014

I live in the North Georgia Mountains (Hiawassee, GA) and just finished watching s2e20 where Stefan takes Elena to the top of a mountain. What location did they film the scene where they get to the top and the view is so beautiful?

I think it is Amacalola Falls.

Hello! Do you know where the motel from Heart of Darkness is? I would like to stay there when visiting.

I don’t. But I bet you could call Mystic Falls Tours and they would know.

Very cool!!! I didn’t read any of the comments yet so it’s possible this has already been asked and answered, but did you ever see Elena Gilberts home? When watching the show you can totally see the clock tower from her home/street in the background… that home looks to be in Covington? I live in California and I’m a huge fan of Buffy The Vampire Slayer.. In 2015 I went to “Sunnydale” aka Torrance, and found “Buffy’s home”.. I walked down her street just like she would in the show…. I geeked out in front of the house lol.. took pics and some vids.. and then I went to “Sunnydale High”… which is literally walking distance from “Buffy’s house”… again, just like in the show.. geeked out there too and took pics!! It was so surreal and a very amazing experience!!

I do believe her home was a soundstage. But I could be wrong. There are a lot of locations in Covington though, more than I can even list.

Elena’s house is a real home that I know they used for exterior shots but I think all of the interior scenes were filmed on a soundstage.

I feel like I know the answer to this! Gah! I need to visit and dig in a little. I’ll come back here and comment when I find out 😉

Do you know if they will book a tour by walking up or is it required to book online. I looked online last night and there were 28 spots left then went to book for tomorrow and now it is saying they are booked. My luck!

You have to call them, sorry!

Do you know if the cemetery where they spend most of their time is real? Do you know where the high school is?

Both sound stages. Sorry!

I’m rewatching Vampire Diaries for the fourth time, lol. In Season 2 Episode 5 The Historical Society Volunteer Day scene next to a stream, do you happen to know what location it was filmed? Thanks in advance!

Where is the cabin that is in season 5 episode 20? its gorgeous I just wondered if it really exists

Do you have a list of locations and their addresses? We really want to do the tour but do not have the three hours they say it will take.

I’m sorry I don’t.

Im trying to find where the location of the bar that Enzo has stephan and elena tied up and questioning them about the death of his love maggie. The one on “campus” where the blonde witch works (i forget her name) right before stephan kills enzo. Do you know where it is? Season 5 episode 19

I do believe that it was a soundstage if it was not at the Mystic Grill.

Any recommendations for a self guided tour? We are down but don’t have the time for the actual tour

Did anyone else start crying when they read the title? ‘Cause your girl right here did!

Does anyone know where Stevens Quarry was filmed? It’s where Silas dumped Stefan and where they killed Cade.

Currently rewatching TVD and falling for Stefan all over again. I just watched S2E14, does anyone know where the Gilbert family lake house location is? Living in East TN it made me think of the lake cabins we have here.

You should def call Jessica at Vampire Stalkers in my article. She is all knowing. 😉

Do you know the address for the Parker house. My friend and I want to go there and I can’t find the address to that house.

I am going to covington and was trying to book the tour but I guess I was to late and all the spots have been taken. so I was trying to write an itinerary for my friends and I that love the vampire diaries. what are some of the best spots to visit? We would love to do the tour but we will have to wing it this time.

Do you have to have a reservation or can you just show up?

You need to get tickets for the tour. Link in post!

This is amazing,so informative

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The Wild Trek

Visiting Mystic Falls In Covington GA: The Vampire Diaries In Real Life

Are you a fan of The Vampire Diaries?  Have you ever wanted to step into the world of Mystic Falls Virginia and experience the supernatural for yourself? Look no further than Covington Georgia, the real-life location of the fictional town.

From the Mystic Grill to the Lockwood Mansion, there are plenty of iconic spots to explore. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at what you can expect when visiting Mystic Falls in Covington, GA, and why it’s a must-see destination for any diehard Vampire Diaries fan.

As the real-life filming location for Mystic Falls, Covington offers fans a chance to immerse themselves in the world of vampires, witches, and werewolves. Here’s your ultimate guide to exploring Mystic Falls in Covington!

Where is Mystic Falls?

For a long time, I thought Mystic Falls was a real place. I never bothered to ask where Mystic Falls actually is. Turns out it’s not in Virginia!

Mystic Falls is located in Covington Georgia and isn’t an actual town – Covington is just the set  mostly used for the Vampire Diaries. You’ll see many of the iconic Mystic Falls town landmarks in Covington.

Covington is a city in the central region of Georgia, specifically in Newton County. It is situated approximately 35 miles east of Atlanta, the capital city of Georgia.

The city has a population of around 14,000 people and covers an area of approximately 14 square miles.

Covington is known for its historic downtown area, which features a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options. And of course, because this is the home of Mystic Falls, you’ll see Vampire Diaries staples like the Mystic Grill and the town common.

Covington is easily accessible by car via Interstate 20 or by air through Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport , which is located approximately 40 miles west of the city.

Covington, Georgia is not only known as the home of the fictional Mystic Falls, but it has also been a popular filming location for TV shows and movies for over six decades.

Recently, the town has been the primary setting for the Netflix original series, Sweet Magnolias. In addition, Covington has been featured in several beloved films, including Remember the Titans (1999), Sweet Home Alabama (2002), and Selma (2014). Georgia is often referred to as the Hollywood of the South, and Covington’s popularity as a filming location is a testament to that.

As a devoted fan of The Vampire Diaries, visiting Covington was a dream come true. Despite being a popular destination for film and TV enthusiasts, the town maintains a charming and low-key vibe, with cute local shops and welcoming hospitality that will have you missing it before you even leave.

The Vampire Diaries Filming Locations In Mystic Falls/Covington Georgia

Though the initial episode of “The Vampire Diaries” was filmed in Vancouver, the remainder of the eight-series show was in Covington, GA.

And guess what? You’ll be thrilled to know that many of the show’s iconic filming locations are open to the public for exploration. That’s right – you can walk in the footsteps of your favorite characters and see the places where their supernatural adventures took place.

One of the most famous filming locations is the Mystic Grill , a beloved hangout spot for the show’s characters.

Another must-see location is the Lockwood Mansion , which served as the home of the Lockwood family on the show. 

Of course, there is the Town Square , the site of many of the show’s pivotal moments, and the Wickery Bridge, where the tragic accident that kicked off the series took place. 

Let’s dive into each of these locations in more detail to get you ready for your trip!

Top Things To Do in Covington Georgia for Vampire Diaries Fans:

Here are the top things to do, ranked. I recommend either driving or renting a golf cart (which we did and it was awesome!) since some of these spots are a pretty long walk.

10. Join a Mystic Falls Tour  

Going on a tour with Vampire Stalkers is a great way to start of your Mystic Falls journey if you want to see everything at once. This tour will take you all around Mystic Falls and show you the most iconic places. You can easily see many of these places on your own, but the tour does make it a little easier.

You’ll have stops at famous filming sites like the Mystic Grill , the Town Square, and the Lockwood Mansion .

This tour does boast “exclusive” access to the Lockwood Mansion , which is a private residence, but this only means you get to go inside the gates (not inside the house). But you DO get to see the iconic Caroline and Klaus bench, which was totally worth it for me.

You’ll also get to see Elena’s home , Caroline’s home , and Isobel’s home .

But this tour is notable for more than just the places on the TV series. The guides at Vampire Stalkers know everything there is to know about Mystic Falls, and they love to share their knowledge and enthusiasm with other fans.

This tour takes about 2.5 hours and is a great way to see all of the Vampire Diaries spots in one swoop.

Check out more info about the tour here.

9. See The Characters’ Homes

Would you rather go on a self-guided tour? You can easily check out the characters’ homes yourself. Here are the addresses:

Elena Gilbert’s House : 2104 Floyd Street NE, Covington, GA

Caroline Forbes’ House : 2118 Floyd St, NE, Covington, GA

Isobel’s House : 2146 Conyers St, SE, Covington, GA

8. Dine at the Mystic Grill   

Yes, you read that right! You can actually dine at the Mystic Grill!

The Mystic Grill is a common place for The Vampire Diaries characters to hang out. You will love it more if you are a fan, as the restaurant has many souvenirs and props from the show.

But this place is also a great restaurant in its own right, with a menu full of Southern-inspired dishes and a cozy, welcoming setting that will make you feel at home. It serves both lunch and dinner. The Mystic Grill has something for everyone , from essential comfort foods like mac and cheese to more sophisticated dishes like pan-seared salmon. If you are there for dinner, try one of the Mystic Burgers or get the 13 Oz Ribeye. Either one won’t disappoint!

The bar area is exactly like the show, but the restaurant area looks a little different. Either way, coming here feels super iconic. If only Matt was actually our waiter.

You can also grab a seat on the rooftop (not shown in the Vampire Diaries but super beautiful!) and listen to live music on the weekends (think Caroline singing to Matt).

So, come for the food, stay for the mood, and feel the magic of the Vampire Diaries at Mystic Grill !

7. Visit The 1864 Flashback Plantation House

Fans of The Vampire Diaries may recognize the beauty of Covington, Georgia from the 1864 flashbacks featured in the show.

However, this home has also served as the inspiration for the plantation featured in the classic film, Gone with the Wind. One must-see location in Covington is the Twelve Oaks Bed & Breakfast , which captures the charm and elegance of the antebellum South.

You can simply visit or actually stay in this home – we’ll cover more about that in the hotel section further down this post.

The address for this spot is 2176 Monticello St, SW, Covington, GA.

6. Explore Covington Square and The Clock Tower

As a fan of “The Vampire Diaries”, visiting Covington, Georgia was a dream come true. One of the highlights of my trip was exploring the Covington Square and Clock Tower.

The square is the heart of the city and offers a variety of local shops, restaurants, and entertainment options.

The Covington Clock Tower , which has been a fixture of the city since 1896, is one of the most iconic landmarks in the square. It’s a truly beautiful spot!

The square is also home to several events throughout the year, including the Covington Farmers Market and the Covington Art Walk . You can look around the shops and stores, which sell everything from handmade crafts and artisanal goods to unique gifts and souvenirs.

Or, grab a bite at one of the many cozy cafes, hip bars, or fancy restaurants that line the square. Many of these places serve delicious Southern-style food and other favorites from the area.

Covington Square also has a lot to offer regarding fun things to do. The town center has live music performances, art shows, and other annual special events. And of course, our characters in the Vampire Diaries experience all of that, so this is a must-visit.

5. Visit Lockwood Mansion

Another stop to visit as you explore the real-life town behind Vampire Diaries is the Lockwood Mansion . This stately historic home was the outside setting of the Lockwood family house on the show. It has now become a popular place for fans of the show who desire to venture into the world of Mystic Falls.

You’ll feel like you’re in The Vampire Diaries as soon as you get close to Lockwood Mansion . It’s easy to imagine the characters from the show walking around the property because of the grand columns, long roads, and lush landscaping.

You can’t actually go inside (and can only go in the gates on the tour) but it’s still worth a stop to see from the outside.

4. See The Iconic Damon/Elena Kiss Spot:

You know that iconic kiss in the rain? That took place at the Academy Springs Park , which is super close to downtown. The park itself is pretty beautiful, so it’s definitely worth a visit.

The address for the park is: 3120 Conyers St SE, Covington, GA.

3. Spend Some Time at Mystic Falls Cemetery   

A Vampire Diaries tour wouldn’t be complete without stopping at the Mystic Falls Cemetery , one of the most critical settings of the show. But seriously: how much time did the characters spend here?

The stone walls, tall trees, and twisting paths of the cemetery all show up in different episodes, and it’s easy to picture the show’s characters wandering through the graves. This is where the group mourned so many iconic characters.

Even without Vampire Diaries, the cemetery is famous for photographers and history buffs because of its beautiful grounds and memorials. Its quiet atmosphere is a nice break from the business of everyday life.

The address for the cemetery is: 2151 Davis St., Covington, GA.

2. See The Welcome Sign

Grab a picture with the iconic Mystic Falls Virginia sign !

You will find the actual wooden sign inside the Visitor’s Center, and another one painted on one of the walls in The Alley.

1. Check Out Some Vampire Diaries Merchandise and Gift Shops

You can visit many places in Covington, Georgia, where the TV show took place, but there are also a few places in town that sell cool Vampire Diaries stuff.

The Vampire Stalkers tour group, located near the Town Square, runs one of the largest gift shops with the most extensive selection of Vampire Diaries items. 

The gift shop is a haven for fans who want to take a piece of Mystic Falls home. What’s great about it is that it is just a few steps away from some of the most famous film locations of the show, so it’s a quick stop in while sightseeing. 

Replicas of the show’s props are among the most popular things in the gift shop. You can get Damon Salvatore’s vervain collar and the Gilbert family ring , complete with great care and attention to detail.

But even if you don’t want a copy of a prop, the gift shop has a lot of other things to offer. You can get a Mystic Falls t-shirt or a mug with your favorite characters on it to show how much you like the show. And if you want a unique souvenir, you can have a piece of jewelry made just for you with a design inspired by the show.

That’s pretty much it for the big locations in MysticFalls. However, there are some smaller places to see, too:

Bree’s Bar – 4139 Emory St NW, Covington, GA Whitmore College – 801 Emory St, Oxford, GA Sharp Gym 20’s Decade Dance – 2140 Newton Dr., Covington, GA

Other Things To Do in Covington, Georgia

Apart from exploring the filming locations of The Vampire Diaries, there are many more things to enjoy in this town. Whether you’re a history buff, an outdoor enthusiast, or simply considering a relaxing getaway, the following things to do will surely make lasting memories!

Play a Round of Golf at Ashton Hills Golf Club

You can’t miss the chance to play at one of the best public courses. A golf course is a place where history and new ideas meet. The Ashton Hills Golf Club takes pride in giving players unique places to play and exciting things to do in Covington, GA. 

When you get there, you’ll see a lot of things. Clean greens and well-kept fields are just the start. You can play 18 of the best rounds at their Desmond Muirhead-designed course. The golf course is 6906 yards long, and it is a golfer’s dream. 

Give it a few swings to find out for yourself.

Partake in Covington Ghost Tour

For a more exciting time, go on a walking tour of Covington’s historical sites . Seasoned Ghost Guides will show you around a city with a long history of hauntings and give you a preview of what makes it the “Hollywood of the South.” 

You will visit places where TV shows like “In the Heat of the Night,” “The Dukes of Hazzard,” and “The Vampire Diaries” were filmed. Most of the time, the walking ghost trip takes about 2.5 hours. The best way to see the hidden side of Covington City is on a Covington Ghost Tour .

View Local Arts at Southern Heartland Art Gallery

The Southern Heartland Art Gallery opened in 2004 on Covington’s old square. So far, the art center has done an excellent job of showing off unique and exciting works by local creators and artists. 

Since the gallery is in a great spot in the city, it is easy to get to and gets a good number of visitors every day. Even more, the Southern Heartland Art Gallery has several shows. 

Check their schedule to plan your trip to the city around it!

Appreciate the Outdoors at The Eastside Trail

The Eastside Trail is the newest multi-use greenway walk in Newton County. 

It goes from downtown Covington to Eastside High School, which is 2.5 miles away. It starts on Ramsey Drive, and for the first few miles, it winds behind the library and Newton County Health Center into an area of woodland. 

After taking a slow path through the woods, the route will traverse Martin Street at the crossing. The view on the trail will bring anyone relaxation .

For free things to do in Covington, GA, you can rent a bike from a shop close and ride down the trail. 

Go Sightseeing at Turner Lake Trail

The Turner Lake Complex is in Covington, near the end of Clark Street on the west side. Visitors can park at the Turner Lake Facility and use the trails behind the complex and along the lake to get to the lake.

After seeing the sights, you can get to downtown Covington. You can reach it via the boardwalk, a tunnel under the roundabout, or bike paths.

The trail’s natural setting allows you to escape all the distractions and focus on yourself. And, if you are with your loved ones, you can stroll down Broadway to have an excellent time!

Getting To Mystic Falls (Covington, Georgia)

Getting to Covington Georgia, is a breeze, with various transportation options available. Whether traveling by car, plane, or bus, there are numerous ways to reach this charming town and explore all Mystic Falls, Virginia, has to offer.

If you’re driving by car to Covington, Georgia, the trip will be beautiful and easy. The town is easy to get to from Atlanta and other nearby cities because it is right off Interstate 20.

It takes about an hour from Atlanta to Covington, but that can change based on how busy the roads are. If you’re going from out of state, plan your route and leave plenty of time for rest stops and to get gas.

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is the closest airport if you come by plane. You can rent a car, take a cab, or use a shuttle service to get to Covington from there.

Depending on traffic, the trip takes about an hour. Flights to Atlanta cost different amounts based on the time of year, but round-trip tickets usually cost less than $200.

Book your flights early to get the best deals and arrive in Covington at a good time. And don’t forget to bring only what you need. Airlines often charge extra for checked luggage.

If you would instead take a bus, the closest bus station to Covington is in Atlanta. You can take a GRTA bus from there; the trip takes about an hour, depending on the road conditions.

Just check the bus schedules before you go so you can get to Covington quickly.

Where To Stay in Covington, Georgia

If you plan to go to Covington Georgia, you should stay for more than one day. We suggest staying for at least a weekend or longer because there are so many places to see and charming Southern hospitality to enjoy. 

Luckily, there are a lot of places to stay, and there are options for all budgets and preferences. Here are the ones we like best!

The Twelve Oaks Bed and Breakfast

Do you like The Vampire Diaries? If so, you won’t want to pass up the chance to stay at the Twelve Oaks Bed & Breakfast in Covington, Georgia! This beautiful house is in the middle of Mystic Falls and offers guests a luxurious and unforgettable stay.

The Twelve Oaks Bed & Breakfast is just a short walk from downtown Covington , so it’s a great place to stay while you check out the town’s charming shops, restaurants, and sights. The house is a work of art in and of itself. It has grand rooms and elegant furniture that take visitors back in time.

At the Twelve Oaks Bed & Breakfast , guests can choose from six rooms , each with its style and personality.

There’s something for every taste and budget, whether you want a cozy room with a fireplace or a large suite with a four-poster bed. And with high-speed Wi-Fi and luxurious blankets, guests can enjoy all the comforts of home in a truly unique setting.

The delicious breakfast given every morning is one of the best parts of staying at Twelve Oaks Bed & Breakfast. In the elegant dining room of the house, guests can enjoy a gourmet meal, or they can have a more casual meal in the cozy breakfast nook.

Twelve Oaks Bed & Breakfast rooms start at around $200 per night , varying on the season and room type. Even though it’s not the cheapest place to stay in Covington, the luxurious rooms and fantastic service make it well worth the extra money.

We  highly recommend staying at Twelve Oaks for the full Covington Georgia Mystic Falls experience! You’ll feel like you’re part of Vampire Diaries during your stay – the rooms are just incredible.

Holiday Inn Express Covington

The Holiday Inn Express Covington is a popular hotel located in the heart of Covington, Georgia. The hotel offers a variety of amenities and services to make guests’ stays comfortable and enjoyable.

The rooms are spacious and well-appointed, featuring comfortable beds, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi.

Additionally, the Holiday Inn Express Covington is located close to many of the city’s top attractions, including the Mystic Grill and the Covington Square. The hotel also offers easy access to nearby highways, making it a convenient option for those traveling by car.

And what about pricing? Rooms at the Holiday Inn Express start at around $100 per night , depending on the season and room type. It makes it a fantastic option for budget-conscious travelers who still want a comfortable stay with all the modern amenities.

Hampton Inn

Hampton Inn is your home away from home in the charming town of Covington, Georgia! If you’re looking for a comfortable yet affordable stay with a touch of Southern hospitality, look no further than this cozy yet affordable hotel.

It is right off Interstate 20, making seeing all the town offers easy. Also, its friendly staff is always happy to improve your stay by giving suggestions and secret tips.

You can choose from different rooms, such as standard rooms with one or two beds or large suites with living rooms. Some comfortable rooms have free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs with premium cable channels, and soft mattresses.

Are you looking to stay active and fit during your trip? No problem! The Hampton Inn has you covered with an outdoor pool and fitness center, so you can break a sweat and cool off in style.

Moreover, the best part is that living here won’t break your budget. Prices start at about $100 per night , which makes it an excellent choice for tourists on a budget. You can be sure you’ll feel right at home as soon as you get there!

La Quinta Inn & Suites 

Looking for a place to stay in Covington, Georgia, that’s cozy and easy to get to? La Quinta Inn & Suites is an excellent place to stay . This famous hotel chain has clean, comfortable rooms, modern amenities, and a prime location.

The rooms at La Quinta Inn & Suites are large and comfortable, with flat-screen TVs, premium cable programs, and high-speed Wi-Fi so you can stay in touch while there.

Plus, you can choose between standard rooms and larger suites with separate living rooms to find a room that fits your wants and budget.

But La Quinta Inn & Suites has more to offer than just that. The hotel also has an outdoor pool, a fitness center, and a complimentary breakfast served every morning in the dining room. You can have an excellent start to your day with various hot and cold foods, like eggs, toast, cereal, and more!

Additionally, service is one thing that makes La Quinta Inn & Suites stand out from other hotels . Some of the friendliest and most helpful individuals you’ll ever meet work here. They are always keen to go above and beyond to make your stay as easy and enjoyable as possible.

La Quinta Inn & Suites is right off Interstate 20, which makes it a good choice for travelers passing through the area or those who want to explore the town’s many charms and nearby sites.

This place has reasonable prices, with rooms starting at around $90 per night , based on the time of year and the room type. It makes it an excellent choice if you want to explore the town while on a budget!

FAQs About Visiting Mystic Falls Virginia (Covington Georgia):

Can you see mystic falls without a tour, can i visit the lockwood mansion, what is the best time of year to visit.

The best time of year to visit Covington, Georgia, to experience the Mystic Falls filming locations and immerse yourself in the world of “The Vampire Diaries” can depend on a few factors:

Spring (March to May): Spring can be a lovely time to visit. The weather is mild, and the blooming flowers and lush greenery can enhance the overall ambiance of the town. The pleasant temperatures make it comfortable for walking tours and exploring the filming locations .

Fall (September to November): Fall is another popular time to visit. The changing foliage adds a beautiful backdrop to your experience, and the weather remains comfortable. The fall season can also coincide with fan events or conventions related to “The Vampire Diaries.”

Summer (June to August): Summer is a peak tourist season, so you might encounter larger crowds. However, if you’re willing to brave the heat and the possibility of some rain, summer can be a good time to visit if you want a lively atmosphere and longer daylight hours for exploring.

Winter (December to February): Winter is the off-peak season for tourism in Covington. While the temperatures can be cooler, this might be a quieter time to visit the filming locations without the crowds. Some events or attractions might have limited availability during this time, so it’s good to check in advance.

Final Thoughts

That’s it for this guide on exploring the real-life town behind Vampire Diaries!

Mystic Falls Virginia, or more precisely, Covington Georgia , offers an unforgettable experience whether you are a fan of The Vampire Diaries or not. From exploring iconic filming locations to shopping and exploring the outdoors, Covington has something for everyone.

So pack your bags now and embark on a journey to this magical town!

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WE ARE Vam pire Stalkers

We got our nickname 'Vampire Stalkers' by spending all our free time hanging out on the set of the Vampire Diaries when the show first started. Our close friends and family decided the best way to explain what we were doing was to start telling everyone we were out 'Vampire Stalking' and the name stuck.

Now we are Vampire Stalkers Mystic Falls Tours and have made a successful business doing tours for The Vampire Diaries, The Originals, and Legacies around town. We also run Hollywood of the South and do tours for other productions around Covington, GA.

Jessica Lowery

Founder | owner | tour guide.

Jessica is a highly respected regular in the Vampire Diaries fandom and has even had many of the actors of TVD encourage fans to take the Mystic Falls tour with her.

Angie Knight Moss

Tour guide | store & museum manager.

Angie has been best friends with Jessica since High School where they witnessed their first run in with filming with 'Heat of the Night'.

Jennie Durocher

Graphic designer | web designer.

Jennie is a Professional Graphic & Web Designer from Jacksonville, FL who works with Jessica helping Mystic Falls. She has a degree in Illustration and has 10+ years advertising experience

Jessica Founder | Owner | Tour Guide

Angie tour guide | store & museum manager, jennie graphic designer | web designer.

Amber Tour Guide

Amber Chandler is a die-hard Vampire Diaries universe fan, whose been Team Stefan since day one! She's a tour guide for Mystic Falls Tours and also assists Jessica and Angie in daily business tasks and social media.

Kelley Hancock Store Manager

Kelley and Jess are cousins. Grew up together and one of the first people to stalk a Vampire Diaries set with "Damon" back in the day with Jess. If your stopping in the store or calling us then your probably talking to Kelley!

Brannan Store clerk

Brannan is one of the  masterminds behind becoming Vampire Stalkers with her mom Jessica so long ago. Brannan is working at the store now and can tell you tons of stalking stories. Brannan has also worked for Ian Somerhalder Foundation in the past and supports all things fuzzy. Brannan is mommy to several dogs and one cat.

Jesse Store/Customer Service

Jesse is Jessica's son and has been around from the beginning even if he wasn't really part of Vampire Stalkers back then he loves his job now. Jesse answers a lot of your phone calls and questions are answered by him. Jesse is a Klaus fan, who can blame him?

Presslee Store and Stock

Presslee is newly engaged and going to school all while spending her free time with us. Don't worry we told her she was a Vampire Stalkers for life now. 

Sam Store and Stock

Sam works at our store On Location Gifts. Always there to help with a smile. 

Tori works in the store. Tori is also a mommy to her son Braylon.

Ashlynn  

Ashlynn works in the store and keeps everything organized. Don't tell anyone but if you like the mystery bags most of the time she makes them!

Tour Guides

Provide a general description of the items below and introduce the services you offer. Click on the text box to edit the content.

Larry Tram driver and Guide

Larry is a senior tram driver and guide here at Mystic falls tours.His job is about the safety of our guests while getting them to the locations. Larry is also Team Vicki for Vampire Diaries. Larry is married to one of our other guides Amber.

Hailey Tour Guide 

Hailey will be your guide most tours. She is an avid TVD Universe fan and knows all the things. She moved to Georgia just because she was a fan of the show and it filmed here. That's dedication folks! Hailey is married with one son. 

Stephen is newest to our staff here but doing such a great job already. Stephen drives the tram and he is a guide for the tours. Look out Out TVD and Originals fans he loves talking about the show with you.

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This Is My South

A travel guide to the Southern USA

The Ultimate Vampire Diaries Fan Guide to Georgia

June 8, 2022 By Caroline Eubanks Leave a Comment

Starting in 2009 and running for eight seasons, not to mention spawning multiple spinoffs, The Vampire Diaries is one of the most popular series to be filmed in Georgia. Its impact is still seen today as the show gains popularity on streaming platforms.

It tells of a young girl who meets a pair of vampire brothers and finds herself falling deeper into their world. The show starred Nina Dobrev, Paul Wesley, and Ian Somerhalder and was filmed primarily in Covington, Georgia. This is also where Netflix’s Sweet Magnolias is filmed.

There are many to find but some have since been demolished . Other locations are private and not open to the public. But here are some of the best spots to visit for The Vampire Diaries fans.

Looking for more fan guides? Check out our posts from Outer Banks , Stranger Things , and The Walking Dead .

This post contains affiliate links.

The Vampire Diaries Filming Locations

Homes from the vampire diaries.

There are many homes used in the series over the years. It should go without saying, but DO NOT TRESSPASS , even if you find the address online.

Mayor Lockwood’s mansion is on East Street and visible from the street, the site of Caroline and Stefan’s wedding. You can usually snap a photo from the gates, but if you want to go onside, you’ll have to book a tour with Vampire Stalkers.

Elena’s House can be found at East and Floyd streets. Caroline’s House is right across the street. Gram’s house is on Conyers Street between Davis and East. Isabel’s mansion is next door to it.

Newton County Courthouse

The Newton County Courthouse and its iconic clock tower is featured heavily in the show and was originally built in 1884 in the Second Empire architectural style. It’s where Katherine prepares to jump and where Sheriff Forbes’ office is located. You may not be able to go inside since it’s an active courthouse, but you can see the outside.

Nearby you can also find Dr. Gilbert’s medical practice and Covington’s “Walk of Fame,” honoring the many television and film productions that have filmed here.

Oxford College, Oxford

Located five minutes drive down the road, Oxford College at Emory University is the Atlanta school’s original campus, founded in 1836. It stands in for Whitmore College, where Elena, Bonnie, and Caroline attended school in season five. It was also featured in the first episode of The Dukes of Hazzard , along with In the Heat of the Night and Vacation .

Nearby, check out the exterior of Orna Villa , the former home of the college president. It was used in a particularly gruesome episode as a fraternity house.

Mystic Grill

While originally created as a set, Mystic Grill opened in 2014 and is now an operational restaurant, full of memorabilia from the series. The restaurant has a diverse menu that includes fried chicken, burgers, and sandwiches. There’s also a rooftop where you can see the best views of downtown.

Southview Cemetery

Iron gates surround Southview Cemetery , a historic cemetery in downtown Covington. The oldest plots date back to the 1800s. One of the more notable scenes from the show filmed here was when Damon and Elena kiss in the rain.

Set in a former train depot, The Depot is a popular sports bar on the road to Oxford. The menu includes beer and food, including buffalo wings and burgers. In the show, it stands for Bree’s bar.

The Twelve Oaks Bed and Breakfast

The 1836 Antebellum mansion was used for flashback scenes on The Vampire Diaries . The home now operates as a bed and breakfast, boasting hearty Southern meals, spa tubs, and fine Turkish linens. Over 90 television shows and movies have been filmed here, including Madea’s Family Reunion , Life of the Party , and Bessie . It’s also been cast and crew accommodations.

The Vampire Diaries Tours and Experiences

If you’re looking for the best tour of the filming locations and stories from behind the scenes, your best bet is Vampire Stalkers , which has an office downtown. They also have artifacts from the show and souvenirs.

The Alley at Mystic Grill , located beneath the restaurant, is a must-see for fans of both The Vampire Diaries and Sweet Magnolias. It has souvenirs and memorabilia as well as a small museum of signed posters and props.

Where to Eat in Covington, Georgia

Downtown Covington has an abundance of fantastic restaurants. For fans of the show, it’s fun to try the places seen on screen, including Mystic Grill and The Depot. But that’s not all!

City Pharmacy is an award-winning restaurant in a former pharmacy building. Here you can enjoy dinner and brunch, including burgers, steaks, and pasta. For a sweet treat, Scoops ice cream shop is a favorite of the actors. Bread and Butter is a coffee shop and bakery in town with “wine blood bags” to appeal to fans.

Where to Stay in Covington, Georgia

Looking for a place to stay during your Vampire Diaries-themed trip?  The Twelve Oaks Bed & Breakfast  is popular with visitors, featured in television and film, with cozy rooms and daily breakfast.  Hampton Inn Covington  has amenities like daily breakfast.  Rental houses  are also a good option.

Must-Have Vampire Diaries Gear

About Caroline Eubanks

Caroline Eubanks is the editor of this website, a Lowell Thomas award-winning travel writer, and the author of This Is My South: The Essential Travel Guide to the Southern States. Her stories from the South have appeared in National Geographic Traveler, Afar, Thrillist, Roads and Kingdoms, and BBC Travel.

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Mystic Falls Virginia – Touring The Real Town Behind The Vampire Diaries

If you happen to be a fan of the CW hit show “The Vampire Diaries”, you may find yourself asking a few questions when it comes to the town of Mystic Falls Virginia. Like first of all, is Mystic Falls real?

If so, where is Mystic Falls? And more importantly, can you eat at the famous Mystic Grill in real life?

+ For a quick preview of this post, check out our Mystic Falls Virginia Story .

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Therefore, this post may contain affiliate links, meaning I make a small commission on qualifying purchases made through these links, at no additional cost to you.

These are just a few of the questions I’ve had over the many years of binge watching TVD and, through a pretty coincidental stroke of luck, I was able to get the full lowdown on the famous Mystic Falls Virginia during a quick trip to Atlanta, GA.

Keep on reading to learn more about how you can visit Mystic Falls VA and see all the iconic Vampire Diaries shooting locations for yourself (and yes, you really can eat at the Mystic Grill!).

Table of Contents

Where was Vampire Diaries filmed?

Though the pilot episode of “The Vampire Diaries” was filmed in Vancouver, the remainder of the eight series show  was filmed in Covington, GA.

Covington has been a popular filming destination for years and has even been unofficially declared the “Hollywood of the South”.

The small town is located nearby Atlanta, making it an ideal day trip destination for anyone visiting the city.

Is Mystic Falls Virginia a real place?

Mystic Falls Virginia is NOT a real place!

You can still grab a great photo with the real welcome sign from the show though at the Covington Visitor Information Center .

In order to visit “Mystic Falls Virginia” in real life, you’ll have to go to Covington, GA.

Covington GA to Atlanta GA

It’s incredibly easy to get to get from Covington GA to Atlanta GA. In fact, it’s only about a 40 minute drive.

A trip to Covington is definitely worth it if you’re visiting Atlanta, and vice versa.

There are so many amazing things to do and see!

Related: 24 Things to Do in Atlanta, Georgia This Weekend

Things to Do in Covington GA

Vampire diaries tour.

Hands down the best way to explore Covington, GA is through an official Mystic Falls Tour .

We went through the company Vampire Stalkers , which is the TVD cast’s #1 recommended tour.

Jessica, the owner of the company, is incredibly knowledgable on the show and the area, and she personally knows many of the cast members.

She has tons of great stories, and she really knows what she’s talking about when it comes to “The Vampire Diaries”, the spinoff “The Originals”, and now even “Legacies”, the third TVD spinoff!

Though you might be tempted to scout the locations from the show on your own, I’d definitely recommend taking the tour, because you’ll get access to lots of filming locations you wouldn’t otherwise (like the Lockwood Mansion, which is a completely gated property).

You’ll also learn a lot more about how the show was actually filmed and even get to hear funny stories about the cast, which I think is well worth the money.

The Mystic Grill

One of my favorite things to do in Covington GA was of course visiting the Mystic Grill .

Though the inside scenes at the Mystic Grill were filmed at the sound stages, the outside scenes were filmed right here at the Mystic Grill Covington.

It was really cool to sit outside here like the TVD cast did many times and look out at Covington Square or the clock tower…it really feels like you’re in Mystic Falls!

Another great thing about the Mystic Grill is that you can actually eat here.

The southern style food is delish, and they even have rooftop seating available that overlooks the town square.

I’m already planning on coming back here the next time I’m in Atlanta — it was just that good!

Related: Meeting the Cast of “The Vampire Diaries”

Covington Square & The Clock Tower

Another really cool spot is Covington Square.

It’s obviously pictured a lot throughout the series, and you can view both the Mystic Grill and the clock tower from here.

There’s also a number of cute shops to explore and some other tasty restaurants.

We really enjoyed visiting Scoops Ice Cream, which is rumored to have been one of Ian Somerholder’s favorite spots when The Vampire Diaries was filming here!

The Gilbert House

Getting to see the Gilbert house in person was awesome.

Though it’s just a normal residence to anyone who hasn’t watched the show, every true TVD fan knows that some pretty iconic scenes took place on this porch!

Scenes inside the house were filmed at the sound stages though, since it wouldn’t really be practical to take over someone’s home every time they needed to film.

FYI: If you want to visit the Gilbert house or any other of the homes used for filming during the show, make sure you’re on an official tour.

These poor homeowners have had some unfortunate run-ins with fans who have been less than respectful to their properties.

Remember that these are private residences, and Jessica, the owner of the Vampire Stalkers tour company is actually in regular contact with the homeowners to ensure that it’s okay for people to stop by each time she’s doing a tour.

Imagine if you had random fans showing up at YOUR doorstep without any warning.

The Forbes’ Residence

Another cool stop on our Vampire Diaries tour? Caroline Forbes’ house!

Again, inside shots were filmed at the sound stages, but they really did use the porch for any outside scenes here.

The Lockwood Mansion

Okay, here is another instance where you absolutely need to be on an official Vampire Diaries tour to get the full Mystic Falls experience!

On our Vampire Diaries tour, we were able to go behind the gates of the Lockwood Mansion and see the place where so many of the epic parties were really staged throughout this series.

We even got to meet the owners of the home, who were both incredibly kind and willing to answer any questions we had.

So many important moments were filmed in this backyard, and they actually did use the inside of the home for some party scenes as well.

It was an amazing treat to get to check out this place in person.

Related: 5 Things to Expect at the Coca Cola Museum in Atlanta, GA

Mystic Falls Cemetery

In addition to many of the main shooting locations already mentioned, it wouldn’t be a true Vampire Diaries tour without a trip to the Mystic Falls Cemetery.

Though Mystic Falls Cemetery isn’t featured as often as some of the above shooting locations, it’s surely one of the most iconic considering this is the very place where Elena meets Stefan Salvatore for the first time in the Vampire Diaries pilot.

While it may feel a bit cheesy, don’t pass up on recreating the famous Damon and Elena photograph from the finale while you’re there either!

Vampire Diaries Merchandise & Gift Shops

In addition to the many filming sites you can visit in person, there are also a few gift shops in town that sell some awesome Vampire Diaries merchandise.

One of the biggest gift shops with the widest range of Vampire Diaries merchandise is run by the Vampire Stalkers tour group and is located near the Town Square.

There’s also a great shop located off of the alley near the Mystic Grill that I actually bought a Mystic Grill t-shirt from while we were there.

Another option is of course to purchase your own Vampire Diaries merch before your visit so you can rock it around town during your visit.

These are just a few of the highlights of Mystic Falls (the tour was about three hours long, so there’s actually a lot I didn’t even mention in this post!).

There really are a lot of things to do in Covington GA, and I’m excited to go back the next time I’m in Atlanta.

Vampire Stalkers also has an “Originals” tour now too, which takes you around to some of the most popular The Originals filming locations.

I’m hoping to attend that next and see where some more of my favorite scenes were filmed!

Are you a fan of “The Vampire Diaries”? What are some of your favorite things to do in Covington GA?

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'The Vampire Diaries' Was Filmed In Covington, Georgia & You Can Visit These 7 Famous Locations

Your own ''Mystic Falls'' free guided tour!

Travel content creator visiting ''Mystic Falls'' in Covington, Georgia.

The Peach State is now a hub for filming movies and hit television shows. There's just something so thrilling about road tripping to these spots and standing in the exact same places as your favorite characters that you've swooned over.

Many of the hit show The Vampire Diaries' filming locations happen to be here in Georgia, and you can go visit them. Most of the scenes were filmed in Covington — transformed into Mystic Falls — and surrounding cities.

Along with TVD , the spin-off shows The Originals and Legacies were also filmed in the same locations.

Here's a look at the top 7 most exciting spots to visit on your self-guided tour (you can also go on a tour for $55 ).

Elena Gilbert's home

See on Instagram

Address: 2104 Floyd St. N.E., Covington, GA

Why You Need To Go: Season four hit many fans hard after Elena turned her emotions off, but don't worry, the house is actually still standing. You can't go inside, but seeing the outside and that famous wrap-around porch will suffice. 

The Clock Tower

Address: 2101 Washington St. S.W., Covington, GA

Why You Need To Go: This is the tower that Katherine was ready to jump right off of. It's located right on Covington Square and is a very popular spot to take photos.

Whitmore College

Address: 801 Emory St., Oxford, GA

Why You Need To Go: This is actually Oxford College of Emory University that is located in Oxford, Georgia. We see this college all throughout season five. The campus is very beautiful and worth a little road trip.

The Lockwood Mansion

Address: 2111 Anderson Ave., Covington, GA

Why You Need To Go: This mansion is absolutely beautiful and visitors are more than welcome to drive past and admire the beauty. If you want to walk and tour the grounds, you can take the guided tour and get exclusive access.

The Whitmore College Frat House

Address: 1008 N. Emory St., Oxford, GA

Why You Need To Go: This is where viewers see Damon trying to teach Elena how to feed on humans at your typical frat party. While it might not be an actual fraternity house, it is a historic Greek Revival house, so they had the right idea.

Why You Need To Go: You can walk in the same spots as all your favorite characters and even see if you can find Sheriff Forbes' bench. This is where all the big scenes happened and a great spot to sit and have a picnic (when there isn't filming going on).

Mystic Grill

Address: 1116 Clark St. S.W., Covington, GA 

Why You Need To Go: You must stop and eat at Mystic Grill just because of how iconic it is. It looks a little different on the inside, but the food is so good. You can even walk down the stairs to the alleyway where a few vamps were staked. 

Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.

This article has been updated since it was originally published on February 2, 2020.

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Entertainment

True Originals Fans Must Visit These New Orleans Locations

While The Originals filmed primarily in Georgia, the cast and crew occasionally made the trek to New Orleans.

Throughout its five-season run, The Vampire Diaries spinoff The Originals had a lot of things working in its favor: There’s witchcraft, storyline after compelling storyline, 'ships you can't help but obsess over, a powerful hybrid baby, and tons of beautiful scenery to inspire wanderlust. Let’s zero in on that last one, though — hope that's cool bayou (sorry, not sorry).

Just about everything on The Originals is visually arresting. The cast? Attractive beyond reason. The outfits? Already adding similar styles to an online shopping cart. Whether the characters are running around the Quarter or hiding out in a cabin in the Bayou, The Originals ' New Orleans backdrop is always spectacular. (While The Originals filmed primarily in Georgia , the cast and crew occasionally made the trek out to New Orleans to film at real-deal places that you can actually visit.) Though the series ended in 2018, fans can still watch the show on Netflix and escape to the gorgeous Louisiana sites.

That's right: You can have your very own Originals adventure in The Big Easy. Is there a better way for an Originals fan to spend a vacation in New Orleans than to have their own filming locations tour? Answer: No, no, there isn't. So, if you’re dying to travel to the city, include this list of 10 Originals -y things to do in New Orleans.

Explore The French Quarter

Checking out this iconic neighborhood is a must. Its colorful homes with gorgeous lace ironwork balconies are featured prominently in the series. It’s the best place to go full-on tourist mode: Try cajun dishes like jambalaya, gumbo, and a crawfish boil and then experience the bustling jazz nightlife after hours. Bourbon Street, especially, is a local favorite for jazz bar-hopping. Hit Preservation Hall , The Spotted Cat Music Club , and Snug Harbor .

Check Out A Voodoo Shop

The onscreen voodoo shop Jardin Gris isn't a real store, but don’t fret. New Orleans offers a number of similar institutions for you to check out, such as Voodoo Authentica in the French Quarter . Buy books on the history of the craft, gris-gris bag talismans, or even handmade voodoo dolls for the complete experience.

Have A Drink At Napoleon House

Like Jardin Gris, vampy hangout (and Cami’s place of employment) Rousseau’s bar doesn’t exist in real life. Where you can get a drink, though, is at Napoleon House, the non-fictional bar in French Quarter that fans speculate was the cover for Rousseau’s. Sit at the bar and order a martini like Elijah. (Just hope you don’t bump into any fanged bartenders.)

Stay At The Hotel Royal

Kick your feet up at The Hotel Royal, a restored 1827 Creole Townhouse and Marcel's place of residence. (It’s also where he threw that elaborate party in the pilot episode, remember?) Pose à la Marcel on the balcony overlooking the guests or book a room for a night or two and overlook the historic French Quarter instead.

Visit The Voodoo Queen’s Museum

Speaking of voodoo, head to Marie Laveau’s House of Voodoo , the former house-turned-museum of the famed New Orleans Voodoo Queen, which also happens to be the name of a witch’s coven in The Originals . A tribute to the original, perhaps? (Laveau was so iconic that she was even portrayed by Angela Bassett on two seasons of American Horror Story , Coven and Apocalypse .)

Stop By St. Louis Cathedral

The exterior shots of St. Anne's Church, aka the church that housed Davina's lair, are actually of St. Louis Cathedral . St. Louis Cathedral happens to be the oldest cathedral in the United States, and you can take a tour of the historic building . After that, head outside and sit on the Jackson Square benches facing the Cathedral, where several intimate conversations, including a scene in the finale, take place.

Get A Tarot Card Reading

Thanks to Ivy, a witchy Season 5 newcomer, sprawled out tarot cards were featured prominently in the final season whenever anyone needed a glimpse into the future (looking at you, Vincent). Consider also harnessing a seer’s gift by seeing what the future holds with a tarot card reading at places like Earth Odyssey or Hex . You can even choose your own psychic.

Tour Lafayette Cemetery

A tour of the cemetery where the witches of The Originals practice magic? Yes, please! The Lafayette Cemetery No. 1, with its spooky crypts and towering tombs, has become somewhat of a favorite Hollywood location. NCIS: New Orleans, Dracula , and even boy band New Kids On The Block have all filmed there, so it’s definitely worth a visit. If you want to trek the grounds solo, there’s a free GPS-guided audio tour .

Swing By Boutique Du Vampyre

Boutique du Vampyre , surprisingly located beside the St. Louis Cathedral, is apparently one of the only vampire stores in the world . While you're there, scoop up a pair of custom fangs. Luckily for the faint of heart, it’s not all bloodsucking accouterments. The shop also sells deep-hued lipsticks, jewelry, and other themed knick-knacks ranging from coffin flasks to vampire novels.

Take The New Orleans Vampire Tour

Leave it to New Orleans to have its own walking vampire tour . Learn all about the city’s most famous vampires (fictional and, umm, otherwise) and end the night with a visit to a vampire tavern. Yes, at night. How else could one possibly hope to meet the undead in a tavern when the sun is up, right? Holy beignets, that tour sounds like a dream come true.

This article was originally published on March 24, 2015

Lifestyle: Fun, Food, Travel, Remote Work and Parenting

Best Vampire Diaries – Self-Guided Tour of Mystic Falls (9 MUST-SEE Locations)

Disclaimer: This post may have affiliate links, if you click on these links and make a purchase I may get a small commission, which is of course at no additional cost to you.

Table of Contents

Mystic falls: vampire diaries self-guided tour.

Hey guys, so I got the chance of visiting the beautiful Mystic Falls, Virginia, which we hear about all the time in Vampire Diaries, however, guess what??.. it isn’t really located in Virginia it is in Covington, Georgia. Now you can do the Vampire Stalkers Tour which I believe is for the hardcore fans or you can save your $55 and just do your own self-guided tour. Although the tour does have a few exclusive perks to it.

We had gone with the intention of doing the tour but then it was a Sunday and they were closed so we took on the adventure ourselves, and might I add it was a lot better that way. It gives you the chance to laugh, walk around and just enjoy that time with your friends or loved ones.

So I did put together some of the places you can visit and still have the adventure on your own through picturesque streets, historical landmarks, and even hidden gems. So, grab a copy of the map , which you can find by the Visitors Center, lace up your walking shoes, and get ready to explore the mysteries of Mystic Falls at your own pace with the vampire diaries self-guided tour and welcome to a world where legends come to life and adventure awaits around every corner.

They are in no particular order I will put places and addresses to help you find them. Please note the houses are PRIVATE PROPERTY so respect the privacy of the homeowners and DO NOT TRESPASS.

A Brief Overview of The Vampire Diarie s

If you are a fan of Vampire Diaries then you already know this short bit of information, Vampire Diaries is a supernatural teen drama television series that premiered on The CW back in 2009, it ran for 8 seasons and ended in 2016. It is based on a popular book which has the same name written by L.J Smith. The series of course to this day is still quite popular as it was definitely a fan favorite and still is today all because of the fabulous blend of romance, drama and the supernatural. Comment and let me know if you are a fan of The Vampire Diaries.

The Premise of the Show

The Vampire Diaries is set in a fictional town called Mystic Falls, Virginia….turns out Mystic Falls is in Covington, Georgia. The show follows the life of a young girl named Elena Gilbert, who of course falls in love with a vampire named Stefan Salvatore. With Stefans brother Damon, the three of them go on a journey of twists and turns, love and loss, vampires, witches, werewolves, family and so much more with the hopes of navigating through all of this. So the Vampire Diaries tour is well worth it.

OLD TOWN SQUARE

Old Town Square is a charming location in the heart of Mystic Falls. The square is where many of the town’s events and festivals take place in the show. Visitors can take a stroll through the square and admire the beautiful architecture or grab a bench and sit and reminisce. Overall, Mystic Falls, Virginia may be a fictional town, but its charm and beauty are very real. Fans of “The Vampire Diaries” can immerse themselves in the show’s world by visiting these iconic filming locations.

THE CLOCK TOWER

Located at 1124 Clark Street Southwest Covington, Georgia . The Clocktower is actually a part of the Historic Newton County Courthouse, this clock is seen quite a number of time in The Vampire Diaries series both upfront and also in the background.

ELENA’S HOUSE (THE GILBERT HOUSE)

Located at 2104 Floyd Street Northeast, Covington, Georgia 30014 .

Ok, so I know that we have seen so many scenes in the past with the Gilbert House when watching Vampire Diaries. On the Vampire Diaries self-guided tour you can go and visit the property. Do note though that it is still standing and is Private Property, so yes, people do live there, just regular people going about their daily lives so of course respect any boundaries that are set.

CAROLINE’S HOUSE

Located at 2118 Floyd Stree Northeast, Covington, Georgia, 30014

It’s so funny that in the show it seems like Elena and Caroline lived far from each other while in reality the houses are next to each other. Like literally right across the road.

THE MYSTIC GRILL

Located at 1116 Clark Street  Covington, Georgia 30014 They are usually open Monday – Thursday from 11am – 9pm, Friday and Saturday 11am – 10:00pm and on Sunday 11am – 9pm.

Mystic Grill came up quite often as you watched The Vampire Diaries Series many meet-ups took place, they would sit there and eat and talk. This is even where Elena met Isobel. Mystic Grill is actually a southern restaurant and next to it you can find ‘THE ALLEY” which is literally a small alley next to the grill where you can buy souvenirs etc. When I say southern I mean things on the menu such as Fried Green Tomatoes, Fried Dill Pickles, and even Fried Chicken and Mac and Cheese.

Scoops is a colorful ice cream parlor that is a must-see on your tour of Mystic Falls. What most people may not know though is that Scoops doesn’t just sell ice cream but also has what I would say a large variety of candies some were familiar but others were it’s unique so that variety definitely made it interesting. I did hear that the ice cream was good though, but I am not really an ice cream person so I went with lots of candy to take back to my daughter. It’s a great place to cool off on a hot day.

Scoops is usually open from Monday – Thursday from 11am – 9pm. Friday and Saturday 11am – 10pm and on Sunday at 12pm-9pm , it is located at 1131 Church Street, Covington, Georgia

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THE TWELVE OAKS BED AND BREAKFAST

View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Twelve Oaks (@thetwelveoaks)

Twelve Oaks is a beautiful mansion that was used as the filming location for the Salvatore Boarding House on The Vampire Diaries. The mansion is however now used as a Bed and Breakfast and offers a luxurious stay in a historic setting. Even if you’re not staying at Twelve Oaks, you can still take a tour of the property and admire its stunning architecture.

THE LOCKWOOD MANSION

The imposing Lockwood Mansion, home to the werewolf Tyler Lockwood and his family, is another must-see location on your tour. While you can’t go inside the mansion itself, you can walk around the grounds and admire the impressive facade. Fun Fact to Note: The mansion itself was built a long time ago and is actually a registered historic landmark.

GRAMS HOUSE

Located at 2136 Conyers Street, Southeast, Covington, Georgia. Grams House is another area you can check out when in Covington. You will remember Grams as Bonnie’s grandmother from the series.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Mystic Falls, Virginia depends on what you would want your experience to look like, I went during winter, so it was a bit cold to walk around but thankfully it wasn’t one of those freezing cold days. I was told that If you are a fan of The Vampire Diaries then you should visit around Fall, that way you can see all the leave changing and all of that excitement, but if you want to take advantage of outdoor activities and more of the historical background of the town then summer is the ideal time when it is nice and warm.

THINGS TO DO ON YOUR MYSTIC FALLS TOUR

• DO THE VAMPIRE DIARIES SELF-GUIDED TOUR AT YOUR OWN PACE

There is nothing better than just going at your own pace and fully taking everything in as you would like, to spend the time you want to at the different locations figuring out photo poses lol and you don’t have to worry about keeping up with a tour group. Plus, you can make any stops along the way that catches your eye.

• CAPTURE MOMENTS EVERY STEP OF THE WAY

Don’t forget to bring your camera, phone or whatever other photographic device, as there will be lots of opportunities for you to take beautiful photos and videos of Mystic Falls, Virginia, (Covington)!

• DRESS COMFORTABLY

Of course, this too depends on when you visit but you definitely want to dress appropriately and comfortably for the weather and for the experience. You could drive around but honestly, again it’s more fun walking and trying to find the places with your friends. Just wear comfortable shoes and ensure that you are dressed for the season.

• MAKE YOUR OWN SCHEDULE

Hello, this is your experience after all, so why not make some stops in your tour for the full experience, so browse the stores, have dinner at Mystic Grill, and get dessert at Scoops, get the full-on experience.

• GRAB A SOUVENIR AND GET SOME BLOOD UMM I MEAN …(FRUIT PUNCH)

There are many gift stores and souvenir shops in the area, grab yourself and some friends some souvenirs.

FAN THEORIES

As any true fan knows, with any popular TV show comes fan theories. And The Vampire Diaries is no exception. From theories about who will end up with who, to theories about hidden plot twists, the world of Vampire Diaries fans is full of speculation.

One of the most popular fan theories is the idea that Mystic Falls is actually a supernatural hotspot, with more than just vampires lurking in the shadows. Some fans believe that the town is home to werewolves, witches, and even ghosts.

While this theory has never been confirmed, it’s fun to imagine what other supernatural creatures could be hiding in Mystic Falls.

In the realm of supernatural television dramas, “The Vampire Diaries” stands out as an iconic show that has captured the hearts of millions of viewers. The picturesque town of Mystic Falls, portrayed by the real-life city of Covington, Georgia, is not only a backdrop for the series but also a must-visit destination for die-hard fans.

Delight in the delectable dishes at Mystic Grill, situated in a historical bank building, and enjoy the rooftop view of the charming Covington Square. For dessert, satisfy your sweet tooth at Scoops Ice Cream, where you can indulge in unique flavors inspired by the show.

As the sun sets on your visit to this enchanting town, you will leave with a newfound appreciation for the captivating world of Mystic Falls and the unforgettable journey of Elena, Stefan, and Damon.

Let me know if you think The Vampire Diaries Self-Guided Tour would be worth it for you. You should also take a full Mystic Falls Tour.

Now if you want to find a way to explore more places then check out this post on Cheap Digital Nomad Visa with Little to No Salary Requirement.

[…] The town square was transformed into Mystic Falls’ center, while the famous Lockwood Mansion was actually located in Covington. Fans of the show can visit these locations and take pictures of the iconic landmarks. I created a full self-guided tour around Mystic Falls. […]

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My aim is for adventurers like myself to be more aware of activities that are there to do also while being able to work remotely.

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Tour of Mystic Falls and Saying Goodbye to The Vampire Diaries

March 9, 2017 By Dwan Perrin 19 Comments

Are you a fan of The Vampire Diaries television series? With the last episode of the series airing this week, we thought we would take you on a virtual tour of Mystic Falls. We love visiting towns that are shown in our favorite movies and TV shows. There is something magical about seeing your favorite story come to life. A few years back I was given the chance to take a guided tour of the fictional town of Mystic Falls to see where The Vampire Diaries was filmed. Although Mystic Falls is said to be in Virginia, it is actually hosted in a small town outside of Atlanta in Covington, Georgia. Covington… that just sounds like a vampire town, doesn’t it?

Covington, Georgia was ranked one of the top ten vampire destinations by the TravelChannel.com.

The 16th episode of Season 8 marks the end. The fan base for this television show is pretty massive and we are among the ones that are sad to see it come to a close. However, you can still experience a little piece of this reality on a weekend getaway to Georgia.

The first thing we recognized when driving into town was the iconic clock tower. The clock tower was significant during the last episode of Season Six but appeared quite a bit throughout this last season with the ringing of the bell. Remember Damon standing at the top when the town went dark? Now can you see where the action took place.

When we arrived in Covington we stopped at the visitor center and picked up a free map. The Mystic Falls map outlines where all the scenes were filmed and the best places to visit. You can mostly walk around the square snapping photos and see majority of the houses over a span of a few blocks. We drove around the small town in our rental car and followed the route they suggested.

Below the clock tower is where you can find Mystic Falls Courthouse and Sheriff Forbes Office. We didn’t actually go inside this place of business.

Have you always wanted to hang out at the Mystic Grill ? Now is your chance. This Vampire Diaries inspired restaurant is now open to the public. When we visited Covington the Mystic Grill was undergoing renovations and preparing to open so unfortunately we did not get a chance to eat lunch there. However, I have since read great reviews. The restaurant is located in a historical building within the town center and an experience I hope to make it back for.

It was interesting to see the construction and read all the well wishes and fan signatures that were left on the board. Some had traveled all the way from Canada to visit the town of Mystic Falls!

Dr. Gilbert’s office.

Featured as the Lockwood Manor in flash back episodes, this beautiful property is The Twelve Oaks Bed & Breakfast . You may recognize it from more than just The Vampire Diaries. This B&B has been featured in numerous movies, including a Tyler Perry film. If you are staying in town then I would recommend checking out this place.

Home sweet home of Sheriff Forbes and Caroline.

Elena may have blown up the home of her and Jeremy but I assure you, it is still standing and available for photo opps.  Many memories were shared of this home. From Elena journaling in her room to Damon kissing her on the porch.

Do you recognize the home of Bonnie Bennett’s gram? It was featured a lot in the early seasons and again recently.

This beautiful property is the Worthington Manor, known as the Lockwood Mansion. The Vampire Diaries viewers have watched many scenes featuring this gorgeous home and breathtaking landscape.

The property is gated and you are only granted access to the backyard on approved tours. More details below.

Look at this front door! I’m envious. It is stunning. We truly enjoyed walking around this estate. We even got to go inside a couple of rooms that were filled with Vampire Diaries memorabilia. The only approved tours to go beyond the front gate are booked through Vampire Stalkers – Mystic Falls Tours . We booked our tour of Mystic Falls through them and had a great time.

Although you can walk around the town of Mystic Falls in Covington, Georgia following along with your free map, I felt the experience of the guided tour was worth the cost. The tour guides have been cast as extras in the television series so they had personal stories to share. It was a pleasure to chat with other fans of the shows and visit with all the women. Plus, spending time at the Worthington Manor was an extra bonus. The entire town was filled with friendly people welcoming tourists and fans of the show. They were willing to answer any questions.

While in Covington, Georgia the tour guides told us about the location to see filming of The Originals in a town fifteen minutes away in Conyers. We saw a little alley that was decorated and setup to resemble New Orleans. Even the signs stated such. It was pretty neat to see how the film crew recreate a town within another city.

If you enjoy seeing what goes into filming a movie or television show, want to see if you can catch some live action filming or even be cast as an extra, I recommend you check out the site On Location Vacations . This site is good for multiple states, not just Georgia.

About Dwan Perrin

Dwan Perrin { Life.Family.Joy } is a Dallas/Fort Worth area mom of 5. As an avid traveler she loves to always be on the go. From weekend road-trips to international travels, seeing the whole world is on her Life List . She loves to share snapshots of life on Instagram . You can connect with Dwan on Twitter @DwanPerrin .

Reader Interactions

March 11, 2017 at 6:01 am

I’m so sad,8 years of awesomeness in mystic falls,Damon and Stefan in the center of it all,becoming tv’s favorite vampires ..im so ready to binge all the seasons lol blows a kiss to Mystic Falls

March 11, 2017 at 4:52 pm

Wow, I’d love to live here. What a cute town.

March 12, 2017 at 11:33 am

No matter how many times I see an episode it’s never boring,it never gets old,this was an awesome series.

March 13, 2017 at 1:35 pm

I’m still in shock that we’ve reached the end of the coolest show on television!! I’ll so miss the drama and action of it all.

March 15, 2017 at 11:45 pm

I would so love to tour those houses! I love the show and am so bummed to say goodbye to it.

March 16, 2017 at 1:15 pm

This would make an awesome trip to see all of the familiar places from the show!

March 21, 2017 at 1:07 am

That’s so exciting! I love visiting cities of film locations too – it feels extra special!

March 21, 2017 at 9:04 pm

No matter how many times I hear it,I can’t believe that this epic tale is over

March 22, 2017 at 4:17 pm

Thanks for the article, this is pretty close to me and I never knew about it.

March 22, 2017 at 10:07 pm

I want to visit there! Looks so nice!

April 5, 2017 at 9:28 pm

Loved reading about this, makes me want to plan a visit.

April 15, 2017 at 10:20 pm

We lived in Virginia for over 12 years and I can’t believe we never visited Mystic Falls!! I love exploring unique places to visit and know my daughter would have loved seeing this place with her obsession with the Vampire Diaries books.

May 15, 2017 at 2:23 pm

Looks like a classy place.

May 28, 2017 at 6:35 pm

It looks like a truly beautiful place.

June 15, 2017 at 12:33 pm

I would love to visit the town. I loved the show & was sad to see it end.

March 24, 2021 at 5:35 pm

I know me too

July 24, 2017 at 11:17 am

Not going to lie – I was a total fan of TVD years ago. I haven’t had the chance to catch up with the most recent seasons, but I’m sure I will be total fan again once I do. I would love to go and visit Covington! It was pretty cool to learn that they opened the Mystic Grill to public.

June 12, 2020 at 12:02 pm

Me, my daughter, my friend and her daughters have traveled to the famous Mystic Falls twice from Texas in 2015 and 2016! It’s as beautiful in person as it is on television and made me almost pick up and move there! The town square is beautiful and the atmosphere feels like family. With the live music from atop the Mystic Grill, we sat in the town square enjoying the sights and sounds. The tours were great! We went with the expectation that we ‘might’ run into some celebrity, but sadly, both times we did not. I would definitely love to go back, especially since they are using Covington for Legacies and for the new Netflix show, Sweet Magnolias!

January 28, 2021 at 7:08 pm

I absolutely love the Vampire Diaries, The Originals and Legacies! My husband and I are planning a trip to Covington at the end of Feb! I can’t wait to c everything! I’m sad I can’t book a tour they are booked solid Feb and March!

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Mystic Falls & the Salvatore Boarding School house location: Where is Legacies filmed?

The Salvatore Boarding School

The town of Mystic Falls

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15 Years Later, ‘The Vampire Diaries’ Co-Creator Talks Casting Secrets, TV Romances and Building a “Timeless” Supernatural Franchise

Julie Plec opens up to The Hollywood Reporter about creating something special with the vampire teen drama starring Nina Dobrev, Ian Somerhalder and Paul Wesley — and if there could be more stories to tell in the future.

By Carly Thomas

Carly Thomas

Associate Editor

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It’s been 15 years since audiences were introduced to Mystic Falls and its vampires, love triangles and teenage drama. And still, The Vampire Diaries holds a special place for many viewers.

Vampire Diaries premiered on The CW  on Sept. 10, 2009, and ran for eight seasons,. Now, to celebrate the milestone anniversary, showrunner Julie Plec looks back on the series she created with Kevin Williamson and how it launched a supernatural franchise.

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And to accomplish that, Plec and Williamson knew they had to build a solid team that could produce stories with “creative integrity and that we’re deeply emotional and highly entertaining.”

They also needed the perfect cast, as building successful onscreen relationships is a “very complicated dance,” says Plec. Especially when the audience wanted Damon [ Ian Somerhalder ] and Elena [ Nina Dobrev ] together, even when they made him “worse and meaner and more murderous and more despicable.”

But to their surprise, they ultimately turned The Vampire Diaries into an entire television universe, with two successful spinoffs — The Originals and Legacies — as well as launched the careers of Dobrev, Somerhalder, Paul Wesley , Kat Graham, Candice King and more.

Below, in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter , Plec looks back at The Vampire Diaries 15 years later, as well as her successful television career as a whole. She also reveals her favorite episode and opens up about casting challenges, navigating onscreen romances, the moment she knew she created something special — and teases if there could be more Vampire Diaries stories to tell in the future.

When you think back to 2009, as you’re preparing for The Vampire Dairies to premiere, what’s the first thing that comes to mind?

Looking back to the beginning, could you have predicted what the show was going to turn into, or that it would launch two successful spinoff series?

When we started, it was really just a straightforward approach at adapting an old book series [ The Vampire Diaries by author L.J. Smith] that really spoke to Kevin and me for two different reasons: He was a big fan of Dark Shadows growing up; and I had become, in the late ’90s, a massive fan of Buffy the Vampire Slayer . Not to mention both of us had read Anne Rice and all the books and all great vampire movies. We’re just huge fans of the genre itself. So we were just excited to get in there and tell a really emotional story that was sexy and romantic and scary and all the things.

I don’t think either of us was ever looking down the road to a franchise opportunity, but it was the darn Originals that came around and were so good. And it’s conceptually the idea of an original family of vampires, the origin story of the species in our world, coupled with incredibly successful casting. Joseph Morgan and Daniel Gillies and Claire Holt, specifically, opened the door for more opportunities that we hadn’t even thought of until it became very obvious that it was the right and perfect thing to do.

It sounds like it was a nice surprise.

It was such a different set of thematic ideas than what we were doing in The Vampire Diaries , which is really all about grief and family and loss, that it felt like we were able to watch an entirely new story without retreading too much familiar territory. That’s the risk you create with a second show and sometimes it can feel like you’re just retreading the first one with different people in it. We really wanted to avoid that trap and had a lot of exciting conversations about how to make the Originals feel like a more Shakespearean version of what The Vampire Diaries had been.

How was it working alongside Kevin Williamson to help make the show such a hit?

The exciting thing about collaborating with Kevin Williamson is that his brain works in ways that no one can predict. As a result, he’s the one that comes up with the plot twist that no one can predict. Sometimes the best thing you can do is just step back and watch. I call it the story blender where every other writer in the process will take all their ideas and drop it into the story blender, and then Kevin will hit “on” and it will spit up the one thing none of us ever thought of, which of course turned out to be the coolest thing or the most surprising thing. His existence and the way his brain works is its own version of a master class in plot twists and successful storytelling.

You were also juggling The Vampire Diaries and The Originals at the same time for several years. What was that like?

It was an exercise in delegation ( laughs ) and prioritizing. I spent the first couple of years with Kevin and then without Kevin on Vampire Diaries , really feeling like the world would stop spinning if I didn’t have my hand in every small piece of it. And that kind of incredible attention to detail can result in really quality television, but it can also slowly drive a person mad and drive one to dark and scary places. It was sort of just like physical health and emotional survival.

Another writer who was added to Vampire Dairies in season three, who really did such extraordinary work over the years with Brett Matthews, who became my work husband, as I call him, and really was the heart and soul of Legacies . And so finding people who loved the show as much as I did and then could be my partners as we built the franchise into multiple shows. 

I also realized you have had at least one show on the air continuously since The Vampire Diaries premiered. What do you make of that?

But the thing about the Vampire Diaries franchise was when we started in Atlanta, we all were new; new to each other, the crew was new. And over the eight years of Vampire Diaries , we watched crewmembers grow up from day-playing to gaffers and DPs. One of our day player groups became the best boy and then a key grip and then went on to do Marvel shows. We had ADs who became directors and script supervisors who became directors, and the editors who became producers and directors, and the ecosystem really grew. I always used to say, “We go to high school for four years and then if we’re lucky, we go to university for four years. And that eight-year window built all your most formative and most powerful relationships.” And we had that journey with each other over the eight years with Vampire Diaries . So in a lot of ways, continuing the franchise with The Originals , and then ultimately with Legacies , was as much about keeping the story alive as it was about keeping that ecosystem driving and growing and keeping the crew and the machine that made the shows, giving the opportunity and keeping everybody working and building that actual crew family, which really, was a very powerful, powerful connection over the decade and a half.

You were also working on shows in the supernatural space for so long with The Vampire Diaries , The Originals and Legacies , but your most recent show, The Girls on the Bus , is the complete opposite, being a political drama. How was it shifting away from the supernatural genre?

Also, to have a writers room where we were just writing the script without a limiting production deadline … all those things that come along with making shows for broadcast. So all in all, even though the version I got to write didn’t end up as the version that made it onto the air … that was fun to be able to be the creator-showrunner of part A and then ultimately the executive producer of part B.

You mentioned your upcoming TV adaptation of We Were Liars . What are you most excited about on that and can you tease anything for book fans? I know you’ll be reuniting with Candice King, who played Caroline on Vampire Diaries as well .

I’m so excited! This book is a book I’ve loved since it was published in 2014, and I tried several times over the last decade to get the right to the ability to make it into a TV show, and it took a couple of failed attempts and other people dropping out before Carina Adly MacKenzie and I were granted the right to do it with Universal and Amazon. Our goal is to deliver the most romantic, beautiful, mysterious, sharply funny, deeply cowardly, emotional, coming-of-age love story and older generational. We’re shooting the last episode right now of the season and it feels really good. It’s a role that Candice was born to play, so I’m really excited to give her the opportunity to step into an adult role, now that she is an adult after kind of growing up with her, we were one of her first acting jobs.

I think we had individual moments when shooting the pilot where we had a sort of clear understanding that like, “Oh wow, Nina Dobrev really knows how to hit these scenes.” And Nina and Paul Wesley have this incredible chemistry, and Ian as Damon is just this wicked delight, and you can sort of see the individual success stories’ early days. I think I kept waiting for that moment where it felt like suddenly everyone was so famous, like the Twilight story or the Beverly Hills, 90210 moments or the screaming girls of the mall appearances. But it all just sort of happened organically over the eight-year experience that suddenly the show was incredibly successful and incredibly popular and long-running without me ever having noticed.

I think that the show became its most successful somehow over the last five years [during] COVID or Netflix or whatever. I will be walking down a European city street and a waitress will run out of a restaurant because she saw me walking by and she’ll come out and say hi to me and she recognized me. And I’m like, when you get to that point that people in foreign lands are recognizing the writer of a TV show, then I think the TV show must have made a pretty big impact globally. So that’s been sort of a wild ride, seeing the audience grow and grow and grow in global ways, and multigenerational ways. 

The roller coaster of casting the leads was sort of hilariously well-documented because we really struggled with all three roles. Nina came in early in the process and was sick, and so we kind of didn’t look twice at her and she had to fight to be seen again and put herself on tape so that we would take a second look at her when she felt better. And it came perfectly, right at the time when we were sort of throwing our hands up in the air. And we were instantly interested in Ian because I had actually been a fan of Young Americans … anyway, so he tanked [his audition] and he knows he tanked and everyone knows he tanked and it’s cannon at this point. But we had a moment where we were like, “Well, if he’s not our Damon, then who is?” And then Paul Wesley came in amidst a sea of 10 other possible Stefans. And Kevin and I — we’ve also said so, I don’t feel like I’m talking shit — just thought he [Paul] was too old, and so we said, “No, we don’t want him. He’s too old.” And then the network said, “Well, make him Damon instead of Ian.” And we were like, “Oh, no, we can’t do that. A terrible idea.”

So Kevin and I were like the last two people to be on board the Paul Wesley train, and it wasn’t really until his first day shooting when he was shooting in the cemetery with Nina Dobrev in a scene where they run into each other for the first time in the cemetery where we were like, “Oh my God, we were so wrong. How embarrassing, because he’s perfect.” I know we were chasing, in one way or another, all the possibilities with the covenants, you know, Steven Strait, Sebastian Stan, Taylor Kitsch, but it really turned out to be — I don’t think we could have done a better job.

Thinking back, do you favorite memory from the show or set that comes to mind?

And then, socially, there was this little tiny bar that was the size of like a small New York studio apartment, but it had a big patio that we used to go to on Friday nights if we wrapped in time or on Saturday nights and meet up to have drinks, and the manager there became our friend. And so he would let us stay until after closing and we would sometimes be there hanging out and drinking until 6 o’clock in the morning. Honestly, I think one of the reasons why the crew and the actors on this particular show were so close is because the amount of wine consumed at this wine bar at 3 o’clock in the morning on the weekends. And then they tore it down and literally paved paradise and set up a parking lot, so it’s no longer in existence and it’s the thing that we probably all as a group miss the most.

What are you most proud of with The Vampire Diaries ?

I know a lot of showrunners who talk about a 22-episode season and they say not every one’s a winner. And I would always say that’s not acceptable to me. If it’s not a winner, we’re going to work as hard as we can in the time that we have to make it a winner. And if we run out of time, then we’ll settle, but until then every episode needs to be as good as the last. … And I feel proud of when we were able to really achieve that — and I also accept that there are times we just flat out couldn’t and that’s OK, too. Because when you get that deep into shows, sometimes the audience is just so invested and so engaged with the characters that they’ll forgive the writers sometimes.

And I feel really proud about the careers that were launched both on in front of the screen and behind the screen over the last 15 years. So many people on The Originals , we gave the first television writing job to Ashley Lyle and Bart Nickerson who have now gone on to have their amazing success with Yellowjackets . And Caroline Dries, who is now a creator-showrunner. So many people, but I’m just proud of the fact that I could look at that experience as a little bit of a training ground for people as I was learning on the job. But I finally realized that as I was learning, I needed to make sure other people knew what I knew. So we were all in it together and I’m happy that now everybody gets to do that on their own.

And I’m proud that we made people cry a lot because really, that’s why I got into television storytelling, is because I grew up in a family that wasn’t comfortable expressing a lot of emotion. I used to cry at movie trailers and Little House on the Prairie … and I needed an outlet for my tears, so I channeled it all into the storytelling so that other people could have an outlet for theirs.

I have one more to add since you’re rewatching … when Kevin left the show at the beginning of season three, I was terrified that I was going to be the one to run it into the ground and fuck it all up. And it really weighed heavily on me and early in the season, we had just added Mike Narducci to the writing staff and he wrote episode five of the third season, which is “The Reckoning.” And that was a hard episode to put together and a hard episode to write, but he crushed it. And when I saw the cut of that episode of television, I felt like, “Oh my God, I can do this, we can do this. We are not going to fuck this up.” And so that one episode in particular start to finish, the editing, Lance Anderson edited, it was just really one of my favorite episodes of the series.

There were so many onscreen couples that became fan favorites over the years, so how did you balance them all while also making sure they didn’t overshadow one another?

Worse is when the audience decides that Damon and Elena need to be together and no matter what we did as writers to try to convince them otherwise, by making him worse and meaner and more murderous and more despicable, they just wanted it more. And so then we are trying to catch up to them and figure out how to give them what they want without giving them what they want because the minute you give them what they want, the show’s over. So then had to figure out all those things.

I saw that you mentioned there have been conversations surrounding a Vampire Diaries movie at a fan convention last year. Do you have any details you can share on that?

You know what, Paul Wesley and I were literally just texting two days ago because he saw the news about the Twilight animated show and he’s like, “Why aren’t we doing this?” And I said, “Good question. We should do this.” There are so many opportunities to keep this world alive and keep this franchise going. For me, it’s just about the right idea and the right time, like I’m game. Leslie Morgenstein started talking about a Vampire Diaries movie in like season two, so I’m sure that it’s something that he still continues to pursue quietly. We’ve talked about all kinds of different ways to revisit parts of the story that we love or to tell a new version of the story. I know that those conversations are always happening. I personally know that there is a story that I would like to tell if anyone will have me eventually, so we shall see. 

The tricky part of a vampire story is that your character is not supposed to age, right? So it makes it more complicated, and also 90 percent of them died before the show ended, so it makes the idea of a sequel or a prequel very complicated. But there are still ways that you can pay homage to the central characters and revisit those characters and some of the ideas I have in my head are ways to do that. However, whoever takes on the next chapter of The Vampire Diaries ’ story, if it’s me or somebody else, they will have their work cut out for him because all those hundreds of episodes across all three shows, like a lot of stories have been told, so it’s not without its challenges, but it’s a fun challenge. 

What would you say to the new viewers who are still discovering the show for the first time?

I will say that what we tried to do is make something that felt timeless that could live on and continue to feel like anybody, any generation at any time can connect to it. So in a lot of ways, I think that’s why it holds up over the years. I will also say, being frank and self-aware, that there are things that don’t hold up. The world has changed and the way that we live within it and the way that we tell stories now, it’s very different than perhaps the way we were telling stories 15 years ago. Things like agency, things like inclusion, writing characters of color through the prism of writers of color as opposed to just colorblind writing and colorblind casting and not really acknowledging race in the right ways and learning a lot of lessons that over the years as the world changed. So there’s plenty of hard lessons learned that led to me making a lot of different decisions the way I tell stories today than I did 15 years ago. But outside of those things, I think that we can all hold our heads high and feel pretty good about the fact that we tried to tell stories that had creative integrity and that we’re deeply emotional and highly entertaining. And I think that we were able to accomplish that, which is something to celebrate. 

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'The Vampire Diaries' Premiered in 2009 — See the Cast Then and Now!

Are you Team Stefan or Team Damon?

Published Sept. 9 2024, 1:30 p.m. ET

15 Years After 'The Vampire Diaries' Premiere, See the Cast Today!

On September 10, 2009, the world was introduced to a young girl named Elena Gibert (Nina Dobrev) who falls in love with a 161-year-old vampire named Stefan Salvatore (Paul Wesley) — who happens to have an older brother named Damon Salvatore (Ian Somerhalder).

Taking place in the fictional town of Mystic Falls, The Vampire Diaries spanned eight seasons, as Elena finds herself in the middle of a vampire love triangle. Now, 15 years after the premiere, see what the cast is up to!

Nina Dobrev (Elena Gilbert)

Nina Dobrev shocked fans when she left The Vampire Diaries after Season 6 , but she will always be Elena.

Today, Nina is still acting, recently appearing in the movies The Out-Laws and Reunion , and is dating pro snowboarder Shaun White.

Paul Wesley (Stefan Salvatore)

Paul Wesley is still BFFs with his TVD co-stars, even launching an alcohol brand with his on-screen brother, aptly named Brother's Bond Bourbon.

Paul married Ines de Ramon in 2019, but the couple split in September 2022.

Ian Somerhalder (Damon Salvatore)

Along with his whiskey venture with Paul Wesley, Ian Somerhalder has been keeping busy on the family side, tying the knot with fellow fictional vampire Nikki Reed (aka Rosalie from Twilight ). The couple share two kids and worked together on a documentary titled Common Ground, which highlights the dangers of pesticides.

Plus, Ian also starred in the 2019 Netflix series V-Wars.

Steve R. McQueen (Jeremy Gilbert)

Steve played Elena's younger brother, who ends up joining The Five, a vampire hunting group. Steve left the show after Season 4, adn went on to appear in Chicago Fire and The Vampire Diaries spinoff, Legacies .

Steve has been keeping a low profile since the finale of TVD , last posting on Instagram in 2021.

Kat Graham (Bonnie Bennett)

Fans are still keeping their fingers crossed for a TVD reboot, but Kat Graham put an end to those rumors, telling TMZ , "I don’t think Nina and I are interested in that. But I think our friendship will be forever. I think that’s the dream."

Along with her close relationships with her co-stars, Kat is also keeping busy acting, most recently starring in Netflix's Love in the Villa.

Candice King (Caroline Forbes)

Following the series finale of The Vampire Diaries , Candice King went on to reprise her role on The Originals and Legacies . In 2012, she was introduced to her future husband — The Fray's Joe King — by her co-star Nina Dobrev, and the couple got married in 2016 and welcomed two daughters together. Sadly, they split in 2022.

Today, Candice is dating her Originals co-star Steven Krueger.

Kayla Ewell (Vicki Donovan)

Vicki Donovan's storyline on TVD included a love triangle between Tyler and Jeremy, as well as being turned into a vampire...

Today, you can follow Kayla on Instagram , where she documents her life as a wife, mother-of-two, and adventures with her BFF, Nina Dobrev.

Zach Roerig (Matt Donovan)

Before The Vampire Diaries, Zach Roerig was best known for his work on the soap operas One Life to Live and As the World Turns. On TVD , he portrayed Vicki's younger brother and Elena's ex-boyfriend Matt.

Zach continues to act sporadically, last appearing in the Hallmark Channel movie, Love in the Great Smoky Mountains.

Michael Trevino (Tyler Lockwood)

Michael Trevino played Tyler, Matt's best friend and the son of the mayor of Mystic Falls. He also happens to be a werewolf.

Michael last appeared in The CW remake Roswell, New Mexico as Kyle Valenti. He got engaged to model Bregje Heinen in 2023 and documents his adventures from climbing mountains to flying on Instagram.

Matt Davis (Alaric Satlzman)

Best known as Warner in Legally Blonde , Matt Davis portrayed Alaric Saltzman, a history teacher and vampire hunter who came to Mystic Falls to avenge his late wife. Alaric is killed in Season 3 but is resurrected in Season 5. His character also appears in The Originals and Legacies .

Matt is set to star in the upcoming NBC series Grosse Pointe Garden Society alongside Melissa Fumero and Aja Naomi King.

Joseph Morgan (Klaus Mikaelson)

Joseph Morgan makes his first appearance as Klaus in Season 2, Episode 19, and goes on to star in the series until Season 7 when he moves to New Orleans, the location of the spinoff The Originals.

Following the end of The Originals in 2018, Joseph has appeared in several movies and TV shows including Animal Kingdom , Brave New World , and Halo . He is also married to TVD alum Persia White , who is also known as Lynn on Girlfriends .

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