Things to Do in Mystic Falls and 39 Filming Locations From The Vampire Diaries

If you’ve followed me for some time, you already know I’m a die-hard fan of The Vampire Diaries franchise, a Georgia-filmed series. This is why these awesome things to do in ‘Mystic Falls Georgia’ (as most people call it) are mostly related to the show.

mystic falls filming locations

Writing about this makes me remember how excited I was to visit the filming locations from The Originals—a spin-off series from The Vampire Diaries, in New Orleans.

So, yes, believe me when I say that Covington, Georgia is the place to be if you’re a fan of TVDU (The Vampire Diaries Universe).

In Covington, you will get to see epic locations like Elena’s house with its iconic porch, the Lockwood Mansion, and even the places where the decade dances were filmed.

However, even if you’re not a fan of this popular vampire show, this picturesque town still has many promising experiences to make for an amazing trip.

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Can You See 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 that took place here.

The fictional town of Mystic Falls is located in Covington, GA, and the town square is pretty much where most of the iconic scenes take place. This is an incredible place where you truly get “The Hollywood of the South” experience even with a self-guided tour.

Additionally, you can shop for goodies like blood bags, sip coffee at the local Bread & Butter Coffee Shop, and have a delicious lunch or dinner at the popular Mystic Grill.

You can do all of these and more, without the need of being part of a tour and there are incredible places in Covington to make your trip a truly unforgettable one.

always and forever con
Always & Forever Con: Tickets here | Elijah Quote T-shirt
What is TVD? The Vampire Diaries originally aired on the CW Network and has already concluded and ended several years ago. The show concluded with its 8th season, which aired its final episodes in 2017 but it's still largely followed by millions of fans around the world!

11 Best Things to Do in Mystic Falls

Let me just start by saying that if you’re planning a trip to Mystic Falls, you will have the time of your life. For starters, you can walk around Mystic Falls for free because it’s an actual town!

There are many ways you can enjoy your trip to this beautiful town and explore the exciting things to do in Covington, Georgia. But one of the most popular ways to do so is by visiting the filming locations of the show The Vampire Diaries.

the alley at mystic grill
The Alley…so epic!

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These are some of the places you can visit if you want to do a Mystic Falls self-guided tour.

1. Go to the Welcome Center

One of the things you don’t want to miss is the Welcome Center! You’ll get all of the info you need for a full experience of this beautiful town of Covington, Georgia.

Plus, they have a great collection of original props used during the filming of The Vampire Diaries series.

the welcome center is one of the top things to do in Mystic Falls

In fact, since my last visit, the welcome center got an upgrade and it’s bigger and better than ever.

You might even be able to see Damon and Stephan’s cars on display or it’s possible to see their doppelgangers out in the square, especially during the weekends.

2. Take a Picture of the Iconic Clock Tower

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

This tower is iconic to the fans of the show but it’s 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!

the Covington clock tower is one of the top things to do in Mystic Falls
The Clock Tower at Covington, Georgia – The Real Mystic Falls

3. Schedule a Tour with The Vampire Stalkers/Mystic Falls Tours

For those of you who prefer tours, the Mystic Falls Tour is a great choice. The tour takes you through the filming locations of The Vampire Diaries series and the guides tell some interesting facts about things that happened on set.

However, even if you don’t take the tour, you’ll still be able to see the majority of these locations up close–except for ‘The Lockwood Mansion‘ (real name is Worthington Manor).

the Lockwood Mansion in Mystic Falls
Exclusive: When you book a Mystic Falls Tour, you can visit the grounds of the Lockwood Mansion!
The Lockwood Mansion is one of the top things to do in Mystic Falls
The Lockwood Mansion in Mystic Falls

4. Eat Ice Cream at Scoops

This ice cream is delicious! It’s velvety soft and the picturesque shop is worthy of a visit. Scoops was a favorite stop for the cast of The Vampire Diaries during their filming days.

Scoops ice cream in Covington, GA

And if you’re a fan of Ian Somerhalder (Damon in the series), like I am, then you should try Ian’s favorite which is the Banana Pudding milkshake. But this day, I had a cup of Belgian Chocolate. Yum!

mystic falls the vampire diaries

5. Walk Around the Town Square

Covington, Georgia is a very charming town! I love every inch of the square and all of the photo ops. Georgia is called the Hollywood of the South for a reason!

This is why all around the square, you’ll see stars from the different films/shows that have taken place in this beautiful town.

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

vintage bicycle at the town square in Covington Georgia

6. Take a Picture with the Mystic Falls Sign

Fan or not, a picture with the Mystic Falls welcome sign is something you don’t want to miss! Mystic Falls is where everything happens. It’s also where everything begins.

In other words, it makes total sense to begin your Hollywood of the South experience with a picture next to the Mystic Falls 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.

Mystic Falls sign

🎥 Keep reading for a full list of the filming locations of THE VAMPIRE DIARIES in ‘Mystic Falls’ 🎥

Mystic Falls sign at The Alley in Mystic Grill

7. Make a Stop at the Mystic Grill in the Iconic “Mystic Falls Georgia”

Again, die-hard fans like me will know about the Mystic Grill. But even if you’re not, you should go here.

While I did not get to eat here this time around, I did go inside and took pictures of the bar.

Mystic Grill at night

They say the food at the Mystic Grill is delicious and I intend to try at least a salad on my next visit. While you’re here, visit The Alley Shop downstairs. In my opinion, it’s the best Vampire Diaries-related gift shop around town!

inside the Mystic Grill bar
the clock tower and mystic grill of Mystic Falls

8. Visit the Plantation House that was the Inspiration for the Classic Film Gone with the Wind

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 around Covington, Georgia.

twelve oaks bed and breakfast

9. Stop at the Filming Location for Mystic Falls High School

Yeah! I found it! It took me like 2 hours to find this place but it was so worth it!

Mystic Falls high school home of the Timberwolves

Where is the Mystic Falls Timberwolves Location?

The Mystic Falls Timberwolves was located at Athens College in Monroe, GA but it’s no longer standing.

As of 2021, all that was left of the ‘Mystic Falls Timberwolves‘ has been torn down from where it used to be.

Unfortunately, loitering, vandalism, and unattended trash seem to be the culprits.

Please be responsible in your travels, pick up after yourself, and don’t take part in any type of vandalism. It’s best to do our part so that we can continue enjoying places like these!

10. 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.

Olde Town Conyers is one of the top things to do in Mystic Falls

What I loved the most about this quaint little town was that it’s very picturesque and gives you a sense that you’ve magically stepped into New Orleans. There’s also a train station, shops, and restaurants around the town.

Iron Skillet at Olde Town Conyers

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.

11. 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? 🙋🏻‍♀️

covington georgia the vampire diaries

Where are the Filming Locations of The Vampire Diaries?

Wondering where are all The Vampire Diaries filming locations? I have you covered in the list included in this post!

Also, many of my readers ask “Where is the gym in Covington?” referring to where the 20s dance of The Vampire Diaries took place.

This gym in Covington is situated conveniently at the heart of the town. To be more specific, it can be found on the main route leading towards Academy Springs Park.

So if you’re looking for the exact location of the gym in Covington, head towards the center of town on your way to the Academy Springs Park, and you’ll spot it there.

Where did the Delena rain kiss take place?” is also a common question, and this took place at Academy Springs Park right here in Covington.

But to get all your questions answered, I suggest you start at the Covington Welcome Center which is located at 1143 Oak St. This place is filled with a great collection of items from the set of the show and many people are very knowledgeable of the filming locations.

Alternatively, you can go on a Mystic Falls tour and experience many of the locations on a guided tour.

However, even if you don’t do the tour, this list is meant to help you make the most of your trip as a fan of The Vampire Diaries.

the vampire diaries in mystic falls

Mystic Falls Filming Locations

Now, take notes, because this list has the best locations! All of the names in this list are fictional names from the show.

  1. The Lockwood Mansion: 2129 East St, Covington, GA
  2. Elena Gilbert’s House: 2104 Floyd Street NE, Covington, GA
  3. Isobel’s House: 2146 Conyers St, SE, Covington, GA
  4. Caroline Forbes’ House: 2118 Floyd St, NE, Covington, GA
  5. Rebecca’s House: 3115 Pennington St, Covington, GA
  6. Mystic Grill: 1116 Clark St, SW, Covington, GA
  7. Grayson Gilbert’s Office Sign: 1105 Washington St, SW, Covington, GA
  8. 1864 Lockwood Mansion: 2176 Monticello St, SW, Covington, GA
  9. Dead Witches Mansion: 3188 Conyers St, SE, Covington, GA
  10. Grams’s House: 2136 Conyers St SE, Covington, GA
vampire diaries filming locations
TJ’s Garage, Covington, GA
  1. Damon and Elena kiss in the rain location: 3120 Conyers St SE, Covington, GA
  2. Stephan’s Garage Job: 4162 Washington St, Covington, GA
  3. Mystic Falls High School – Timberwolves Football Stadium: 212 Bryant Rd, Monroe, GA 30655
  4. Whitmore College: 801 Emory St, Oxford GA
  5. Whitmore Frat House (the Murder House): 1008 N Emory Street, Oxford, GA
  6. Bell’s Grocery Store: 11377 Brown Ridge Rd, Covington, GA
  7. 1864 Salvatore Mansion: 617 Dixie Ave, Madison, GA
  8. Gillespie’s Pub (Celtic Tavern): 918 Commercial St NE, Conyers, GA (S4 EP 8: “We’ll Always Have Bourbon Street”
  9. The Armory: 1680 Westview Dr, Atlanta, GA
  10. Wickery Bridge: 5098 Klondike Rd, Lithonia, GA
damon's car in mystic falls
  1. Salvatore Boarding House: 5520 Kent Rock Rd, Loganville, GA 
  2. The Falls (Amicalola Falls): 418 Amicalola Falls Rd, Dawsonville, GA
  3. Bree’s Bar: 4122 Emory St, Covington, GA
  4. Damon & Elena’s Future Home: 11 Dartmouth Ave, Avondale Estates, GA
  5. Matt’s House: 1133 Conyers St, Covington, GA
  6. TJ’s Garage: 1186 Clark St, Covington, GA (Where Stefan stopped with Katherine)
  7. Caroline and Alaric’s House: 1134 Reynolds St SE, Covington, GA
  8. Damon and Elena Hotel Scene: 4300 Snapfinger Woods Dr, Decatur GA
  9. The Falls (Amicalola Falls State Park): 418 Amicalola Falls State Park Rd, Dawsonville, GA
  10. The Depot (Where Damon took Elena when he kidnapped her): 4122 Emory St NW, Covington, GA
  11. 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.
  12. Alaric’s Dallas House: 1134 Reynolds St SE, Covington, GA
  13. Liz Forbes’ Funeral: 1113 Conyers St SE, Covington, GA
  14. Prison World Hospital: 4159 Mill Street NE, Covington, GA
  15. Historical Society Beautification Day Picnic and Swimming Hole, Costley Mill Park, 2455 Costley Mill Rd NE, Conyers, GA
  16. Abby Bennet’s House: 6990 S Goddard Rd, Lithonia, GA
  17. Delena Human House: 11 Dartmouth Ave, Avondale Estates, GA
  18. Elijah and Katherine Gazebo Scene: 938 Main St, Stone Mountain, GA
  19. House where Bonnie stops Matt’s heart: 4145 Dorchester Dr. SE, Covington, GA 30014

The ‘Salvatore Home’

For those who are 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 that was listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was sold and demolished back in 2015.

Nowadays, the site where this property once stood is now home to the Mercedes-Benz Headquarters.

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


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things to do in mystic falls
Yanitza Ninett
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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.

70 thoughts on “Things to Do in Mystic Falls and 39 Filming Locations From The Vampire Diaries”

  1. 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!!

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