A Millennial Day in Covington, GA (aka Mystic Falls)

Why Millennials Still Love Mystic Falls

If there’s one thing millennials and vampires have in common, it’s an appreciation for those teen years. Even for those of us who didn’t exactly thrive in high school, there’s something nostalgic about being seventeen — or maybe we just like the idea of a brooding man who somehow pulls off looking like he’s legal to love but also has the wisdom of being a millennium older than you. 

If you’re an elder millennial (still questioning if your 1982 birth year technically counts) or a clear younger millennial, chances are you have a soft spot for the undead — specifically, the ones that suck blood. Whether you fell for the long-haired Lestat or Louis, still debate whether you’re Team Angel or Team Spike, or were taught that vampires sparkle in the sun, you can probably find common ground with The Vampire Diaries.

From solo travelers to groups of friends reliving their favorite teen dramas, Mystic Falls — better known as Covington, Georgia — is the perfect stop for a Millennial Day. Whether you make it a standalone trip or treat it as the sequel to your adventures in Wilmington and Charleston, Covington delivers the same mix of nostalgia, charm, and cinematic magic — not to mention, the perfect place to bring together vampire-loving millennials from across the generations.

Planning Your One-Day Trip to Covington, GA

While other millennial stops like Wilmington and Charleston can technically be done in a day, but truly shine over two or three, Covington is designed for a one-day trip. Just a short 30-minute drive from Atlanta’s airport, it’s easy to experience this magical town in a single day without feeling like you’ve missed a thing. That makes it perfect for a quick trip in and out Vampire Diaries Day Trip - as well as an easy add-on to a trip to Atlanta or as the first (or final) stop on a Southern Charm Millennial Roat Trip.

Start Your Morning in Mystic Falls

Lilly & Sparrow Coffee — A Mystic Morning Must-Stop

You know I like to start my days with coffee in a charming local café, and Lilly & Sparrow delivers. This cozy combination of coffee bar, market, and mercantile sits just a block from Mystic Falls Square, making it an easy walk from the center of town (or a very short drive if you stop there for breakfast on your way into town).

Housed inside a converted garage, the charm flows seamlessly from the exterior to the velvet couch and piano inside. Oh, and the coffee? On point. (Because I don’t care how cute the shop is if the coffee doesn’t hit.) For the non-coffee drinkers, they’ve got delicious chai, hot chocolate, and even a menu titled “Moon Milk & Medicinals” — very Mystic Falls-coded.

Explore The Vampire Diaries Filming Locations in Covington

Covington Welcome Center - The Gateway to Mystic Falls

If there’s one thing you’ll notice about Covington, it’s that the community has fully embraced the love people have for The Vampire Diaries and Mystic Falls. You’ll see it throughout town, but it’s especially true at the Covington Welcome Center — where you’re greeted by the iconic “Welcome to Mystic Falls” sign.

Inside this free museum, you’ll find a full introduction to the world of Mystic Falls as you wander through displays of costumes, props, and memorabilia from the show. You’ll also get a glimpse into the many other TV shows and movies filmed in this aptly named Hollywood of the South. Before you leave, make sure to ask for the map to the filming locations around town. 

The Lockwood Mansion - Tyler’s Iconic Family Estate

 When you leave the Welcome Center, keep your car parked and take a short walk down the street to the famous Lockwood Mansion. While it’s a private residence (so you can’t go up to the house), you can walk up to the gate and peek through for that perfect Mystic Falls moment. If you want to get behind the gate, consider booking a tour with Vampire Stalkers — or even a room on Airbnb!

The Gilbert House - Home of Elena and Jeremy

Once you’ve had your glimpse of Tyler Lockwood’s digs, keep walking to the house where Elena first invited Stefan into her life. Just as charming as it looks on TV — complete with a porch swing — this home and its tree-lined street exude full Southern-charm vibes. This is another private residence (but not gated), so please respect the owners’ privacy and stay on the sidewalk.

Caroline Forbes’s House - A Charming Airbnb Stay for Fans

In true Mystic Falls fashion, Caroline and Elena would be just a few doors down from each other. So don’t stop at the Gilbert House — take a few more steps to catch a glimpse of this equally nostalgic home. Want to know what it looks like inside? You can actually book a night or two through Airbnb and stay there yourself — maybe Klaus will stop by your bedside to make sure you make it through the night.

Tip: Before you continue on your Vampire Diaries tour, take a pause and look across the street from the Gilbert House. While not a Vampire Diaries filming location, the house opposite still gives off major millennial magic — it’s the filming location for Maddie’s house in Sweet Magnolias.

Covington Square - The Heart of Mystic Falls Town

From the Founder’s Day Festival in Season 1 to countless street scenes throughout the series, Covington Square, also known as Mystic Falls Town Square, is the heart of The Vampire Diaries.

Depending on how hot it is outside, you can walk here from the Welcome Center or hop in your car and grab a new parking spot in the square. It’s the perfect place to wander — take your time strolling around, popping into local shops, and deciding which one has the best Vampire Diaries merch to take home.

Shop, Stroll, and Stop at Scoops Ice Cream

For a sweet treat, stop by Scoops — a local ice cream shop once known as a favorite hangout for The Vampire Diaries cast after filming. It’s the perfect spot to take a break during your day of wandering and balance out all that Mystic Falls broodiness with some innocent, nostalgic ice cream.

Capture a Moment at the Covington Clock Tower

If you’ve ever spotted a photo of Covington, Georgia on social media and thought, “Is that Mystic Falls?” — chances are, the Covington Clock Tower was in frame. One of the most recognizable landmarks from The Vampire Diaries, it stands right next door to the Mystic Grill, keeping time for everyone who doesn’t have to worry about time passing.

Lunch (or Dinner) at The Mystic Grill

If you’re wondering where to eat in Mystic Falls, there’s really only one right answer — The Mystic Grill. Yes, it’s real, and yes, the food is actually quite good! Whenever you’re ready to refuel (and blood just won’t cut it), stop into this iconic restaurant for a bite.

Inside The Mystic Grill — TV History and Local Flavor

With several staff members who grew up in Covington, don’t hesitate to ask if they have any Vampire Diaries stories to share. Our server was the sweetest — she told us how, when she was little, she got to watch a scene being filmed in the square and how kind Paul Wesley was to her and her sibling.

Before you leave, swing by the bar to spot the stools reserved for Damon and Alaric, then head upstairs to the Hall of Fame display on the top floor for even more Vampire Diaries nostalgia.

Visit the Vampire Diaries Store Below The Grill

Once you step outside the restaurant, there’s one more stop to make — head down the stairs to the walkway you’ll recognize from several scenes in the show. Down there, you’ll find the Vampire Diaries Store, stocked with fun souvenirs (including souvenir blood bags, in case your meal upstairs wasn’t enough).

Take the Vampire Stalkers Tour

If peeking through the gates of the Lockwood Mansion isn’t enough to satisfy your thirst, book the popular local Vampire Stalkers Tour. When I say popular, I mean it sells out fast — so if you want that behind-the-scenes experience, be sure to book well in advance.

Unfortunately, I didn’t plan early enough this time, so we had to skip the tour — but it’s definitely on my list for my next trip to Mystic Falls.

More Vampire Diaries Filming Spots Near Covington

Depending on how much time you spend in Mystic Falls, you can easily extend your day with a few extra Vampire Diaries filming locations around Covington, GA. 

Grab a drink at The Depot (aka Bree’s Bar from the episode “Bloodlines”), make a quick stop at Emory College — better known to fans as Whitmore College — or brave Wickery Bridge (though to be honest, you might be braving the bugs more than the bridge).

Tip: Use this full list of Vampire Diaries filming locations in Georgia* to extend your day in Covington or build your ideal Millennial Day in Mystic Falls.

Reflecting on Your Millennial Day in Mystic Falls

Covington, Georgia is the perfect place to bring a little magic and nostalgia back into your day — whether you visit for a few hours or a full weekend getaway.

And if you’re craving more, continue your journey along the Millennial Southern Charm Road Trip, exploring Wilmington, Charleston, and Covington — and see not just where the road takes you, but who you’re becoming along the way.