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 o