The Vampire Diaries won over millions of hearts for more than eight seasons with its eerie romance, paranormal mythology, and breathtaking imagery. Fans frequently enquire, however, “Where was The Vampire Diaries filmed?” The actual filming locations convey a different story than the fictional town of Mystic Falls, which is based in Virginia. We’ll walk you through the actual locations that made Mystic Falls come to life in this in-depth guide, which is jam-packed with production details, site histories, and travel advice.
1. Welcome to Covington, Georgia: Mystic Falls Isn’t in Virginia
The Vampire Diaries was mostly filmed in Covington, Georgia, even though it is set in the made-up town of Mystic Falls, Virginia. The show’s primary setting from the pilot to the series finale was Covington, which is roughly 35 miles east of Atlanta.
Georgia’s ancient architecture and film-friendly tax incentives made this quaint Southern town the ideal choice for the show’s creepy yet sophisticated mood.
2.The Town Square: The Origin of the Paranormal Drama
Mystic Falls Town Square, the focal point of all significant events, from Founder’s Day to vampire attacks, is well-known to viewers of the program. This is Covington’s Historic Square in real life.
Almost every episode features the neighbouring streets, clock tower, and shopfronts. These same streets, many of which still have the allure of Vampire Diaries, are open to fans today.
Well-liked locations include:
Inspired by the fictional eatery, Mystic Grill is now a genuine one.
The alley behind Scoops is a common location for scenes set at night.
3. A Private Yet Iconic Landmark: The Salvatore Boarding House
One of the most recognizable structures in the series is the opulent Salvatore Boarding House, where Damon and Stefan reside. Actually, this place is Sandy Springs, Georgia’s Glenridge Hall. The old mansion, which was used as a filming location for the earlier episodes, was regrettably demolished in 2015.
Following its demolition, the interiors were reconstructed on Decatur, Georgia, studio sets.
4. Elena Gilbert’s House: An Actual Residence That Is Open for Tour (From the Outside)
Elena lives at 2104 Floyd Street NE, Covington, GA, which is a real private residence. Fans can still view and take pictures of it from the street even if it is closed to the public.
Since the house was used to film important character-related emotional moments, it has become a place of pilgrimage for fans.
Pro Tip: Show consideration—this is private property.
5. Lockwood Mansion: Covington’s Worthington Manor
Worthington Manor, a magnificent antebellum house in Covington, served as the backdrop for the filming of Tyler Lockwood’s opulent Lockwood mansion.
Additionally, it has appeared in other shows including Legacies and The Originals. Through a number of regional film tourism companies, fans can schedule tours of the estate.
Source: Covington Tours’ Worthington Manor tour
6. The Old and Atmospheric Scenes at the Cemetery
Numerous emotionally charged scenes in the program were set in cemeteries. The ideal Gothic setting was provided by Bethlehem Cemetery and Olde Town Conyers, where the majority of these sequences were filmed.
Despite not being conventional tourist destinations, these are open to the public and can be visited with deference.
Georgia Public Broadcasting is the source.
7. Whitmore College: Emory University’s Oxford College
Filming moved to Oxford College of Emory University in Oxford, Georgia, in later seasons as the plot moved to Whitmore College. The ideal collegiate setting was created by the university’s historic architecture.
Dorms, lecture rooms, and school exteriors served as the academic backdrop for Elena and Caroline in the sequences that were filmed here.
Emory News Centre is the source.
8. Work in the Studio and Other Places
A number of important interiors and action sequences were shot in Third Rail Studios and Eagle Rock Studios in Georgia, even though the majority of the film was shot on location. The crew was able to create intricate sets like the Gilbert kitchen, the interiors of the Mystic Grill, and the Salvatore crypts thanks to these controlled settings.
This combination of studio and on-location filming assisted in handling logistical issues while preserving production quality.
Source: Film Industry, Georgia.org
9. Is It Possible to See Mystic Falls Today?
Indeed—Covington has embraced its identity as Mystic Falls to the fullest extent possible, thanks to the Tours. The town provides “Mystic Falls Tours,” in which tour guides show you the real locations used for filming, tell you behind-the-scenes tales, and even set up props for photos.
At Covington’s conventions and special events, you can even get to meet the cast.
All year long, merchandise, souvenirs, and guided tours are offered.
10. The Reasons Georgia Was Selected for Mystic Falls
The choice to shoot in Georgia was made for both artistic and economical reasons. Introduced in 2008, the state’s generous tax incentives for film production were a major factor in drawing television series like Stranger Things, The Walking Dead, and The Vampire Diaries.
Furthermore, producers were able to create a convincing and visually stunning universe without ever leaving the state because to the stunning natural surroundings, historic towns, and adaptable terrain.
Conclusion
What is the location of the filming of The Vampire Diaries? In a nutshell: Georgia, mostly in Covington and the villages nearby. These settings, however, did more than serve as a backdrop; they gave the characters, feelings, and otherworldly excitement of the program life. Fans may now dine at the Mystic Grill, stroll through the actual streets of Mystic Falls, and take in the eerie magic that still enthrals audiences around.
Mystic Falls awaits you whether you’re a TV location tourist or a devoted fan.
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