Covington, located in the state of Georgia, is a very tiny city that serves as the county seat of Newton county. Filmmakers have been drawn to the historic district's rustic atmosphere to shoot some prosperous movies of the past two decades.
The town of Covington became well-known worldwide when it was used as the setting for the popular television series "The Vampire Diaries".
Not to mention that films like "Dukes of Hazzard," "Remember the Titans," and "My Cousin Vinny" have used Covington as a setting for their movies. You may explore hundreds of filming sites and set locations from your favorite television series and movies all in one trip.
Covington has a lot more going for it than just its movie sets. Numerous art galleries, souvenir stores, and restaurants that have won awards may be concentrated in the city's downtown area.
To get an authentic experience of Southern culture, you can make plans to travel to the surrounding areas.
One day in Covington, Georgia - Things you can't miss out on:
- Visit Mystic Falls
- Visit the Turner lake area
- Take the Covington Ghost Tour
- Take a ride on the trolley
- Buy some gifts at the Cork boutique
Explore with us the best things to do in Covington, GA
1. Visit Mystic Falls
Video made by Meg n' Dave
You should be familiar with this location. Mystic Falls is a made-up town that has appeared in several episodes of one of the most popular TV Series, the Vampire Diares.
Take advantage of the opportunity to be in the exact location of some of your favorite celebrities and marvel at the incredible set of constructions housed at the site.
You will be given a tour of everything, beginning with a visit to the locations where the sequences were recorded and continuing through a time of the residences that appeared in the Series!
In addition, there is a museum in the area that exhibits a variety of props and costumes from the show. It has a fabric line that the models and actors wore throughout the photo sessions. During your time in Covington, a trip to Mystic Falls should be at the top of your list of must-do activities.
2. Visit the Turner Lake area
Video made by David Tillery
A trip to one of the state's cities would be incomplete without seeing Turner Lake since lakes are an essential part of Georgia.
Turner Lake is well-known across the whole municipality of Covington due to its environment.
By just relaxing by the beach or going on a picnic with your loved ones and friends, you may enjoy a wonderful day.
Thanks to the large pavilions and picnic tables, you may spend a wonderful day here. Additionally, you'll find a crosswalk right next to the lake, which will let you move about and explore the neighborhood.
Bring your fishing gear so you can practice your fishing techniques, as there will be a chance for that as well! A baseball should be brought along, and you should play with your family and friends if you want to have fun. It will be a gratifying and delightful experience.
3. Take a walk on the Eastside Trail at Chimney Park
Video made by The Erudite
If you are familiar with the name Covington, you must also know this gorgeous trail that runs through the city. This greenway route is approximately 2.5 miles long and may be used for various activities.
The Eastside Trail is the newest multi-use greenway trail in Newton County, and it spans a distance of 2.5 miles, beginning in the middle of Covington and ending at Eastside High School.
Hire a bike from one of the rentals that are located nearby and ride along the route.
You may go trekking on the path itself or stroll along the wooden boardwalk surrounding the trail. Because of the large number of residents and visitors that come here regularly, this location is consistently one of the busiest in Covington.
This path winds its way through the middle of the forest and features a lot of lush greenery. People can stroll and ride bicycles without fear of danger in this area.
The magical and tranquil atmosphere along the walk will facilitate a deeper connection with the natural world. In the mornings, when you are in Covington, you should make this location your first stop.
4. Enjoy the Covington Ghost Tours
Covington Ghost Tours are often ranked as one of the most anticipated things to do in this beautiful town. This trip will undoubtedly give you a surge of excitement and will be one of the things you will remember the most in the city.
Exploring the town's historical attractions during this trip is a lot of fun. During the tour, you can see videos detailing people's experiences witnessing paranormal activity.
You will also get a time of the sets where some of the most popular television programs are filmed, such as The Vampire Diaries, In the Heat of the Night, and Dukes of Hazzard.
When visiting Covington, you should unquestionably make reservations for a ghost tour. Both visitors and residents of the city agree that this is one of the city's most enjoyable activities.
5. Visit the Pop-up TV and Film Museum
You will have locations to see in Covington that either have a celebrity connection or are well-built and ready for exploration. If you are a fan of Netflix and enjoy watching television programs, then the Pop-up TV and film museum is somewhere you should go.
This museum is the most famous piece from television shows and movies that were shot in the city. The collection features clothing, screenplays, photos cut out of magazine pages, and furniture used on the sets.
Legacies, The Originals, and The Vampire Diaries are just a few television shows whose complete series collections may be found here.
Extraordinary people work there and will guide you through the facility while providing you with lots of helpful information. Therefore, you should go to the museum since you will undoubtedly have a good time there.
6. Play golf at Oaks Golf Course
Video made by ForeChamp Golf
In Covington, you may discover the perfect course if golf is your love.
This wonderful golf course is ideal for golfers of all skill levels since it offers a variety of difficulties and breathtaking views.
Both seasoned players and those who have never played there will find the terrain to be extremely playable.
Every time you play on this golf course, you'll feel as if you've struck it rich. This course has 18 difficult holes, including the greens, which are constantly kept in immaculate condition. You must visit the Oaks Golf Course if you like playing golf.
7. Taste some wine at The Cork Boutique
If you are the type of person who enjoys drinking alcoholic beverages, you must pay a visit to this establishment while you are in Covington.
They also sell the highest quality cigars, tobacco pipes, and other smoking accessories. You should go to this shop if you want to buy anything for yourself or if you want to bring a tasty beverage that you can get for a reasonable price back to your house with you. You will have the opportunity to try various wines and other items.
8. Join the Main Street Trolleys Movie Tours
Video made by iamemily
Make your appointment for the trolley journey as soon as possible if you want to take advantage of the greatest movie tour in Covington.
A tour of some of the television program sets that were recorded in the town is one of the excursions that draws the most people on board the superb vintage trolley, which can transport you on other excursions as well.
At different times, you will pass by some of the residences and other buildings that were featured in the series. Given that this is a guided tour, you should have no trouble understanding the destinations better.
You will discover specifics on the locations, including the spots, where the scenes were shot.
At these locations, you are welcome to have your picture taken. The images will serve as a reminder of your visit. To take part in the tour, you must buy a ticket in advance.
9. Enjoy equestrian activities
When sightseeing and visiting various places has worn you out, it's time to relax and unwind with fun activities.
Covington is home to some of the world's most breathtaking equestrian riding trails.
The farms' stunning scenery will leave guests in awe.
There are some ranches where a manager or supervisor is there whenever you need them.
If you're ever around Covington, you should definitely give this fun activity a try. If you're looking for a great place to go horseback riding, check out the following list we compiled for your convenience.
- Falconwood farms
- Sawtooth Ranch
- Starlight Farm
- Straight Track Stables
- Silver Crown Farm
10. The Ashton Hills golf club
Video made by The Golf Clan
Another top-tier option for golfers looking for a course in the Covington area is the Ashton Hills Golf Club.
This golf course is frequently ranked among the top 10 courses in the Atlanta area, making it one of the best places to play the game.
The grass is in pristine shape, and if you get hungry while you're out there, you can stop in at one of the most upscale restaurants or cafés on the premises for a meal.
The setting is adaptable enough to support players with a wide range of skill levels; this is a fantastic course, and you should go there if you're thinking about giving golf a shot at any point in the future.
11. Amici pizza for a lunch date
Video made by Amici Pizza HQ
Friends came together in 1993 to turn their shared vision for Amici into a functioning business. People go here nowadays because the atmosphere is comforting, relaxed, and inviting.
They use farm-fresh ingredients daily to produce their world-famous hand-tossed pizzas, savory wings, and sandwiches loaded to the brim with solid toppings. Their broad menu offers a little bit for everyone that comes in.
You are welcome to take a seat in their dining area, where you can observe the preparation of your delectable pizza. Order some pizza from Amici and meet up at their sidewalk café for a romantic picnic date.
12. Fox Vineyards & Winery offers wine tasting
The Fox Vineyards & Winery enjoys a privileged location on Highway 11 and is easily accessible from Covington, which can be reached in only ten minutes by car. The winery was established to produce wines with a distinct flavor profile that would go particularly well with traditional Southern food.
Fox Vineyards & Winery is known for producing wines that have won prestigious awards, much to the community's delight; From Wednesday through Saturday, the winery is available for purchases, tours, guided tastings, and other enjoyable things to do in town. You are welcome to schedule an appointment for a unique taste on either Monday or Tuesday.
13. Factory Shoals Park has great swimming
Video made by Steve Tanner
Factory Shoals Park is the place to go if you want to witness something breathtaking and endearing beside the river. Always stay to the right and down the stairs to reach the vast swimming area.
The park setting is ideal for people who enjoy being close to nature; It is an excellent location for picnics and swimming.
You may dip in the water late afternoon and then rest by the rocks afterwards. This lovely small park is frequently frequented by those interested in fishing, rafting, hiking, and camping.
14. Visit the Alcovy Conservation Center
The original wildness is something that the Alcovy Conservation Center hopes to preserve. The principal facility offers office, classroom, lecture, and library space totalling 15,000 square feet, which may be used to host awareness events and seminars.
Make a reservation on their guided tour to learn everything there is to know about the area. The facility is surrounded by native plant gardens extending across 115 acres and parallel to the Alcovy River.
In addition to that, there are gorgeous log cabins, executive retreat homes, and pavilions located on the site. Covington, Georgia, is home to several activities visitors may enjoy, including boardwalks and walkways that wind through picturesque landscapes of marshes, forests, and meadows.
15. Cycling the cricket-frog trail
Video made by City of Covington, Ga
The Cricket Frog Trail may be found along the 14.4 miles of abandoned railroad that runs from Ziegler Road to Lakeview Drive, just within the western city limits of Covington.
It travels through some of the most beautiful farms and woodlands in the area and some of the best things to do this weekend. The trail encompasses an extensive network of paved pathways within the immediate area and is managed centrally by the relevant authorities.
Most of its courses have been laid out with pedestrians, cyclists, hikers, and pet owners' needs in mind when constructed. Therefore, you are welcome to attach a leash to any of the park's gorgeous dogs and take them for a stroll along one of the paved routes.
16. Taste fresh food at Oxford farmers' market
The flavor of fresh vegetables is one that everyone enjoys. Farmers' markets are the most significant places to go to get fresh produce that is grown locally!
Growers, artists, artisans, farmers, and crafters from the surrounding areas of Walton, Newton, Morgan, Rockdale, Henry, Jasper, and Butts all come together at the Oxford Farmers Market; It's only a ten-minute drive from downtown Covington to the farmer's market, where you can sample some of the regional food on sale there.
These delectable culinary products created from ingredients that are straight from the farm, are the ideal choice for experiencing the traditional flavors of the South.
17. Downtown walking tour - Covington, GA
It is considered the "Hollywood of the South" set for many film and television productions; The country-town vibe of Covington may be felt throughout the popular television series The Vampire Diaries.
The films Sweet Magnolias, Remember the Titans, My Cousin Vinny, and Sweet Home Alabama, among many others, are also considered the most notable.
You may enjoy strolling among the shops in the historic downtown area of Covington, Georgia, having a meal at one of the local restaurants, or even going to a spa for the day if you go to the streets in the downtown area; Most shops and eating establishments must compile collections of mementos from well-known shows for the customers.
18. Relive Vampire Diaries moments by Mystic Falls Tours
Video made by All Around Covington
Mystic Falls Tours are provided by Vampire Stalkers, a company that is operated by fans for fans of the series. Visitors enjoy unparalleled access to all of the locations used to shoot "The Vampire Diaries," beginning with the pilot and continuing until the series conclusion.
This tour is the only one allowed inside Lockwood Mansion, allowing visitors to see unforgettable scenes like the masquerade ball. In addition, the Mystic Falls Courthouse and a mansion formerly known as the Gilbert House are also included.
They work closely with the other cast members and the staff to provide authentic information from the production backstage and participate in events in Covington, Georgia. You can participate in their tours based on the spin-off series "The Originals."
19. Grab some food at the Mystic Grills
Video made by 11Alive
Mystic Grills is located in a structure with a long and exciting history. In 1906, it was constructed by C.S. Thompson and opened for business as the Bank of Covington. The fact that the building is so ancient and still stands today is one of the things that sets Mystic Grills apart.
The entrepreneurs were motivated to reproduce the fictitious diner by the television series The Vampire Diaries, which was the source of their inspiration.
To provide the neighborhood of downtown Covington GA with excellent cuisine, service, and atmosphere and promote sustainability and local development by highlighting regional farmers and employing local workers, they prioritize sourcing their ingredients as locally as possible. You will love the sophisticated and engaging Southern cuisine prepared from scratch.
20. Southern Heartland Art Gallery
The Southern Heartland Art Gallery opened its doors in 2004 and currently occupies a space on Covington's historic square. They answer your problem regarding what to do in Covington, Georgia.
Up to this point, the art gallery has successfully displayed original and noteworthy works of art created by local artists and creators; Because the gallery is located in a convenient part of the city, it is simple to visit and draws many people daily.
Even more, the Southern Heartland Art Gallery is home to several different shows.
Conclusion
The town of Covington possesses a lot of endearing qualities. I adore every single square foot of the square as well as all of the opportunities for photographs. There's a good reason why Georgia is referred to as the Hollywood of the South. Because of this, you'll find stars from various movies and shows that were shot in this lovely town scattered all around the square.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can you go to the Salvatore house?
You might also stop by the Salvatore House in Atlanta, located at 598 Abernathy Road, NE, Atlanta, Georgia if you're genuinely committed to helping the organization, especially if you have to return that way.
Or, if you like, you may do a walking tour of The Originals in Conyers, Georgia, which is a drive of about twenty minutes if you are a fan of the show.
Q: Is there a fee to enter Mystic Village?
Visit the Old Mystic Village, it is one of the things you have to do if you are going to be there. Because it does not cost anything to walk around the town, going to Mystic for the day here is one of the most cost-effective options.
Q: How far is it to get from Covington to Atlanta?
Following the I-20 route, it is possible to travel 35 miles (56.33 kilometers) from Atlanta to Covington in a southeasterly direction, 32.12 miles further than driving.
If you go without stopping, the distance between Atlanta and Covington is 34 minutes. This is the quickest path that may be taken to get from Atlanta, Georgia, to Covington, Georgia. Lithonia, Georgia, serves as the midpoint of the journey.