Unveiling the Extraordinary Vampire Diaries Film Sets: 10 Enchanting Locations to Explore

The filming locations of the popular series Vampire Diaries have intrigued even the most devoted fans. While the pilot episode was shot in Vancouver, British Columbia, the production later relocated to Covington, Georgia, where the majority of the series was filmed, portraying the fictional town of Mystic Falls. Although some scenes were filmed outside of Georgia, the show primarily remained within the state for its shooting.

These locations hold great appeal for both casual fans and dedicated followers of the show, particularly those who have avidly followed the Delena episodes. Over the course of its 8 seasons and 170 episodes, characters such as Elena (Nina Dobrev), Damon (Ian Somerhalder), and the other supernatural beings regularly frequented real-life places that fans now have the opportunity to visit in person. These locations include cafes, ice cream shops, boarding houses, public squares, and historical mansions. Curious fans may wonder where Vampire Diaries was filmed and how they can actually explore these sites firsthand.

10 The Mystic Grill

Probably the most well-known filming location from The Vampire Diaries, The Mystic Grill is an actual restaurant in Covington that fans can visit. Opened in 2014 by devoted followers of the show, the establishment may be instantly recognizable from the outside, as it served as the backdrop for the iconic Vampire Diaries Mystic Falls haunt. However, the interior scenes were filmed on a sound stage. Nevertheless, for fans who recall moments like Alaric recognizing Damon or the awkward double date with Matt, Caroline, Stefan, and Elena, The Mystic Grill is a must-visit destination. Located at 116 Clark Street, Covington, Georgia, it offers a cool and memorable experience.

9 Scoops

No trip to Covington for fans of The Vampire Diaries would be complete without a stop at Scoops, the vibrant ice cream shop that Elena and her friends frequent on the show. While not as prominent as The Mystic Grill, Scoops was a popular spot for the cast during filming. One of Damon Salvatore's (played by Ian Somerhalder) go-to treats at Scoops is the delicious banana pudding milkshake (via Go Covington). You can find Scoops at 1131 Church St., Covington, Georgia, right in the heart of Covington Square. The shop is open from 11 AM to 10 PM, Monday through Saturday, and from 12 PM to 9 PM on Sundays.

8 Lockwood Mansion

One of the noteworthy locations featured on the show is Lockwood Mansion, which serves as a memorial site for the deceased werewolf Tyler Lockwood (Michael Trevino) and his family. Situated in Covington, fans have the opportunity to visit Lockwood Mansion, although it may require traveling to two different places. The initial location is Worthington Manor, an opulent residence located in Covington. While it is a private property, it can be explored for a reasonable fee through a company called Vampire Stalkers. Alternatively, for those who simply wish to capture a photo outside the spot where Klaus killed Mikael, it can be found at 2129 East Street, SE Covington, Georgia.

7 Twelve Oaks Bed & Breakfast

The Lockwood Mansion flashback scenes in Vampire Diaries were filmed at the Twelve Oaks Bed & Breakfast. This iconic tourist spot, located at 2176 Monticello St, SW Covington, Georgia, served as the second Lockwood Mansion. The cast members of The Vampire Diaries often chose to stay at this elegant and upscale establishment during production. The Twelve Oaks Bed & Breakfast, built in 1836, offers not only overnight accommodations but also daytime tours for those who prefer a shorter visit.

6 The Gilbert House

Elena and Jeremy Gilbert's house, which was famously burned down in season 4 of The Vampire Diaries, remains in existence to this day. It may come as a surprise to dedicated fans who vividly recall the intense scene where Elena set the house on fire to protect Jeremy's secret death. The fact that this iconic filming location still stands adds an air of surrealism to the experience for those who visit it now, as it has been transformed into a private residence. While caution is advised when visiting, it is worth noting that only the exterior of the house was used for filming purposes. Therefore, fans looking to drive by and capture a quick snapshot or take a selfie can easily find the house located at 2104 Floyd Street, NE Covington Georgia.

Fans of the Vampire Diaries won't want to miss a visit to the home of Shiela "Grams" Bennett (Jasmine Guy), the beloved grandmother of Bonnie (Kat Graham). This charming house is where Bonnie goes whenever she seeks guidance and support from her wise family member. It is in this cozy abode that some of the show's funniest quotes and profound insights from Grams are shared. Even in death, Grams' spirit continues to watch over Bonnie, especially when she becomes The Anchor. For those interested in seeing Grams' humble home and experiencing the contrast with the grand historic mansions featured in the show, a trip to 2136 Conyers Street, SE Covington, Georgia is a must.

4 The Clock Tower

Where can fans of The Vampire Diaries find the clock tower that is often featured in the show? The clock tower, which is a prominent backdrop in many scenes, is actually part of the Historic Newton County Courthouse. This iconic landmark is situated at 1124 Clark Street, SW in Covington, Georgia. Alongside the courthouse, visitors will also come across a charming shop called "On Location Gifts," offering a wide range of The Vampire Diaries merchandise. Whether you are a devoted follower or a curious traveler, both locations warmly welcome enthusiasts of the show. However, it is advisable for non-vampiric visitors to refrain from attempting to recreate the daring scene where Damon and Elena hang out near the top of the clock tower and then jump off.

3 Whitmore College

While most of the filming locations for the Vampire Diaries series are in Covington, Georgia, there are a few other notable places in the state that were also used. One such place is the Oxford College of Emory University in Oxford, Georgia, which served as the setting for Whitmore College in the show. In the fifth season of The Vampire Diaries, characters like Elena, Bonnie, and Caroline (played by Candice King) attended Whitmore College. Not only that, but the college is also where Professor Shane stored his collection of peculiar artifacts. Situated at 801 Emory Street, Oxford, Georgia, this institution was established in 1836, the same year as Twelve Oaks Bed & Breakfast (which portrayed the Lockwood Mansion in the series). Its selection as a filming location was likely based on its striking Gothic architectural style.

2 Whitmore Frat House

Before departing from Oxford, it is highly recommended for those on a Vampire Diaries fan tour to explore Orna Villa, the fraternity house of Oxford College. This actual location played the role of the eerie "Murder House" in episode 4, "The Five," of season 4 of The Vampire Diaries. Even prior to being accepted into Whitmore College, Elena and Damon shared a pivotal moment on the show when they attended a fraternity costume party at Orna Villa. The episode concluded with a chilling massacre and several shocking revelations. Orna Villa, constructed in the 1820s, is conveniently situated just a short distance away from the Whitmore College campus, specifically at 1008 N Emory Street, Oxford Georgia.

1 Salvatore Boarding House

The Salvatore Boarding House, similar to the Lockwood Mansion, was filmed in two different locations for the show. In the pilot episode, Foxglove Farm at 6471 224 Street, Langley, British Columbia was used. This charming place has been featured in various films and TV shows and is open to fans who wish to visit. Another location used for the Salvatore Boarding House is Glenridge Hall, located at 598 Abernathy Road, NE Atlanta, Georgia. Both locations have a similar layout with an open courtyard driveway and surrounded by wooded areas, but observant fans will notice the architectural differences. Visiting both places would require traveling a total of 2,500 miles.