Where Was “Vampire Diaries” Filmed?

Love the supernatural series and are wondering: where was “Vampire Diaries” filmed? Today, we at Peerspace take you on a tour of the real Mystic Falls, Virginia. We’ll explore some of the locations that the characters of “Vampire Diaries” frequented.

Along with that we’ll share which locations you are able to visit for yourself and where you can find your own “Vampire Diaries”-inspired filming location to rent! Let’s take a trip down south to a town full of supernatural surprises and relive some of the best moments in Mystic Falls!

What is “Vampire Diaries”?

Running for eight seasons from 2009 to 2016, “Vampire Diaries” still has die-hard fans. In fact, new ones are discovering the show every year.

Based on the novel series of the same name by  L.J. Smith, the show follows Elena Gilbert, a teenage girl who becomes embroiled in drama, danger, and romance with the underbelly of vampires in her small Virginia town.

Set in Mystic Falls, Virginia, the small town is almost as much of a character as Elena and Stefan. So much so that we become quite familiar with some of the town’s famous landmarks.

At some point during a viewing of the series, you’re sure to ask yourself the question: where was “Vampire Diaries” filmed?

Get familiar with the supernatural original and discover where they filmed “Dark Shadows”!

Is Mystic Falls, Virginia a real place?

The town of Mystic Falls, Virginia is the backdrop for all of the action on the show. The city is a hotbed for the paranormal over the course of eight seasons.

As far as we know, the town of Mystic Falls is entirely a creation of the creators of the series and isn’t based upon any specific Virginia town. They filmed the series itself not too far from Virginia, in the town of Covington, Georgia.

Because Georgia is more of a filming hub than Virginia, it made more sense for the show to be filmed there. But as far as the specifics of the show, we are still stuck with the question: where was “Vampire Diaries” filmed?

The town of Covington is quite popular as far as filming locations go. In fact, many other films and television shows use it for filming. According to IMDB, the town was used recently for the Netflix series “Sweet Magnolias” along with the movies “My Cousin Vinny” and “Remember The Titans”.

Up next, we’ll cover some of the locations that make Mystic Falls such a memorable TV series town!

Where did they film Mystic Grill in “Vampire Diaries”?

One of the most common haunts for the characters of “Vampire Diaries” is the town’s signature spot, Mystic Grill. As it turns out, there is an actual Mystic Grill in the town of Covington. According to their website, they were founded in 2014 after they were inspired by the show.

They also share a story that shows Mystic Grill isn’t the only supernatural hotspot; the historic building in Covington also has a mysterious guest. “On this lot in 1883, stood a saloon belonging to “Col.” Robert Bagby, who still makes his presence known here on occasion.”

Another real spot you can visit that the characters would frequently hang out at is the ice cream shop, Scoops. Screen Rant says you can get a scoop for yourself if you head to 1131 Church Street, in the heart of Covington.

Along with the many businesses in town, there were also plenty of beautiful homes that are sure to make you ask the question: where was “Vampire Diaries” filmed?

Notable homes in filming “Vampire Diaries”

One of the beautiful homes that we see over the course of the series is Lockwood Mansion, one of the few locations that are in every season.

According to Narcity, you can find the mansion at 2111 Anderson Ave in Covington. Please take note that the grounds are private and if you would like to see them for yourself you will have to book a tour.

Another location that you can actually visit for yourself and stay at is the Twelve Oaks Bed And Breakfast. Their website says that this famous Antebellum home inspired Twelve Oaks in “Gone With The Wind” and that soon you’ll be able to have the opportunity to take a self-guided tour through the historic home.

Next up is, of course, the Gilbert residence, home of Elena and Jeremy. According to Screen Rant, this can be found at 2104 Floyd Street in Covington. However, please take note that this is a private residence so you can only see the exterior and snap a couple of pictures. Like most of the interior shots, the inside of the house on Floyd street was actually shot on a soundstage in Atlanta.

Find out where you can find the Cullen house from “Twilight” next!

“Vampire Diaries” filming locations outside of Covington, Georgia

They filmed much of the series in the town of Covington. However, there are still a few locations that you’ll have to travel to if you want a complete answer to the question: where was “Vampire Diaries” filmed?

One of those is Oxford College of Emory University, in Oxford, Georgia. It doubled for Whitmore College, according to Narcity.

Not far from that is the Whitmore College Frat House, located at 1008 North Emory Street. You can see both of these locations in season five of the show when Elena and Damon attend Whitmore College.

Find your own “Vampire Diaries”-inspired filming location

Now you know where to find the real Mystic Falls, Virginia, and some of the famous locations you can visit! Next, we hope you’re looking to create your own “Vampire Diaries”-inspired creative project.

If that project includes needing filming locations, then visit Peerspace first. The platform is the number one online marketplace for filming locations and production studios. You don’t have to be a major studio to get access to some of the incredible locations they have to offer.

For example, check out this historic Antebellum home in downtown Montgomery, Alabama. As you can see from the high-quality pictures that the host has posted, the exterior of the home is something straight out of Mystic Falls! Whatever kind of vibe you’re looking to capture, Peerspace is sure to have something that fits your needs.

Find unique filming locations on Peerspace