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Let’s talk a little about the Hollywood of the South, Covington, Georgia! To be honest I would say Georgia in General but my exploration was within Covington so I will share that. Right in the heart of Georgia, close to Atlanta is Covington. It has become a favorite spot for TV and movie productions over the past couple of years, they may not film the entire movie there but they used a few areas which I am going to dive into in this post.
From the Dukes of Hazzard, The Vampire Diaries, The Heat of the Night, Legacies, and quite a few others. Due to that Covington actually has a ‘Walk of Stars’ which is quite interesting to go through. However outside of the film industry Covington is just naturally beautiful and has a rich history and stunning architecture. It has Victorian-looking homes which makes it rather enchanting to visit, not to mention the lovely downtown square which is charming and filled with local restaurants and shops to explore.
So let’s dive into it, shall we?
Lights, camera, Covington!
The Perfect Film Tourist Destination
Local Restaurants
One of the best ways to experience the local culture is by trying out the local cuisine. Covington offers a diverse range of dining options, from casual cafes to fine dining restaurants. For a classic Southern meal, visit the City Pharmacy and Soda Fountain. This historic pharmacy, which was featured in the movie “Sweet Home Alabama,” serves delicious burgers, sandwiches, and milkshakes.
If you’re in the mood for Italian, Amici is a casual restaurant with a great selection of pizza, pasta, and salads. For a more upscale experience, Mystic Grill is a popular spot that serves American cuisine with a Southern twist and of course, you heard about them, from The Vampire Diaries.
Shopping Opportunities
Covington’s downtown area is filled with charming boutiques and antique shops. What’s great about it too is as you go around you will see shops and stores that were used in tv series or movies. One of the most popular shops is Scoops, an ice cream parlor that also sells vintage toys and candy.
The Hollywood of the South Famous Film Locations
Let’s explore some of the famous film locations in Covington:
The Vampire Diaries
“The Vampire Diaries” as we all know is one of the most-watched TV shows of all time. It was set in a fictional town called Mystic Falls, Virginia, however, not all but, the majority of the filming was done in Covington Georgia.
The town square was transformed into Mystic Falls’ center, while the famous Lockwood Mansion was actually located in Covington. Fans of the show can visit these locations and take pictures of the iconic landmarks. I created a full self-guided tour around Mystic Falls.
Sweet Magnolias
Now, if you are a Sweet Magnolia fan then maybe you would love to visit Serenity, South Carolina, but yea, just so you know it is actually a fictional town that of course most of the filming was really in Covington Georgia. The show’s lavish sets and stunning locations have made it one of the most popular streaming series. Fans of “Sweet Magnolias” can visit the iconic “Serenity” locations, including the town square and the local bar.
In the Heat of the Night
“In the Heat of the Night” is a classic crime drama set in the fictional town of Sparta, Mississippi. However again, most of the filming took place in Covington. The iconic courthouse, which was the setting for several pivotal scenes in the series, is located in Covington. Fans of the show can take a tour of the courthouse and the surrounding areas.
These are some of the shows that were filmed a lot in Covington but there are quite a few others which I will mention below.
Additional Film Locations in Georgia
Flight – 2011 (Denzel Washington)
The Dukes of Hazzard
Madeas Family Reunion – 2005 (Tyler Perry)
The Originals
Legacies
Lore
Walking Dead
Prisoners
Jungle Cruise
The Family That Preys
Footloose
A Man Called Peter
Remember the Titans
Selma
The Fighting Temptations
THE WALK OF STARS IN COVINGTON GEORGIA
Seeing that Covington is the Hollywood of the South then of course they do have a Walk of Stars. Stars such as Tyler Perry, Paul Wesley, Denzel Washington, Cuba Gooding Jr, Reese Witherspoon, Nina Dobrev, and many others, so you definitely don’t want to miss that. Just go for a stroll and spot the stars with your friends or loved ones. It makes for a great adventure and afternoon stroll.
Economic Benefits for Small Towns
Small towns across America have experienced a significant economic boost thanks to the film industry. Covington, GA is no exception. Hollywood has been bringing money and jobs to the local community, and the economic impact has been impressive.
Why Georgia is a Popular Filming Destination and referred to as the Hollywood of the South?
Georgia has become a top destination for filming movies and TV shows. From the beautiful landscapes to the affordable costs, Georgia has it all.
Abundant Landscapes
Georgia has a diverse range of landscapes, it has beaches and forests making it a great location for filming, not only that it has the old town charm. The state’s natural beauty has captured the attention of many filmmakers, making Georgia a popular destination for location scouting.
Affordability
Georgia’s low cost of living and tax incentives make it an attractive option for filmmakers. , Georgia has a diverse range of locations that can double for other areas, such as New York City or Los Angeles, making it a cost-effective alternative to filming in those cities.
Accessibility
Georgia’s location in the southeastern United States makes it easily accessible for filmmakers. The state has a well-developed transportation infrastructure, making it easy to move both equipment and personnel with ease. Atlanta, the state’s capital city, has a major airport, making it easy for actors and crew members to fly in and out of the state.
In conclusion, Georgia’s abundant landscapes, affordability, and accessibility make it a popular destination for filmmakers. With the state’s continued investment in the film industry, it is no wonder that Georgia has become a Hollywood hot spot.
Covington, Georgia is a hidden gem for film enthusiasts and history buffs alike. With its rich architectural history and vibrant downtown square, it’s no wonder why so many productions choose Covington as their location So go ahead. take a stroll down the charming streets and explore the many local businesses featured on the Square. And who knows, you might even catch a glimpse of a Hollywood star or two. So what are you waiting for? Plan your visit to Covington Georgia, the Hollywood of the South, today!
To learn more about Covington Georgia then visit Discover Covington and learn more about the Hollywood of the South!
