The real Mystic Falls isn't in Virginia, but it isn't too far from that — in fact, the actual location in "The Vampire Diaries" is in a small but thriving town, Covington, Georgia. Covington has been the filming location for other notable properties such as "The Dukes of Hazzard" and "Sweet Magnolias" (via Explore Georgia).
The town is a perfect choice for Mystic Falls, which is steeped in history: Damon (Ian Somerhalder) and Stefan (Paul Wesley) Salvatore were part of the Founding Families of Mystic Falls which resulted in a town rich with stories. Many of the town's locations make for incredibly scenic shots on television such as the illustrious Lockwood Mansion and the Gilbert house. Superfans can even dine at the famous restaurant, the Mystic Grill, where Elena and her friends share many scenes — because after the success of the show, the restaurant was recreated for real-life consumers to enjoy.
Fans can visit these locations and more if they decide to visit. Guided tours are available due to the hard work of fans known as the "Vampire Stalkers," as seen at MysticFallsTours.com. They started out just as appreciative viewers who would visit the set, but have since created a thriving business where they show fellow fans the real location of Mystic Falls. Though there are no vampires to be seen (allegedly), fans can relive the magic of their favorite show any time they like.
