Did you know that Covington is called the Hollywood of the South? Why is that, you ask? Being on the outskirts of Atlanta (where many movies/shows are filmed), Covington offers a small-town feel that you won’t want to miss. Many shows were filmed in the town including Netflix’s Sweet Magnolias, Vampire Diaries, and more! I gotta say, it even had Stars Hollow vibes from Gilmore Girls (it was just missing a gazebo).

My best friend and I explored Covington and neighboring towns in June 2025 and we had an absolute blast! Below I’ve included my favorite spots in and around the area, including but not limited to different film locations. Even if you’ve never seen the shows I mentioned above, here are some places you must visit!

Photo Credit: All of the pictures were either taken by me or my bestie, Ashley!

When booking a place to stay, it’s important to find a hotel/airbnb, etc. that is in a safe location and is clean. We greatly enjoyed our stay at the Hampton Inn Covington (14460 Paras Drive in Covington, GA 30014). The staff was very friendly, they offered a nice variety of breakfast options (including some very good smoked sausage), and the rooms were nice. The hotel was less than 3 miles from Covington’s downtown square, which was very convenient. It’s also next to several other nice hotels and restaurants.

The best way to begin the day is to venture downtown to Covington’s square. As seen on Sweet Magnolias, the very center of the town is a park with a Magnolia tree, a few park benches, and a statue. Surrounding the small park are shops and restaurants. No matter if you want to visit the area for filming locations or not, this little town has so much to offer.

• Take pictures in the park in the middle of the square
• Shop at Worthy Clothing & Co for adorable clothes (had Sweet Magnolias “Maddie” vibes)
• Note: If you’re a Vampire Diaries fan, you will have no problem finding VD merchandise to purchase in almost every store in the square. However, there was only one place I was able to find Sweet Magnolia merchandise I wanted to buy, which was located in the basement of Mystic Grill. (It’s mostly VD merchandise, but they do have a SM section).

Let me tell you, this place was SO GOOD! I wish I was eating there right now! lol.

• Start your meal with Wicked Goat Fries which are topped with bacon onion jam and pimento cheese (I mean, what’s not to love?)
• I ate the Baja Taco which included three shrimp tacos topped with the most amazing Baja sauce. (I asked for the pico on the side). That sauce was SO incredible. If they would’ve let me buy the sauce, I would have. I couldn’t get over how delicious it was!
• My friend ate the BBQ Pork Mac n cheese and loved it! Next time, we’d both skip the pico.

I’ve geared this blog for all the Sweet Magnolias’ fans, but even if you’ve never watched the show, these are some fun places to visit!

Sweet Magnolias’ filming location for the exterior shots of the Corner Spa was actually at the Law Offices of Thomas Craig. I met the owner while we were there and he was so kind and told us about the filming process. He was more than happy to let us take all the pictures we wanted to on the front porch and in the front lawn.

We tried to find all three homes for Maddie, Dana Sue, and Helen but we were only able to find Maddie and Dana Sue’s homes. I’ve included pictures and addresses below!

Address: 2103 Floyd Street NE in Covington, GA 30014

Address: 3119 Conyers Street SE in Covington, GA 30014

To be completely honest, I was expecting the baseball field to be larger. However, I was still glad we went. I mean, who doesn’t watch Sweet Magnolias because of Cal, am I right?

Address: Henry County Middle School in McDonough, Georgia (166 Holly Smith Drive in McDonough, GA 30253)

Mystic Grill is a popular place, let me tell you. Not only is it a filming location for both Sweet Magnolias and Vampire Diaries, but the rooftop offers incredible views and the food is super good!

I recommend taking pictures of the outside early in the day since it is usually less crowded then.

Then come back that evening to eat on the roof for incredible views (that seriously reminds me of Stars Hollow). Make sure to check out the celebrity autographs on the way up the stairs!

I wasn’t very hungry that night so I ordered Chicken & Waffle Sliders and a Virgin Back-Handed Slap drink (which is Ginger Ale, pineapple juice, and orange juice). Super good and refreshing!

Since the hotel breakfast was yummy (and, let’s be real, free!), we opted to eat at the hotel and then treat ourselves for dinner!

If you follow Brittany Palazzo on Instagram, then you are very familiar with her store Addison’s Wonderland! This place was absolutely adorable and I ended up purchasing a pillow, a small bowl, and a pink-orange striped dress!

Address: 110 W Spring Street in Monroe, GA 30655

If you’ve been to Atlanta, then there’s a high chance you’ve been to The Varsity. The original location is located in Atlanta (and is a very cool experience), but since my bestie and I had already been before, we opted to visit The Varsity in Bethlehem, GA. Less traffic + yummy food = a must stop.

My favorite things to get there include the Frosted Orange milkshake (tastes like a Creamsicle) and their French fries.

Address: 410 Exchange Blvd in Bethlehem, GA 30620

If you love yummy food and the outdoors, Southern Belle Farm is the perfect place for you (and the family!). I honestly thought this place was a small business but I was wrong. There was so much to do and it was popping with customers! The store inside had so much to choose from like fruit, cider, jellies, toys, etc. and even had a bakery inside (the peach cobbler with their peach cobbler ice cream was a must). Then we purchased bags/buckets to go peach and flower picking outside! It was such a fun (and hot) experience! I purchased a 1/2 peck bag to pick peaches and it was $18.71 with tax.

Address: 1658 Turner Church Road in McDonough, GA 30252

City Pharmacy is located in the downtown square in Covington, right in the heart of all the film locations! This is such a cute place to visit! Make sure to grab reservations in advance!

For appetizers, consider trying the Pimento Cheese platter, which came with a sample of many different things including ham, honey, and homemade crispy crackers.

I ordered the Pecan Crusted Chicken which included green beans, potato puree, and honey thyme gravy. The potatoes were absolutely amazing and I enjoyed the chicken! But next time, I’d request no green beans.

Ashley ordered the Wild Mushroom Meatloaf and loved it! It had onions, carrots, and veal.

Thank you for following along on my Covington adventure!

If this blog was helpful, make sure to give me a follow so you can be the first to know about my future vacation recommendations!

As always, here’s to more adventures!