Covington’s “Hollywood of the South” Film Tour: A Perfect Day Trip From Atlanta

If you’ve ever watched a movie or TV show set in a charming Southern town and thought, “That looks familiar,” there’s a good chance it was filmed in Covington, Georgia. Just a short drive from Atlanta, Covington has earned the nickname “Hollywood of the South” for its long list of film and TV credits—and you can explore many of those filming sites in a single, easy day trip.

This guide walks you through what the Covington film tour is, how to get there from Atlanta, what you’ll actually see, and how to plan your visit so you get the most out of your “on location” experience.

Why Covington Is Called the “Hollywood of the South”

Covington is a historic small town about 35–40 miles southeast of downtown Atlanta. Its well-preserved square, antebellum homes, and walkable streets have made it a favorite filming location for productions that want classic Southern charm without big-city clutter.

Some of the best-known projects that have filmed in Covington and the immediate area include:

• The Vampire Diaries
• In the Heat of the Night
• The Dukes of Hazzard (TV)
• Sweet Magnolias (some scenes)
• Various Hallmark-style movies and feature films

For Atlantans, that means a lot of scenes you’ve watched on screen are less than an hour away. Covington has leaned into this identity with guided film tours, themed shops, and self-guided walking routes around the town square.

Getting From Atlanta to Covington

Covington is an easy day trip from most parts of metro Atlanta.

Driving from Atlanta

Most visitors from Atlanta drive. Typical route from downtown:

1. Take I-20 East toward Augusta.
2. Continue about 35–40 minutes (distance varies depending on starting point).
3. Take the GA-278/US-278/Covington/Oxford exit toward Covington.
4. Follow signs into Covington’s Historic Downtown Square.

Traffic on I-20 can be heavy during weekday rush hours, so many locals prefer:

• Leaving Atlanta by 9–10 a.m. for a late-morning arrival
• Returning to Atlanta after 6:30–7 p.m. or mid-afternoon to avoid the heaviest congestion

Approximate Travel Times From Key Atlanta Areas

Public transit options from Atlanta to Covington are limited and may not be practical for a same-day film tour. Driving or rideshare is what most people use.

What Is the Covington “Hollywood of the South” Film Tour?

When people talk about the Covington film tour, they’re usually referring to:

1. Guided tours (often by golf cart or small vehicle) led by local tour operators based around the square, and
2. Self-guided walking tours that let you explore filming locations at your own pace.

The tours focus on:

• Filming locations from popular TV shows and movies
• Behind-the-scenes stories about how certain scenes were shot
• Historic architecture and landmarks that drew film crews to Covington in the first place

Because filming projects and businesses change, it’s wise to look up current tour providers and schedules shortly before you go. Most tours operate directly from Covington’s downtown square, which is the best place to start your visit.

Highlights You Can Expect to See

Exact stops vary by tour and by what’s open or accessible, but many tours focus on these types of locations:

TV & Movie Landmarks Around the Square

The Covington Square itself is a filming star. Common highlights include:

• Newton County Courthouse – The iconic red-brick courthouse and clock tower often appear in establishing shots and courthouse scenes.
• Storefront façades and sidewalks – Recognizable from shows like The Vampire Diaries and In the Heat of the Night.
• Town square park and gazebo – Frequently used for outdoor scenes, festivals, and character meetups.

“The Vampire Diaries” and Other Fan Favorites

Fans often ask for:

• Locations used as exterior shots for main characters’ homes or hangouts
• Bars, restaurants, or storefronts that doubled as on-screen locations
• Nearby streets where action or emotional scenes were shot

Some tours cater heavily to “Vampire Diaries” fans, while others are more general. When booking, you can usually find out whether the tour leans more toward:

• Vampire Diaries–focused
• Multi-show and movie mix
• Historical plus film overview

How the Tours Typically Work

Every operator has its own style, but common patterns from an Atlanta visitor’s perspective look like this:

Meeting Point

Most tours start at or near the Historic Covington Square. A sensible plan if you’re driving from Atlanta:

• Park in or around the downtown public parking areas near the square.
• Arrive 15–20 minutes early to use restrooms, grab water or coffee, and find your tour guide.

Tour Format

You might find:

• Golf cart tours – Small groups are driven around town, with stops at key filming locations.
• Walking tours – Slower pace, more detail, good for photos and rolling at your own rhythm.
• Mixed-format tours – Some driving between locations, then short walks.

Tours usually last about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the route and group size.

What You’ll Learn

On a “Hollywood of the South” tour, guides often cover:

• Which productions filmed where
• How Atlanta’s film industry and Georgia’s tax incentives made Covington a hotspot
• Production anecdotes: how crews disguised buildings, created night scenes, or used stand-in locations
• Tips on where to stand to recreate well-known screenshots or photos

Many Atlantans find it especially interesting to hear how local residents and businesses adapted to repeated filming over the years.

Self-Guided Covington Film Exploration

If you prefer to explore without a guide—or if formal tours are booked or not running when you arrive—you can still build your own mini film tour.

Simple Self-Guided Approach

1. Start at the Covington Square. Stroll the sidewalks and note the courthouse, park, and storefronts.
2. Scan for plaques or signs. Some buildings display information about productions filmed there.
3. Visit nearby side streets. Many recognizable residential scenes are just off the main square.
4. Stop into local shops. Some sell film-related merchandise and often have posters or photos from filming days.

You won’t get the same depth of behind-the-scenes stories as a guided option, but a self-guided stroll still gives you a strong feel for why film crews love this town.

Planning Your Day Trip From Atlanta

To make your Covington film tour feel relaxed rather than rushed, a bit of planning helps.

When to Go

Covington is a year-round destination, but:

• Spring and fall offer comfortable temperatures and attractive foliage.
• Summer can be hot and humid; choose morning or late-afternoon tours and dress for the heat.
• Winter is quieter; some tours may offer reduced schedules, but parking is easy and crowds smaller.

If you’re coming from Atlanta, consider:

• Weekdays: Often less crowded in the square; possible overlap with active filming days.
• Weekends: More visitors and sometimes seasonal events on the square.

What to Bring

A simple day-trip list from Atlanta might include:

• Comfortable walking shoes (brick sidewalks and some uneven surfaces)
• Weather-appropriate layers, hat, and sunscreen
• Water bottle, especially in warmer months
• Phone or camera with plenty of battery for photos
• Cash or card for parking meters, snacks, and souvenirs

Combining Film Locations With History and Heritage

The film tour is the main draw for many Atlantans, but Covington is also a historic town and heritage site area worth exploring beyond the camera angles.

Historic Architecture

As you follow film locations, you’ll naturally pass:

• 19th-century homes and churches
• Tree-lined residential streets
• Buildings that hosted civil, political, and community events long before Hollywood arrived

Guides often weave in background on:

• How the town developed as a county seat
• The role of the courthouse and square in everyday life
• The balance between preserving history and welcoming film productions

Local Museums and Heritage Stops

Depending on current operations and hours, you may be able to visit:

• Local history museums or visitor centers that describe Newton County’s past, beyond film
• Exhibits on railroads, agriculture, or civic history that shaped the area

If you’re planning a day from Atlanta with mixed interests—some film, some history—check museum and visitor center hours in advance, especially on Sundays or holidays.

Family-Friendly and Group Considerations

If you’re bringing kids, parents, or a group from Atlanta, the Covington film tour is generally manageable for a wide range of ages.

With Kids or Teens

• Teens who are Vampire Diaries fans typically enjoy seeing recognizable spots and taking photos.
• Younger kids might be less invested in specific shows but often enjoy golf cart rides and the novelty of “this is where they filmed a TV show.”

Make sure to:

• Choose a time of day when younger children are usually rested.
• Confirm walking distance and tour length if anyone in your group has mobility limits.

With Older Adults or Mobility Needs

• Look for golf cart or vehicle-based tours instead of fully walking tours.
• Ask whether the tour has frequent stops, available seating, or any stairs.
• Plan bathroom breaks before the start time in or around the square.

Budgeting Your Visit

Costs vary by operator and season, but from an Atlanta consumer’s perspective, you can think in terms of:

• Fuel or rideshare to Covington
• Tour ticket for each participant
• Snacks, drinks, or a meal on or near the square
• Optional souvenirs or show-themed items

Many Atlantans find that a Covington film tour stacks up as a fairly affordable day trip compared with larger theme parks or full-day attractions closer to Atlanta.

Parking in and around the square is often low cost or free, but check posted signs and any time limits before leaving your vehicle.

Tips for Atlantans to Get the Most Out of the Experience

To turn a simple tour into a memorable day:

• 🎬 Rewatch a few episodes or key scenes of your favorite Covington-filmed show before you go. You’ll recognize more locations on-site.
• 📸 Bring reference screenshots on your phone if you’re trying to recreate specific shots.
• 🕒 Build in extra time for lunch or coffee around the square so you’re not rushing back to Atlanta.
• 📅 Check for special events in Covington—festivals, markets, or themed fan weekends can add energy but also impact parking and crowds.
• ☀️ Plan for Georgia weather—many tours are partially outdoors and may continue in light rain; summer sun can be intense.

How This Fits Into the Bigger Atlanta-Area Film Scene

For Atlanta residents and visitors curious about the region’s role in film, Covington offers a compact, walkable snapshot of Georgia’s entertainment boom.

Many productions based in and around Atlanta’s major studios (such as those in DeKalb, Fayette, or Clayton counties) use smaller towns like Covington for their “Main Street” and small-town scenes. Spending a few hours there can give you a clearer sense of:

• How Atlanta’s metro region supports a broad filming ecosystem
• The visual contrast between city-based studio work and on-location scenes in historic towns
• Why Georgia has become a long-term hub for film and television production

For film fans living in Atlanta, Covington is one of the most tangible, easy-to-access ways to see the impact of the industry up close without special passes or studio credentials.

A Covington “Hollywood of the South” film tour makes for an efficient, interesting day trip from Atlanta: close enough for a half-day outing, rich enough in film history and local character to feel like a real escape. With a bit of planning—choosing your tour style, timing your drive from Atlanta, and leaving space to wander the historic square—you can step directly into the backdrops you’ve seen on screen.