Looking for a charming weekend getaway? I have the perfect place for you!

Originally founded in 1822 as Newtonsboro, and later renamed Covington after General Leonard Covington, this quaint small town located conveniently 35 miles from Atlanta, Georgia has become an ideal travel destination. Known as the Hollywood of the South, Covington is the perfect place to enjoy a variety of great experiences. The historic town offers several great dining options to choose from and an array of great shops to explore. You can spend your time enjoying ghost and trolley tours to the various movie sets filmed in Covington. Looking for more, no problem, you can easily travel outside of the historic square and enjoy an afternoon outdoors at one of the many surrounding parks.

To help plan your upcoming trip, let me tell you about my recent visit without giving away too much detail about this amazing destination!

Where to Stay

First things first, you need to find a place to stay when visiting the lovely Covington, Georgia. Like any travel destination, you have the obvious hotel choices such as Hampton Inn, Holiday Inn, and the like but the ultimate choice is located right outside of the historic town square. Let me introduce you to the timeless Twelve Oaks Bed & Breakfast.

Twelve Oaks Bed & Breakfast

In order to truly experience the historic charm of Covington, Georgia you absolutely must stay at Twelve Oaks. I insist. The home that inspired Twelve Oaks in Gone With The Wind is a breathtaking Inn located only a short walk from the town’s historic square. The 11,000 square foot antebellum mansion dates back to 1836 and sits on three beautiful acres. Although the mansion has gone through several renovations over the years, I make no mistake when I tell you it is one of the most charming places I have ever seen. You can choose from one of the many rooms inspired by movies and shows filmed in Covington. You can channel your inner Reece Witherspoon when staying in the Suite Home Alabama or channel your dark side with The Salvatore Brothers Study.

Restaurants & Dining

When it comes to dining, Covington does not disappoint. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite to eat, a 5-star dining experience, or a sweet treat – this charming small town aims to please when it comes to food.

The Mystic Grill

The Mystic Grill located in the historic town square is an absolute MUST when visiting! This southern style restaurant puts its own modern twist on traditional southern dishes with locally sourced ingredients. You can dine inside or enjoy rooftop dining while overlooking the historic square. While exploring the menu, be sure to consider the Sweet Tea Fried Chicken – voted best in the state! During your dining experience, don’t be shocked if you run into a celeb or two, its not unheard of to see actors from The Vampire Diaries making their way back to Mystic Falls.

City Pharmacy

The City Pharmacy located in the historic town square is a great place to gather with friends, a sentiment that keeps with the building’s history as the town pharmacy and “Place Where Friends Meet.” The building’s renovations offer the allure of city dining while staying true to its southern roots and rich history. Its unique setting and delicious cuisine makes this small town restaurant stand out. Among the amazing menu offerings, I highly recommend Brunch served Saturday and Sunday 11:00a.m. – 2:00p.m.

The Social Goat Tavern

Try out one of Covington’s newest places to dine – The Social Goat Tavern. Enjoy the option of dining in or taking in the sights of the historic town square from the outdoor dining area. The menu offers a wide variety of dishes such as tacos, burgers, and seafood. The bar has a variety of rotating taps that you can enjoy for Thursday Night’s Music Bingo or during Live Music on the weekends. If visiting on the weekend, be sure not to miss their amazing Saturday and Sunday Brunch!

Bread and Butter Bakery

Looking for a sweet treat and a great cup of coffee? If so, check out Bread and Butter Bakery located in the historic town square. This adorable bakery is the perfect spot to grab a delicious cup of jo while enjoying a sweet treat. The bakery itself offers a wide variety of seating perfect for enjoying a book, knocking out some e-mails, or catching up with friends.

Scoops

You can’t visit Covington without visiting Scoops – It’s What Sweet Dreams Are Made Of. Scoops is not your average ice cream shop, it’s a sweet treat paradise! Located in the historic town square, Scoops offers over 32 flavors of handcrafted ice cream and a large variety of candy and candy-themed merchandise. So when in town grab yourself a cone and enjoy the view of the town from one of the rocking chairs in front of the shop!

Things to Do

Tours, Shopping, Sightseeing & Recreation

Covington offers several fun tour options to enjoy during your visit. Some popular and notable choices are the Covington Ghost Tours, Main Street Trolley Tours, and the Mystic Falls Tours. Relive some of your favorite television and movie scenes by visiting the many filming sites throughout the town. If you are a Vampire Diaries fan, be prepared to fall in love! For more info on all of the town’s greatness be sure to stop by the Covington Welcome Center & Museum. While you’re there snap a pic with the Welcome to Mystic Fall Virginia sign.

If you enjoy shopping, Covington has many unique stores to explore during your visit. Whether you are looking for one-of-a-kind products or fan merchandise, Covington offers various clothing stores and boutiques, along with art galleries and antiques. There is truly something for every shopper to enjoy!

If sightseeing and outdoor recreation are more of your style, Covington has several great parks to enjoy with hiking and bike trails. Enjoy the beautiful outdoors will a picnic and a walk around one of the many beautiful lakes. For more information on parks located in the area click HERE.

One Final Look Before You Go…

Intrigued? You should be! Personally, I LOVED everything Covington, Georgia had to offer and CANNOT wait to go back! If you have ever been, drop a comment below and tell me about your favorite experience. For me, I had a total fangirl moment when I spotted Zach Roerig outside of The Mystic Grill! Who doesn’t love Matt Donovan a.k.a. Matty Blue Eyes, am I right?