I just discovered something really cool. I dropped into the Covington Welcome Center (1143 Oak St.) and found four brochures that cover everything you’d want to know about The Hollywood of the South®.

First is the Discover Covington Georgia brochure. It’s filled with great photos and gives an overview of all that Covington has to offer, including signature events, the historic downtown, and movies and TV shows filmed here. I like, too, that it lists hotels, so that visitors can easily choose where to stay.

Next, I picked up Reel Locations, a map to all the filming locations in Covington and around Newton County. The maps are easy to follow and pinpoint exactly where scenes have been filmed. I’ve found that once you’ve seen a location in person, it makes watching the movie or show even more fun. You’ll find Elena Gilbert’s house from The Vampire Diaries, The Corner Spa from Sweet Magnolias, the Police Station from In the Heat of the Night and more!

Covington’s Vampire Adventures is also available. Calling all vampire fans! The brochure covers my favorite shows: The Vampire Diaries, The Originals, and LegaciesThe Vampire Diaries, The Originals, and Legacies. It also tells you about the many tours available in town. All you have to do is grab this brochure, hop into one of the shops around the Historic Downtown Square for a Blood Bag, and you’re on your way!

One of the things that many people don’t realize is how much history is in Covington. The Home Tour brochure is a guide to more than 40 homes in Covington that reflect the past and the stories that abound here. With the brochure in hand, you can stroll around town and see places like the Bates-Terrell House (2108 Monticello St.), which was home to Covington’s first physician. Worthington Manor (2129 East St.) is a fine example of antebellum architecture. I remember when I first came to Covington, I was overwhelmed by the number of beautiful homes here. When you walk around town, you can feel history.

Now, here is something else I’ve learned. You can find all these brochures online at https://discovercovingtonga.com/brochures.php. When planning your trip, you can check them all out on your laptop or phone before coming. However, I definitely recommend going to the Welcome Center as your first stop on arrival. You’ll find even more information and can tour (for free!) the “filmed here” museum onsite.

See you in Covington!

Lucy Williams