How to Attend a Convention in Mystic Falls
When it comes to fandoms, few rival the passion and community of The Vampire Diaries devotees. For those who can’t get enough of Mystic Falls’ charm, attending a convention—especially one hosted in Covington, Georgia, where much of the series was filmed—is an unforgettable experience. From strolling through iconic filming locations to connecting with fellow fans, these conventions blend the thrill of fan culture with the enchantment of a beloved TV universe. To dive deeper into what makes these gatherings so special, we spoke with @TVDAmber, a seasoned convention-goer with a love for TVD and all things fandom.
Q: When did you start going to conventions?
Amber: Honestly, I didn’t start going to conventions until 2023, so I’ve only been attending for a short time.
Q: What did you think about conventions before attending? Did it seem crazy, or did you want to try it?
Amber: I didn’t think it seemed crazy. I actually wanted to attend one back in 2019, but my best friend backed out, and I didn’t want to go alone. Then I met Gretchen and some others through her Facebook group, All Things TVD. They were like, “You can come with us!” That was my nosedive into conventions.
Q: How many conventions have you been to since 2023?
Amber: I’ve been to 12, which is nuts!
Q: And how many of those were The Vampire Diaries universe-related?
Amber: Five of them.
Q: What draws you most to these conventions?
Amber: Honestly, it’s the people. I’m a very social person, and it’s amazing to be surrounded by others who love the same things you do. It feels magical.
Q: What’s the difference between attending a convention in a hotel convention center versus at a filming location like Covington?
Amber: Both are unique experiences. In Covington, they’ll set up things like a jumbotron in the square to let fans watch episodes of The Vampire Diaries. It’s magical to be where the show was filmed with the actors present. On the other hand, hotel conventions are convenient—you can just walk downstairs to attend. It’s a trade-off between immersion and ease.
Q: What’s your most memorable convention experience?
Amber: Meeting Kat Graham. I’ve loved her since I was little. I met her twice this year, in March and June, and she remembered me! She’s the sweetest person and really takes the time to connect with her fans.
Q: What advice would you give to someone attending their first convention, particularly in Covington?
Amber: Stay hydrated and bring snacks—small ones you can fit in your bag. Organization is also key. Have a list of photo ops, autographs, and panels you want to attend, and time it out so you don’t miss anything. I prefer keeping everything on my phone and highlighting the schedule digitally for easy access.
Q: For someone coming alone, what’s your advice?
Amber: Just do it! Even if you come with friends, you’ll often split up to do different activities. You meet so many people in lines or around the venue. Everyone shares the same love for the fandom, so you never meet a stranger.
Q: What are your tips for navigating Covington during a convention?
Amber: Get to the square early—around 7:30 or 8:00 AM—for great pictures and parking before the crowds arrive. Plan to visit filming locations early in the morning or later at night when it’s quieter. Also, if you want to eat at Mystic Grill, call ahead to reserve a spot because wait times can be long during conventions.
Q: Should attendees plan to stay extra days in Covington?
Amber: Yes, absolutely. I recommend staying one or two days after the convention to decompress and explore. Most filming locations are within walking distance, so you can cover a lot in half a day.
Q: What do you wish you knew before attending your first convention?
Amber: I wish I’d relaxed more and had more fun. I was so nervous about not missing anything that I didn’t fully enjoy the moment. Now I know to loosen up and just have fun.
Q: What’s your approach to capturing content while being present?
Amber: I try to film just a little and be present for the rest. For example, I’ll pick one panel to record, like the December panel with Candice King and Nina Dobrev, and fully enjoy the others.
Q: What’s your go-to advice for dealing with cancellations?
Amber: Stay flexible! Sometimes actors cancel due to filming or illness, but the organizers usually find great replacements. Epic conventions also offer refunds or the option to switch to a selfie or photo op with someone else.
Q: Any favorite items to buy at conventions?
Amber: I’m a sweatshirt collector—I probably have around 30! My husband jokes about it, but I love them.
Q: Do you prefer staying in an Airbnb or a hotel for conventions?
Amber: In Covington, definitely an Airbnb—it’s usually closer to the square and more cost-effective if you’re with a group. For other locations, hotels can be more convenient, especially if they’re right by the venue.
Q: What’s one must-try drink or dish in Covington?
Amber: The Vampire Barbie drink at Mystic Grill is amazing if you’re over 21. For food, I love the meatloaf at Mystic Grill, but I’ve heard great things about their pork chop too!
Attending a TVD convention is more than just an event—it’s a chance to immerse yourself in the magic of Mystic Falls while connecting with a vibrant and welcoming community of fans. Whether you’re strolling through iconic filming locations, meeting your favorite cast members, or simply bonding with others who share your passion, these gatherings are unforgettable.
As Amber shared, the experience is as much about the people you meet as it is about the fandom itself. So, whether you’re a seasoned attendee or considering your first convention, remember to relax, stay organized, and soak in every moment.
Mystic Falls is waiting to welcome you home!