How to Visit Mystic Falls Like an Influencer
A Q&A with @paigenicolediaries
Q: Tell us a little about you! What’s your TVD story, and how did you find happiness as a fangirl?
Well, back in the day, I was all about the emo punk and Warped Tour life—cringe, I know! My mom was actually watching The Vampire Diaries on TV, and I remember totally judging her for it. But in 2012, my long-term boyfriend died, and suddenly TVD became my escape from the overwhelming feelings of loss and grief. I really connected with Elena and her journey. Needless to say, the love story just swept me away!
These days, I run my own business doing lash extensions (I used to do wedding makeup, too!) and I enjoy going to The Vampire Diaries conventions, making TVD content and creating fangirl merch for the unusual fangirl.
Q: When did you realize Mystic Falls was a real place, and you HAD to visit?
It hit me a few years ago while I was rewatching the show. I realized Mystic Falls was an actual place, and I knew right then I had to go! I started planning almost immediately!
Q: When was your first visit to Mystic Falls?
I finally made my first trip in December 2022 to celebrate my 30th birthday. Best. Birthday. Ever!
Q: How many times have you been? What’s your usual length of stay?
I've been three times so far, and my fourth trip is coming up this December! Each time I’ve stayed for a long weekend—2 to 3 days—except for my June visit in 2024, when I stayed for 5 days to attend the Epic Cons event A June Wedding. That was my first solo trip, and it was such an adventure!
Q: How long did you spend planning your visit?
I’m a total planner, so I went all out! I created a strict itinerary and found this amazing Facebook group, Mystic Falls Covington, GA. It was so helpful! I wasn’t creating content back then, just soaking it all in.
Q: What were you most nervous about? What were you most excited about?
I was just nervous about making the most of it! I was so excited to experience everything in person—the places I’d seen on screen felt so real to me!
Paige, embodying Elena, comes home.
Q: What surprised you most about visiting the real Mystic Falls?
Mystic Falls was so much smaller than I expected! It’s amazing how close everything is—like, the Mystic Grill and the Clock Tower are literally right on the square! And seeing the homeowners keeping everything looking just like it did on TV? It was like stepping into the actual show!
Q: How different is visiting during a convention vs. a regular visit?
My first two trips weren’t during conventions, and honestly, I’d recommend doing a non-convention trip first. It gives you time to really soak in the magic. Conventions are fun, but there’s so much happening! You’ll want time to just enjoy Mystic Falls at your own pace, too.
Q: Any secret tips for parking, bathrooms, or food and drink?
Start your day at Bread & Butter—it’s the perfect breakfast spot! I always grab merch on the first day so I don’t have to carry it around. Mystic Grill is great for glasses and keepsakes, and if you eat there, you get a discount at the Alley Shop. Also, sitting on the Mystic Grill rooftop for the first time in June? Totally magical!
Paige and Mila gaze at the iconic Mystic Falls Clock Tower.
Q: What’s the shortest amount of time you’d recommend staying?
48 hours is enough to hit all the must-see spots! But if you’re creating content, give yourself an extra day or two to really make the most of it.
Q: Any tattoo recommendations?
No TVD tattoos yet, but I do have some cool vampire fangs on my ankle from before my TVD obsession. Maybe one day!
Q: For fans of TVDU, would you recommend visiting Conyers?
Absolutely! I found out in October that Conyers was where they filmed The Originals, and I loved it! The Filmed in the South Museum is tiny but packed with cool details. It’s wild how much bigger they made it look on screen! They also do tv, film and ghost tours, and host intimate conventions.
Q: What if someone gets waitlisted or can’t do a tour? Any suggestions?
I’ve only done the Main Street Tour, which is dog-friendly, and it was fantastic!
But don’t worry if you can’t book a tour–it’s not a dealbreaker! There’s still so much you can see on your own (and much of it for free!). The Welcome Center, which is really like the most epic Vampire Diaries Museum, is completely free and totally epic. You can also see real screen-used props at the Vampire Stalkers store, Mystic Mercantile, The Alley Gift Shop, and Main Street Trolleys.
I created these great little guides to help visitors find filming locations, TVD sidewalk stars, and the iconic murals. Remember, when it comes to private property, don’t ever trespass. The cemetery is also absolutely stunning and a short walk from the square. Of course, please be respectful. The cemetery is where many locals’ loved ones are buried.
Paige enters the replica of the Salvatore Brothers’ Mansion at Mystic Mercantile.
Q: What’s your favorite cocktail or mocktail? Favorite meal?
My fave drink is the Vampire Latte at Bread & Butter—it’s a chai coffee creation that Nina Dobrev herself loves! For food, I adore the Social Goat, and you can’t miss the burger at Mystic Grill. Also, the Moonstone Margarita at Lucky Day? Chef’s kiss! Of course, you have to sample at least one blood bag!
Paige enjoys a blood bag on the roof top at the Mystic Grill restaurant.
Q: Any tips for solo travelers?
I traveled solo for the first time in June and I was pretty scared about doing all the things on my own–from the airport to the car rental to the airbnb. But I met up with some awesome girls from the Facebook group. It’s such a safe and welcoming place, and people are so easy to talk to! I really enjoyed being on my own schedule and setting my own pace. That was nice to explore on my own time without worrying about someone else. The only downside? You don’t always have someone to take your picture!
Q: What makes you want to return to Mystic Falls again and again?
Covington is like my Disneyworld! The town really leans into the TVD vibe, and they go all out for holidays—Halloween, Christmas, you name it. There’s always something magical happening!
Q: Any advice for capturing epic social media content during your visit?
Take 5 or 6 shots of everything to get the perfect one. And think about what YOU would want to see if you were viewing it from afar. I use my iPhone—no fancy equipment—and I edit in TikTok, but save the video before posting to avoid watermarks! I should real get a stabilizer, though, it’s so hard to make sure your hands don’t shake!
Q: What’s been your most epic moment?
My most epic non-convention moment was seeing those iconic Damon and Stefan cars outside Mystic Grill for the first time. For conventions, nothing beats seeing celebrities in the square—it was surreal to see the actors just embracing the fans!
Q: What would you say to someone on the fence about visiting?
Just go! You never know what could happen tomorrow, so go sooner rather than later. There’s so much you can do for free, and honestly, it’s cheaper than a Disneyland trip! If you’re even thinking about going, just do it! You’ll never regret experiencing the magic for yourself.
Paige stands in front of the replica of the Salvatore Brothers’ mansion at Mystic Mercantile.
Q: Were you nervous at first?
Of course! But I made friends. From people in the shops to people on the tours, to just bumping into other fans on the square, everyone is so unbelievably friendly and helpful.
Q: Any dreams or wishes for Mystic Falls?
I wish they could have saved the Salvatore House! My dream is to one day own Elena’s house and recreate some of the set areas. I’d love to turn the Salvatore House or the Boarding School into a cozy B&B someday. Sigh—maybe one day!
Follow Paige Nicole Diaries on Instagram and Tik tok and shop Paige Nicole Diaries’ fangirl merch for the unusual fangirl.