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Wednesday, February 22, 2012
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Tourism
Located just outside the Atlanta metropolitan area, the charming town of Covington boasts a reputation as one of the most picturesque and historic towns in Georgia. Sometimes referred to as “Hollywood South,” Covington has become a popular shooting location for many feature films and television series.
The Covington/Newton County Convention and Visitors Center invites you to explore our website to get a taste of our community’s abundant small town charm with big city amenities.
Covington/Newton County is a hometown community where times remembered are fused with a new attitude. We hope you enjoy your visit with us and come back again soon!
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 Tours
Make the Welcome Center your first stop for all there is to see and do in the area. Pick up a self-guided walking or driving brochure of historic homes and other sites.
Bus tours are available any time of year, for booking larger groups which may include interior tours of some of our historic homes. Please call the Welcome Center for pricing and information. There are also film location tours available - please visit our “Movies” page.
 Movies & Film
If your interest is more toward the movies and television shows filmed in our area, pick up maps and brochures of local location sites. Currently filming in Covington are “The Vampire Diaries” with Ian Somerhalder, Paul Wesley and Nina Dobrev frequently spotted downtown. Also filming is the remake of the popular film “Footloose” to star Dennis Quaid.
Bus tours are available to visit the various film scene locations throughout Newton County. Please call the Welcome Center for pricing and information.
 History and Heritage
Visit another era in Newton County! Formed in 1821 by the Georgia General Assembly, Newton County still retains its classic Southern charm. Sites of historic significance include:
- First United Methodist Church of Covington was built in 1854. The pews were later removed and the Church was used as an infirmary during the Civil War.
- Old Church in Oxford was the first chapel of Emory University.
- Gaither’s Plantation, just outside of Covington, hosts weddings, receptions, meetings, festivals and other public gatherings.
- The Brick Store, 10 miles east of Covington, the county’s first brick structure, was a general store, stagecoach stop, and housed Newton County’s first court session.
- Oxford Historical Cemetery c. 1839, reveals much about Oxford’s early families, both black and white.
 Parks & Recreation
Newton County Recreation Commission encompasses more than 15 parks and recreational facilities that include tennis courts, trails, and softball, baseball and football fields. The Recreation Department offers a variety of athletic options that are sure to please everyone.
- Factory Shoals Park provides areas for sunbathing, picnicking, tent camping and small RV camping.
- Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center is a public wildlife management facility with educational enrichment programs and a museum. Enjoy public fishing, hiking and biking on this beautiful 6400 acre property.
- Georgia Wildlife Federation/Alcovy Conservation Center is situated on 115 acres along the Alcovy River and surrounded by native plant gardens.
- Lakes & Rivers, numerous in Newton County, provide boating, skiing, swimming and fishing opportunities.
 Arts & Culture
- The Arts Association of Newton County offers many concert and artistic programs that will appeal to every age group. Visit their website for tickets and more information.
- Southland Heartland Art Gallery allows you to experience a spacious artistic cooperative on the historic Square. Participating artists’ works feature a variety of mediums and styles.
- Van Go’s Studio is a contemporary art gallery full of surprises. Located in a 1922 historic landmark on Floyd Street, representing more than 30 regional artists.
- Heartscapes Art Gallery and Custom Framing gives you the opportunity to browse through a selection of oil paintings and watercolors.
- Picasso’s Playhouse provides a multi-media, fine art program designed to provide children and adults the opportunity to explore their creativity in a variety of materials.
 Shopping in Covington
Discover Downtown Covington by exploring our many retail shops and stores. Downtown is “the place” to start your shopping excursion. Visit a hometown hardware store that is truly a one-stop shop with everything from nuts and bolts to candles and crystal. You will also find several antique vendors and jewelers as well as home décor and ladies accessories. Shopping for that special gift or souvenir has never been so easy.
For a wealth of information on Covington’s Hometown shopping district, pay a visit to the “ Downtown Covington Main Street” website.
 Dining
With a vast array of dining choices available, we will make sure to delight your taste buds while you’re visiting! The list of places to please your palate range from Louisiana-style cuisine to your favorite Southern dish. A wide range of flavors await you in Covington/Newton County, from Italian to Thai, Mexican to Japanese and Chinese to Greek. For our Bar-B-Que lovers, we have several delicious options! Many of our eating establishments offer alfresco dining.
For a list of local restaurants, please click here.
 Weddings
With tree-lined streets of antebellum homes, the town of Covington makes for a storybook wedding destination Beautiful local churches, historic homes and buildings available for hire, a multitude of professionals ready to cater the event of your dreams - along with several wonderful hotel options. All this adds up to the perfect wedding made more affordable than big city locations. Contact the Visitor’s Center for assistance.
Lodging & Accomodations
From a charming Bed & Breakfast in the heart of Historic Covington, to more than 550 hotel rooms, the area offers a wide selection of accommodations with the amenities and service that today’s visitors demand, including budget-priced, nationally recognized chain hotels.
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