Discover Hidden Gems: 10 Unforgettable Locations Similar to Gilmore Girls' Stars Hollow
Step into the real-life charm of Stars Hollow with these 10 captivating small towns From Washington, Connecticut to New Hope, Pennsylvania, explore picturesque destinations reminiscent of the beloved Gilmore Girls' setting
Summary
Gilmore Girls
Stars Hollow, a beloved fictional town, finds its cozy vibes mirrored in real-life towns such as Washington, Connecticut. Ligonier, Pennsylvania, with its rich colonial history and lively annual Fort Ligonier Days festival, captures the endearing historical charm reminiscent of Stars Hollow.
Camden, Maine, offers a coastal charm reminiscent of the idyllic atmosphere found in Stars Hollow. With its charming old-school diner and cafe, Camden allows visitors to experience a similar small-town feel to the beloved fictional town from Gilmore Girls. For seven seasons, the show followed Lorelai and Rory as they navigated life in Stars Hollow, and now fans can seek out real-life locations that capture the essence of this magical town. While Stars Hollow may not exist in real life, its quaintness can still be discovered in places like Camden, Maine.
10 Washington, Connecticut
Gilmore Girls has garnered praise for its warm and inviting atmosphere, largely attributed to the charming setting of Stars Hollow. This fictional town resembles an idyllic storybook setting, complete with endearing and eccentric characters and iconic landmarks like Kim's Antiques and Luke's Diner. Although the show was filmed on a Warner Bros. lot in Burbank, California, creator Amy Sherman-Palladino and the production team managed to work their magic, transforming the set into a cozy New England town. Luckily, there exist numerous real-life small towns that exude a similar sense of enchantment found in the beloved Stars Hollow.
Washington, Connecticut served as one of the main inspirations for Sherman-Palladino when creating the fictional town of Stars Hollow in Gilmore Girls. After her series pitch got accepted, the creator and her husband, Daniel, paid a visit to Washington. During their stay at the Mayflower Inn & Spa, the idea for the Independence Inn, and later Lorelai's Dragonfly Inn, took shape. According to POPSUGAR, Washington is conveniently located halfway between Hartford and New Haven, mirroring the location of Stars Hollow. Just like Stars Hollow, Washington boasts charming colonial-era buildings, delightful shops, and even an old-fashioned movie theater. The time spent in Washington by the Palladinos played a crucial role in shaping the unique identity of Stars Hollow.
9 Ligonier, Pennsylvania
In Gilmore Girls, Stars Hollow is reminiscent of a town steeped in rich history. It boasts a captivating past as it was established by colonial settlers and served as the backdrop for the fictional Battle of Stars Hollow, an enthralling Revolutionary War conflict vividly portrayed in Season 1, Episode 8 "Love and War and Snow." Similarly, Ligonier, Pennsylvania, shares a parallel colonial heritage with Gilmore Girls' setting. This charming Pennsylvania town, founded in the 1760s, witnessed its own historic battle during the French and Indian War. Commemorating this significant event, Ligonier hosts Fort Ligonier Days, a vibrant three-day festival. Much like its counterpart, Stars Hollow, Ligonier proudly boasts a picturesque gazebo nestled within its captivating landscape.
8 Camden, Maine
Camden, Maine, with its breathtaking coastal location, rivals the charm of Stars Hollow. During autumn, Camden's striking foliage evokes the same enchanting atmosphere as the beloved town. Adding to its allure, Camden boasts a nostalgic diner and café just like Stars Hollow. While Lorelai and Rory frequent Luke's Diner for their caffeine fix, Camden is known for its cozy Bagel Café, a delightful spot offering all-day breakfast and, of course, coffee.
7 Rockport, Massachusetts
In
6 Friday Harbor, Washington
, Rory aspires to attend Harvard University, making it fitting for a Massachusetts town to be featured on this list. Situated on the tip of the Cape Ann Peninsula, Rockport is an enchanting New England town brimming with charm. Per Visit Rockport, MA, a plethora of adorable shops grace the streets of Rockport, ranging from the bookstore Susie's Stories to the Windmere Art & Antiques. These establishments bear resemblance to Stars Hollow's beloved Black-White-Read bookstore and Kim's Antiques. Moreover, Rockport boasts a delightful array of inns, along with the Sandy Bay Historical Society and Museums, much akin to Gilmore Girls' Stars Hollow Historical Society and Museum showcased in the memorable Season 5 episode "To Live and Let Diorama."
While New England offers many locations with a similar charm to Stars Hollow, there is another region that also captures the magic of a small-town atmosphere. Friday Harbor, situated on Washington's San Juan Island, is an excellent destination to explore. According to Paste Magazine, the Crow's Nest Coffee Shoppe offers a coffee experience that can rival Luke's. In addition, Friday Harbor boasts a love for festivals comparable to Stars Hollow. Town Square Publications highlights numerous festivals, including the Friday Harbor Film Festival. Fans of Gilmore Girls will be reminded of the Stars Hollow Movie Festival, an annual movie night held in the town square.
5 Sturbridge, Massachusetts
Sturbridge, Massachusetts is an enchanting town in New England that will surely captivate fans of the Gilmore Girls. With its establishment dating back to 1739, Sturbridge boasts a fascinating colonial past. According to POPSUGAR, one of the highlights of this town is the annual Redcoats & Rebels event, a reenactment of the Revolutionary War held in Old Sturbridge Village. This living historical town intricately recreates rural life in historical New England. In addition, Sturbridge presents a picturesque gazebo situated at the Publick House Historic Inn & Country Lodge. For a delightful dining experience, visitors can indulge in the mouthwatering breakfast offerings at Churchill Village Eatery, a cozy restaurant that would even receive Luke Danes' seal of approval.
4 Kent, Connecticut
During their travels, Sherman-Palladino and her husband visited Kent, Connecticut. Similar to Stars Hollow, this charming town features a picturesque gazebo on the green and a delightful downtown area with quaint shops. Visitors may be reminded of Weston's Bakery by Kent Coffee & Chocolate, a local bakery that captures the essence of Gilmore Girls. In a blog post by Planned Wanderings, The Villager Restaurant is described as a fusion of Al's Pancake World and Luke's Diner, serving both American and Mexican cuisine. Antique enthusiasts will find pleasure in exploring the various shops, with Lyme Regis Ltd radiating a Kim's Antiques atmosphere.
3 New Milford, Connecticut
New Milford, yet another stop on the Palladinos' Connecticut tour, is home to an impressive gazebo located on the town green. Its charm rivals that of the renowned gazebo in Stars Hollow, and one can't help but wonder if it provided inspiration for the beloved fictional town. Alongside these similarities, New Milford boasts other features reminiscent of Stars Hollow, including a local diner, Theo's Downtown Diner, and a historical society. Its undeniable charm makes New Milford yet another quintessential small town in Connecticut, serving as a clear source of inspiration for Sherman-Palladino, among other picturesque spots in Litchfield County.
2 Ridgefield, Connecticut
Situated just an hour and a half away from New York City, Ridgeport is an enchanting Connecticut town worth exploring. As mentioned by Suburbs 101, the West Lane Inn in Ridgeport holds a special distinction as a designated historical landmark. Interestingly, it shares a strikingly similar backstory with the renowned Dragonfly Inn located in Stars Hollow. The West Lane Inn, originally constructed in 1849, recently underwent a lavish decor update in 2020. In a parallel fashion, the Dragonfly Inn, dating back to 1893, was lovingly restored by Lorelai and Sookie in the beloved series Gilmore Girls.
1 New Hope, Pennsylvania
The town is also home to a delightful bookstore called Books on the Common, reminiscent of Stars Hollow Books from Gilmore Girls season 5 where Rory used to work. Similarly, the local history museum shares a parallel story with the Stars Hollow History Museum. While Stars Hollow's museum was originally the residence of local resident Joshua Twickham, Ridgeport's Keeler Tavern Museum was once the home of renowned architect Cass Gilbert.
Boasting picturesque fall foliage and quaint houses and shops, New Hope, Pennsylvania is a delightful town just a short drive away from both New York City and Philadelphia. Its irresistible allure, akin to the beloved town of Stars Hollow, encompasses a cozy ambiance that beckons visitors. The Inn at Bowman's Hill, highly praised by Paste Magazine, offers a remarkable retreat, while the Blue Moose Restaurant and Café promises delightful culinary experiences. New Hope thrives with its assortment of unique stores, such as the renowned antique shop Cockamamie's, the Acme Screening Room, and a nearby independent movie theater, making it a superb alternative choice for those seeking the charm reminiscent of Gilmore Girls' Stars Hollow.
Sources: POPSUGAR, Visit Rockport, MA, Paste Magazine, Town Square Publications, Planned Wanderings, Suburbs 101
