{"id":7698,"date":"2026-09-25T21:39:41","date_gmt":"2026-09-25T21:39:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/silvybrand.com\/?p=7698"},"modified":"2026-09-25T21:39:41","modified_gmt":"2026-09-25T21:39:41","slug":"12-small-towns-to-visit-this-fall-that-feel-just-like-stars-hollow","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/silvybrand.com\/?p=7698","title":{"rendered":"12 Small Towns to Visit This Fall That Feel Just Like Stars Hollow"},"content":{"rendered":"


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As someone who\u2019s been watching Gilmore Girls<\/em><\/a> on repeat since it first premiered in the early 2000s, I can confidently say no one loves Stars Hollow more than I do. From the quirky town traditions (and even quirkier residents) to its cozy New England charm<\/a>, Stars Hollow feels like a home away from home. It may not be a real place, but it holds a special place in my heart, and every fall, I find myself wishing I could walk around the town square or participate in one of the many festivals. <\/p>\n

Luckily, there are plenty of real-life small towns across North America that have the same cozy feel, complete with charming shops, seasonal events, and scenery that\u2019s straight out of a postcard. So, if you\u2019re also craving a fall getaway<\/a> that feels like stepping into a Gilmore Girls<\/em> episode, read on for a list of the seven small towns that capture the same nostalgic, feel-good energy of everyone\u2019s favorite fictional town. Just don\u2019t forget to pack a chunky sweater<\/a> or your favorite flannel.<\/p>\n

Stowe, Vermont<\/h2>\n
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Source: Abhi Verma | Unsplash<\/a><\/i><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

This historic Vermont town (which dates back to the 1700s) might be known as the \u201cski capital of the east,\u201d but it\u2019s much more than a skiing destination. Catching a glimpse of the iconic white steeple buried in an array of fall foliage is one reason Stowe is a must-visit destination for any East Coast Gilmore Girls<\/em> fans. I\u2019ve been three times myself, and the charming mountain town never disappoints.<\/p>\n

Stay at the Green Mountain Inn<\/a>, where the picturesque dining room is straight out of Sookie\u2019s mind and the rooms are Lorelai-level cozy. Walk just down the road to grab breakfast at Butler\u2019s Pantry<\/a>, where I\u2019ve had the best blueberry pancakes of my life, doused in fresh Vermont maple syrup, of course. Bring a bottle of the local delicacy home when you shop at main street staples like Stowe Mercantile<\/a> and Shaw’s General Store<\/a>. Finally, take a scenic drive to the many nearby hiking trails or ride the Gondola<\/a> to the top of Mount Mansfield for truly jaw-dropping views of the surrounding hills that will make you feel like you\u2019re watching the opening credits of Gilmore Girls<\/em>.<\/p>\n

McMinnville, Oregon<\/h2>\n
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Source: David J. Boozer | Unsplash<\/a><\/i><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The East Coast isn\u2019t the only region of the country that can capture the small-town magic of Stars Hollow. Gilmore Girls<\/em> fans are touting the hidden gem of McMinnville, Oregon<\/a> as the closest thing to the iconic set. It won\u2019t be hard to pretend you\u2019re checking into the Dragonfly Inn with Lorelai when you stay at A\u2019Tuscan Estate Bed and Breakfast<\/a>, thanks to its roaring fires and cozy furniture.<\/p>\n

The Wildwood Caf\u00e9<\/a> has all the old-fashioned diner appeal of Luke\u2019s, complete with endless steaming mugs of coffee. Browse the McMinnville Antique Mall<\/a> for take-home treasures and be relieved you don\u2019t have to haggle with Mrs. Kim. Finally, loop in a vineyard visit in Oregon\u2019s Willamette Valley<\/a>, and you\u2019ve got yourself an unforgettable fall getaway in store.<\/p>\n

Unionville, Ontario<\/h2>\n
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Source: Julian Gentile | Unsplash<\/a><\/i><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Most of Gilmore Girls<\/em> was filmed on soundstages at the Warner Bros. Studios in Los Angeles, but the pilot was actually filmed in\u2014wait for it\u2014Canada. The town of Unionville, Ontario, served as the primary filming location for the very first episode, and street shots are used throughout the entire series. While it\u2019s not the actual set, Unionville is home to the original \u201cLuke\u2019s Diner\u201d where they filmed, multiple gazebos, and the red brick church featured in shots of main street.<\/p>\n

Unionville is less than an hour from Toronto, so you can fly into the international airport and rent a car. You could even make Unionville a day trip and stay in Toronto where there are more hotel options. First, you\u2019ll want to stroll the charming main street\u2014pop into shops and browse Varley Art Gallery<\/a>. When you\u2019ve worked up an appetite, grab a burger at Jake\u2019s on Main<\/a> (if the weather is nice, enjoy the patio) or settle in for a cozy meal at Nextdoor Restaurant<\/a>. For a dash of nature before heading back to the city, visit Toogood Pond Park<\/a>, where you can walk the loop around the water.<\/p>\n

Winterset, Iowa<\/h2>\n
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Source: Phil Evenden | Unsplash<\/a><\/i><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

When I was a little girl, every fall, my grandma, mom, aunt, sister, two girl cousins, and I would drive to Winterset, Iowa for the Covered Bridge Festival<\/a>. We spent the day looking at quaint vendors that took over the main streets, popping into shops, and eating delicious comfort food at the local caf\u00e9. I remember being instantly charmed by the old-school courthouse in the middle of the town square that reminded me of Stars Hollow.<\/p>\n

This year, the festival takes place on October 10 and 11, so you can experience that small-town magic yourself. Don\u2019t forget to walk across the six historic covered bridges<\/a> and soak up the surrounding foliage. Winterset is where Meryl Streep and Clint Eastwood filmed The Bridges of Madison County<\/em>, so you can tie in a film-buff tour while you\u2019re there.<\/p>\n

Nevada City, California<\/h2>\n
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Source: Amy Vosters | Unsplash<\/a><\/i><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Even though Gilmore Girls<\/em> is set on the East Coast, the West Coast has its own array of charming small towns, and Nevada City, California is a prime example. Packed with historic brick storefronts, gas-lamp-lit streets, and quaint bookstores, the historic mining town has a surprisingly similar feel to Stars Hollow. It\u2019s so picturesque, a Hallmark movie was even filmed there<\/a>. Nevada City is chock-full of Victorian architecture that resembles the homes and businesses in Stars Hollow.<\/p>\n

Funnily enough, it\u2019s brimming with New England maple trees, so in the fall, crisp and colorful leaves blanket the town. Catch a film at the Nevada Theatre<\/a>, which is California\u2019s oldest operating theater, and grab drinks at Nevada City Winery<\/a> or Three Forks Bakery & Brewing Co.<\/a> Tucked into the Sierra Nevada foothills, it\u2019s also a prime spot to stay with access to exploring the Tahoe National Forest<\/a> when you need a nature escape.<\/p>\n

Woodstock, Vermont<\/h2>\n
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Source: Craig Tidball | Unsplash<\/a><\/i><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

With cobblestone streets, covered bridges, and incredible fall foliage, this New England town feels like the set of Gilmore Girls<\/em> IRL. When summer comes to a close, crisp air and crunchy leaves turn Woodstock into an ideal fall getaway. Stop by F.H. Gillingham & Sons general store <\/a>for some Vermont maple syrup and locally made cookies, then check out the seasonal events and horse-drawn carriage rides (Lorelai\u2019s favorite) at Billings Farm & Museum<\/a>.<\/p>\n

You\u2019ll also want to grab brunch at Mon Vert Caf\u00e9<\/a> before popping into Yankee Bookshop<\/a>, Vermont\u2019s oldest independent bookstore, to browse their selection. If you\u2019re visiting in early October, don\u2019t miss the town\u2019s annual Woodstock Apples & Crafts Fair<\/a>, where you\u2019ll find homemade goods and cider doughnuts. Whether you\u2019re staying at a cozy inn or just passing through for an afternoon, Woodstock is a fantastic place to soak up some small-town charm.<\/p>\n

Leiper\u2019s Fork, Tennessee<\/h2>\n
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Source: Chad Madden | Unsplash<\/a><\/i><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

For a dose of Stars Hollow charm with a southern accent, head to Leiper\u2019s Fork, located just outside Nashville. Touted as \u201cTennessee\u2019s best-kept secret<\/a>,\u201d this town is small but packed with character. Think antique shops, art galleries, and front porch concerts that feel straight out of a town festival episode. Sit by the fire pit at Creek Gallery<\/a> and shop for souvenirs at The Copper Fox<\/a>, which is situated in a restored 1860s home. This tiny village is charming, unexpected, and exactly the kind of place where Lorelai would escape to if she ever needed a break from Connecticut.<\/p>\n

Lanesboro, Minnesota<\/h2>\n
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Source: Josh Hild | Pexels<\/a><\/i><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

If Stars Hollow traded its gazebo for a riverside trail and had a Midwestern twist, it\u2019d feel a lot like Lanesboro. This small town is full of charm with a historic downtown, quirky art scene, and the kind of everybody-knows-everybody feel that would make Taylor Doose proud. Start your visit with breakfast at Home Sweet Home Caf\u00e9<\/a>, then stop by The Peddler<\/a> to browse through vintage treasures and handmade goods. You can also catch a show at the Commonweal Theatre<\/a> (Miss Patty would approve) before heading back to your room at one of the town\u2019s many B&Bs (Lanesboro is known as the \u201cbed & breakfast capital of Minnesota\u201d). It’s the perfect place to lean into your dreams of staying at The Dragonfly Inn and enjoy a weekend of cozy, small-town vibes.<\/p>\n

Camden, Maine<\/h2>\n
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Source: Susan Elizabeth Jones | Unsplash<\/a><\/i><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Camden is the coastal grandmother<\/a> version of Stars Hollow. This harbor town offers the best of both worlds: crisp air and colorful foliage plus ocean views and cozy seaside restaurants. Start your morning off with coffee and pastries from Zoot Coffee<\/a>, then browse around the local shops like Owl & Turtle Bookshop Caf\u00e9<\/a> (yes, it\u2019s both a bookstore and a caf\u00e9) and The Smiling Cow<\/a>, a gift shop that\u2019s been around since the 1940s. If you\u2019re feeling adventurous, hike to the top of Mount Battie in Camden Hills State Park for picturesque views before grabbing dinner on the waterfront. You can also catch performances at the Camden Opera House<\/a> or browse the Camden Art Walk<\/a>, which happens every third Thursday through October. The crowds typically die down after summer, making fall the perfect time to visit and enjoy this charming town.<\/p>\n

Saugatuck, Michigan<\/h2>\n
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Source: Aaron Burden | Unsplash<\/a><\/i><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Saugatuck is the kind of place that makes you want to wear your coziest flannel, pick apples, and sip warm beverages. Known as one of Michigan\u2019s most artistic communities, this town is full of charm, from the murals and art studios to the seasonal markets and live music. In the fall, the town turns into a cozy haven with colorful trees, crisp lake air, and a walkable downtown decked out with pumpkins and mums. You can stroll the tree-lined streets, shop at locally owned boutiques like Endora<\/a> and Lulu Cadieux<\/a>, and sip coffee from Uncommon Coffee Roasters<\/a>. To take advantage of the gorgeous scenery, take a quiet shoreline walk along Oval Beach, or visit Mount Baldhead Park, where you\u2019ll get panoramic views of Lake Michigan. Want more fall flair? Head just outside of town to Crane Orchards<\/a> for apple picking, fresh cider, and pie flights (we all know how much Lorelai loves pie).<\/p>\n

Beacon, New York<\/h2>\n
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Source: Dominique Stueben | Unsplash<\/a><\/i><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Members of Team Jess will feel right at home in Beacon. Just under two hours away from NYC by train, this artsy small town has everything brooding bad boys (and girls like Rory) love: indie shops, record stores, and caf\u00e9s. Spend the morning wandering around Dia Beacon<\/a>, a massive modern art museum inside a converted factory, then grab lunch at Beacon Quality Eats<\/a> or shop for vintage finds<\/a> along Main Street. If you\u2019re feeling outdoorsy, hike Mount Beacon for views that are well worth the climb. Or skip the hike and just enjoy browsing the Beacon Farmers Market<\/a> with a coffee in hand. Either way, this is the perfect fall day trip<\/a> if you want to experience Stars Hollow with a little edge.<\/p>\n

Washington Depot, Connecticut<\/h2>\n
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Source: Hayrollah Gozcu | Unsplash<\/a><\/i><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

This one\u2019s for serious Gilmore Girls<\/em> fans. If you\u2019re looking to get the true Stars Hollow experience, Washington Depot is the destination. This town is widely believed to be the real-life inspiration for Stars Hollow, and it definitely lives up to the hype. The town square, quaint shops, and slow-paced vibe make it the perfect place to spend a cozy fall weekend. Visit The Pantry<\/a> for a latte and breakfast, check out the Hickory Stick Bookshop<\/a> (where you can grab a copy of one of Rory\u2019s favorite novels<\/a>), and explore Hidden Valley Preserve<\/a> for scenic walking trails and stunning fall foliage. With cozy inns and locals who greet you with a smile, Washington Depot is the kind of town that makes you want to move there and fall in love with the local diner owner.<\/p>\n

Want more relaxing vacation ideas? Try these:<\/strong><\/p>\n

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  • This Is Your Sign to Take a Cozy Cabin Trip: Here\u2019s How to Plan One<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n
  • 9 Mountain Trip Ideas for When You Want to Unplug and Reset<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n
  • Why a \u201cReading Retreat\u201d Is the Girls\u2019 Trip Idea You Need to Try This Year<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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    ABOUT THE AUTHOR<\/div>\n
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    Christine Winder, Contributing Writer<\/h3>\n

    Christine is a long-time reader turned contributing writer for the Everygirl. She has a BA in Communications from Roanoke College and lives with her two cats in Richmond, Virginia, where she writes for several local publications.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

    READ CHRISTINE’S FULL BIO<\/a><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
    \"the<\/a><\/figure>\n

    We get it: Your PTO is precious. So when you finally set that OOO message, you deserve a trip that\u2019s unforgettable\u2014not one that makes you feel like you need another vacation to recover. We compiled our favorite travel destinations, must-have travel gear, and sanity-saving hacks to bring you The Everygirl\u2019s Ultimate Guide to Travel<\/a><\/strong>, so you can spend less time stressing and more time soaking it all in.<\/p>\n

    The post 12 Small Towns to Visit This Fall That Feel Just Like Stars Hollow<\/a> appeared first on The Everygirl<\/a>.<\/p>\n