If you're a fan of Gilmore Girls, your dream destination awaits in Star Hollow! It's absolutely charming, picture-perfect, brimming with delightfully eccentric characters, and infused with the enchanting magic of the town. But wait, is Stars Hollow a real place? Where is Gilmore Girls town based? How do you get there? What is the cost? This guide is here to answer all your questions and provide practical travel tips for those who want to experience the magic of Gilmore Girls town!

Is Stars Hollow a real place?

Unfortunately, Stars Hollow is not a real town. It was created for the show and primarily filmed on the Warner Bros. Studios backlot in Burbank, California, However, the town's essence was inspired by real small towns in Connecticut.

Where is Gilmore Girls Town based?

While Stars Hollow itself is a fictional town, it was heavily inspired by real small towns in Connecticut, particularly Washington, CT. The show captures the charm and atmosphere of these New England towns, even though most of the filming took place on studio sets in California.

• Washington, Connecticut - This town was the main inspiration for Stars Hollow. The show's creator Amy Sherman-Palladino got the idea for Gilmore Girls while staying at the Mayflower Inn & Spa in Washington, CT .
• Other towns in the Litchfield Hills region of Connecticut, including New Milford, Litchfield, Kent, and Bantam also provided inspiration for Stars Hollow .
• The opening shot of Stars Hollow in the show's credits is actually South Royalton, Vermont .
• The pilot episode was filmed in Unionville, Ontario, Canada .
• Most of the series was filmed on the Warner Bros. Studios backlot in Burbank, California, where they recreated Stars Hollow.

Must-visit locations for Gilmore Girls fans

While you can't visit the fictional Stars Hollow, there are several towns in Connecticut that offer similar vibes and can make for an amazing Gilmore Girls town!

• 1. Washington Depot, Connecticut Washington Depot is one of the key inspirations for Stars Hollow, and it's easy to see why! This small town is absolutely charming, just like in Gilmore Girls! You'll find quaint cafes, bookstores, and the most beautiful fall foliage. The town itself is delightfully quiet and the perfect place for a relaxing stroll, much like a day spent in Stars Hollow. You've got to check out Marty's Café or The Po Café for a Luke's Diner experience. And don't forget to explore the Washington Green, which will take you right back to Stars Hollow's town square. If you still have enough time, Hickory Stick Bookshop will be the best place that might remind you of Stars Hollow Books.

• 2. Litchfield, Connecticut Litchfield is another must-visit spot for Gilmore Girls fans. With its historic buildings, boutique shops, and cozy cafes, Litchfield could easily stand in for Stars Hollow. The town square and surrounding area feel like they were lifted straight from the show.
• 3. New Milford, Connecticut New Milford offers the same picturesque views and small-town charm. Its town green and historic district are quintessentially New England, making it a great place to soak in the feel of Stars Hollow.

How to visit Gilmore Girls town in real life?

If you’re planning a trip to these Stars Hollow-inspired locations, here’s a practical guide to help you make the most of your experience.

Best time to visit

If you're looking for the best time to visit, we highly recommend going during the fall. That's when New England towns are at their most scenic. The fall foliage is absolutely stunning, with its vibrant red, orange, and yellow hues creating the perfect backdrop for your Gilmore Girls-inspired adventure. September through early November is the ideal time to admire the changing leaves, take part in small-town festivals, and enjoy some cozy time in a local diner.

If you're a fan who wants to experience Gilmore Girls in the holiday spirit, visiting during the winter months is also magical. Many towns in Connecticut hold holiday festivals, complete with lights, carolers, and seasonal treats.

How to get there?

The closest major airport is Bradley International Airport in Hartford, Connecticut. Driving is the best way to visit multiple towns like Washington Depot, Litchfield, and New Milford since public transportation options can be limited. The following is a reference time for self-driving：

• From New York City: It’s about a 2-hour drive to Washington Depot and Litchfield.
• From Boston: The drive takes around 2.5 to 3 hours drive to Washington Depot and Litchfield.
• From Hartford: You can reach most of these Gilmore Girls towns in just an hour.

Costs of traveling Gilmore Girls city

Here’s a rough breakdown of the potential costs involved in visiting Gilmore Girls town locations:

• Accommodation: The price you'll pay for a bed and breakfast or small inn will depend on where you stay. You can expect to pay anything from $100 to $250 a night. You'll typically find it's cheaper to stay in rural areas than in larger towns or cities.
• Meals: You can expect to pay around $10 to $20 per meal at a small-town diner or cafe.
• Gas/Transport: If you're driving, you can expect to spend around $50 to $100 on gas, depending on how many towns you plan to visit.
• Activities: Visiting local sites, museums, or taking part in seasonal festivals may involve minimal costs ($10 to $20 for museum entries, for example), but much of the charm of these towns comes from walking around and enjoying the scenery.

Tips for Stars Hollow tour

If you’re planning a Stars Hollow-inspired tour to Connecticut, here are some helpful tips to ensure you make the most of your visit:

• 1. Plan ahead for fall travel Fall is the most popular time to visit New England, so if you're planning to go during peak foliage season, be sure to book your accommodations in advance. Hotels and bed-and-breakfasts fill up quickly during September and October.
• 2. Pack for variable weather New England’s weather can be unpredictable, especially in the fall and winter months. Bring layers so you’re prepared for chilly mornings, warmer afternoons, and potential rain showers.
• 3 Dress the part with a Zaotify embroidered Gilmore Girls sweatshirt Enhance your trip by dressing in a Gilmore Girls-themed outfit. Zaotify offers custom Gilmore Girls sweatshirts, perfect for blending into the cozy, Stars Hollow vibe. Plus, you can even get your name embroidered on the sweatshirt for a personalized touch.

• 4. Embrace the small-town pace The charm of these Connecticut towns lies in their slow pace. Plan time to leisurely explore, grab a coffee at a local diner, and chat with the friendly locals. Please remember that respect local businesses and residents; remember, these are real towns, not movie sets
• 5. Explore on foot Many of these towns are best enjoyed on foot. Park your car and take a stroll through the historic downtowns, square, stopping at shops, bookstores, and cafes. It’s the perfect way to discover hidden gems, just like Lorelai and Rory would.
• 6. Visit during local events Check the towns' event calendars to see if any local festivals or farmers' markets are happening during your visit. These events can give you a taste of the small-town community vibe that Gilmore Girls fans love.
• 7. Bring a camera With its charming streets, beautiful landscapes, and iconic New England architecture, you’ll want to capture plenty of photos. Don’t forget to snap pictures of scenic spots like town greens and historic buildings to share with fellow Gilmore Girls fans.
• 8. Explore nearby attractions While visiting these Gilmore Girls-inspired towns, consider extending your trip to include nearby Connecticut sights, like the scenic Litchfield Hills or Kent Falls State Park, both offering stunning natural beauty and additional quaint small towns to explore.
• 9. Warner Brothers Gilmore Girls tour If you're a hardcore Gilmore Girls fan and want to see the actual sets used for the show, consider booking a tour of Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank, California. While this isn't in Connecticut, it gives you the chance to walk through Stars Hollow as it was filmed and see the famous gazebo and other recognizable locations from the show.

Conclusion

In summary, while Stars Hollow is a fictional town, but you can still find the Gilmore Girls town in the charming communities of Washington Depot, Litchfield, and New Milford, Connecticut. These towns offer the cozy cafes, quaint shops, square and picturesque scenery that fans adore.

Visiting in the fall or winter enhances the experience with stunning foliage and festive events. Remember to dress comfortably and consider wearing a Zaotify Gilmore Girls sweatshirt to feel part of the show.

Take the time to soak up the slower pace of these towns and make memories that will last a lifetime, just like the heartwarming spirit of Gilmore Girls!