The TV show, Gilmore Girls, captured the heart of viewers with its quirky cast of characters and charming small-town setting. You can visit the town that inspired this beloved television show right here in Connecticut. Tucked away in the Litchfield Hills, the show’s creator, Amy Sherman-Palladino, found her inspiration in the small town of Washington.
When the town of Washington hosted Gilmore Girls creator, Amy Sherman-Palladino, and her husband, Dan, as they visited, the idea of a show was born. The fictional town of Stars Hollow was based on this sleepy Connecticut locale.
Google Images/Mayflower Inn & Spa, Auberge Resorts Collection
To take a tour visiting the places and spaces that brought Stars Hollow to life begin at the Mayflower Inn and Spa. This is where the show’s creator stayed during her visit.
TripAdvisor/management
The beautiful location with its sense of New England warmth was inspirational. The inn is a five-star getaway giving any visitor a luxurious stay.
TripAdvisor/management
The Hickory Stick Bookshop can be likened to Stars Hollow Books. The reader’s paradise has cozy nooks and plenty of books in true small-town fashion.
Google Images/Jim Blinn
Stop into The Washington Food Market and see the similarities to the show’s Doose’s Market. This is a place where you take your time shopping instead of rushing through.
Google Images/Adrián Fs
A hint of Luke’s Diner can be found in Marty’s Cafe. This bustling spot serves breakfast, lunch, and plenty of coffee.
FourSquare/Marty’s
The cast of characters from the Gilmore Girls is obsessed with coffee and you can find a great cup at Marty’s Cafe.
Google Images/Marty’s Cafe
The town has a strong sense of community and plenty of quirky local events. Enjoy taking a walk through the town that is as close to Stars Hollow as you can get.
Facebook/Marty’s Cafe Washington
You can visit Washington any time of the year, but every autumn, the town welcomes fans for a Gilmore Gathering. Take a bus tour and enjoy Gilmore Girls themed activities all day long!
The official tourism and community website for Washington, CT. For more information on the Gilmore Gathering, visit the town of Washington website.
Are you a Gilmore Girls fan? Who was your favorite character? You can also visit the Connecticut pizza shop that inspired the popular movie Mystic Pizza.
Google Images/Mayflower Inn & Spa, Auberge Resorts Collection
TripAdvisor/management
Google Images/Jim Blinn
Google Images/Adrián Fs
FourSquare/Marty’s
Google Images/Marty’s Cafe
Facebook/Marty’s Cafe Washington
The official tourism and community website for Washington, CT.
For more information on the Gilmore Gathering, visit the town of Washington website.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
