We're suckers for any show that takes place in a small town (especially when fall rolls around), and our personal favorite show to watch for all the fall vibes is Gilmore Girls. There's so much to love about this series: coffee, wacky small-town traditions, cozy sweaters, more coffee. We're obsessed with all of the characters, and while the show is serious enough to hold our attention, it doesn't really cross into crazy soap opera territory.
While this comfort show has captivated fall lovers around the world, did you know that there's actually a town in Connecticut that inspired creator and writer Amy Sherman-Palladino? Washington, Connecticut is just as cozy and cute as Stars Hollow, and it has a lot of similar locations to what you see in the show. Real-life versions of Luke's Diner, The Dragonfly Inn, and even Doose's Market can all be found in Washington.
Turn on Gilmore Girls (or the Year in the Liferevival) on Netflix to get into the fall spirit, and check out these sites without even leaving your couch (until you decide to book a trip, that is).
Brit + Co's "Gilmore Girls" Guide To Washington, Connecticut
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New England Lifestyle | Courtney on Instagram: "What do you love most about fall? For me, it is the slowness that comes in early November when the leaves are just past peak and my wedding season is ending for the year. It is a gentle slowness after a fast summer and early fall that cultivates gratitude and appreciation. I love exploring all the small New England towns near our home, picking up and admiring leaves, and enjoying a cup of a seasonal spiced tea on a chilly autumn morning. 🍂 Photo collaboration with @worldsofdiscovery . . . . #yankeemagazine #connecticutcharm #connecticut_igers #newengland_igers #connecticutgram #connecticutlife #connecticutphotographer #connecticutmagazine #visitlitchfieldct #litchfieldcounty #autumninnewengland #theconnecticutcouple #thenewenglandcouple #livelovelytravel #livelovely #theeverygirltravels #wanderlust #cottagecore #simpleliving #slowliving"Once you get to Washington, there are tons of locations you can visit and activities you can partake in to make you feel like you're in Stars Hollow. It's fairly simple to get to Washington — you can drive right into town if you're taking a car, but there are also two train stations that are around a 20-minute taxi drive from town.
There are actually five villages within Washington — Washington Green, Washington Depot, New Preston, Marbledale, and Woodville — with different aspects of the Gilmore Girls experience. You can go pumpkin and apple picking and explore Hopkins Vineyard's Annual Wine & Cheese Market. If you're into outdoor activities, go for a hike on one of the trails or go for a bike ride. Whatever you choose to do, you won't be disappointed with the scenery — U.S. News named Washington one of the best small towns to see fall foliage!
Where To Stay In Washington, Connecticut
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Mayflower Inn, Auberge Resorts on Instagram: "Embrace the autumn glow in New England with one-of-a-kind experiences at our idyllic Connecticut inn located in the rolling Litchfield Hills. Whether taking a hike through Steep Rock Preserve hosted by THE WELL at Mayflower Inn or venturing on a fishing expedition to learn the art of a fly cast, infinite memories await. Call 866.217.0869 or visit us online to learn more. 📸: @jennycipoletti"We're pretty sure that if you're taking a Gilmore Girls trip to Washington, Connecticut, that you'll want to stay in the Mayflower Inn & Spa. Sherman-Palladino says that her stay in the inn, and in town, inspired the concept of the show and the environment she wanted to create, so this is a surefire way to get in the Gilmore Girls spirit.
AirBnb
If you want something more akin to Lorelai and Rory's home, you can check out some AirBnb's around town like this sunny Colonial homefor a more homey and private experience. This house offers lake access, an indoor fireplace, and a private patio for the whole family.
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The Hopkins Inn on Instagram: "A perfect day at the Hopkins!!! Photo by @hopkinsvineyard winemaker @jimbaker1240"Hopkins Inn is another great option that will let you kick up your feet and relax. It sits right on the north shore of Lake Waramaug, and it has been hosting guests since 1847. During warmer months, you can check out the Hopkins Inn beach but when temps drop during the fall, the grounds are a great place to check out the fall foliage.
It wouldn't be a Gilmore Girls trip without a visit to the local bookstore, and the Hickory Stick Bookshop is one of the best places in Washington, Connecticut, to check out both books and stationery. The store has been around for 60 years, and it even has a “Rory Reads Book List.”
Gilmore Girls combines a local diner and hardware store into Luke's (since he turned his father's hardware store into the diner), but in Washington, you can visit both! Check out the Washington Supply Company before eating at Marty’s Café or The Po Café (more on those later), and get your family together for a mini town hall meeting at the Bryan Memorial Town Hall.
For a glimpse at a real-life Doose's Market, visit Washington Food Market, which is the only full-service grocery store in town. It's been in the same location for more than 100 years and is a family-run business, which we love. Keep your eyes peeled for Dean stocking the shelves while you get some Gilmore-approved food.
Where To Eat And Drink In Washington, Connecticut
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The Smithy & 9 Main on Instagram: "Sunny Saturday at The Smithy☀️ #smithy #sunshine #sunnyday #shoplocal #localfood #smallbusiness #market #newprestonct #washingtonct #litchfieldcountyct"We're pretty sure that the most important thing you could consume on a Gilmore Girls weekend is coffee. Good thing there are multiple options! Grab a cup of your favorite caffeinated beverage at The Smithy, Marty’s Café, or The Po Café (or grab a cup from all three). If you decide not to order breakfast, stop into The Pantry for a pastry.
Just like Lorelai and Rory often stop into Luke's, get your fill of burgers, desserts, and pastries from restaurants like the G.W. Tavern, which will hold you over until you can make some Gilmore Girls recipes of your own.
Brit + Co. may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
This post has been updated.
