12 Gilmore Girls Destinations to Visit in Washington

October 1, 2024

Hickory Stick Bookshop by @ejcrowe42

The charming town of Stars Hollow is a special place for many Gilmore Girls fans, and as many fans already know, the Town of Washington was the main inspiration for Gilmore Girls. The writer of Gilmore Girls, Amy Sherman-Palladino, stayed at The Mayflower Inn & Spa and visited the local businesses in town, inspiring the creation of the show. So we are lucky to have bits and pieces of Stars Hollow in our very own Washington, Connecticut!

Take a look at some of our favorite destinations to visit in Washington this fall for an incredible Gilmore Girls adventure to experience a real-life Stars Hollow. And be sure to tag us to share your Stars Hollow adventure with us at @explorewashingtonct. We hope you enjoy your Gilmore Girls experience this fall!

1. Washington Green

In Stars Hollow, the town green is the heart of town and acts as a special gathering place for many happenings throughout the series. Similarly, the historic Washington Green is an event space for various festivals, fairs, and concerts throughout the year. The Washington Green is complete with the beautiful First Congregational Church of Washington, which was originally used as a meetinghouse and is surrounded by the buildings of the Washington Green Historic District, which is on the National Register of Historic Places.

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2. The Po Cafe

For a true Gilmore Girls experience, a great cup of coffee is a must! You’ll need to visit the charming Po Cafe overlooking the Washington Green where you’ll find a wide selection of coffees, lattes, cold brews, baked goods, and more. And while you’re there, enjoy a delicious breakfast or pick up a sandwich, wrap, or salad and enjoy the ambiance of the Washington Green.

3. The Mayflower Inn & Spa

A visit to the beloved Mayflower Inn & Spa is a must during your Gilmore Girls adventure! Not only is the Mayflower Inn where Amy Sherman-Palladino stayed during her time in Washington, but this beautiful hotel is also reminiscent of the Independence Inn and Dragonfly Inn that were both such significant locations throughout the run of the show. Visitors of the hotel are welcome to dine in The Garden Room, enjoy a cocktail in the Tap Room, or enjoy the charm of the Shakespeare Garden.

4. Washington’s Annual Harvest Festival

Every small town needs a fun festival to celebrate the vibrant fall season! Mark your calendars for Washington’s Annual Harvest Festival on Sunday, October 13th at the River Walk Pavilion to enjoy a festive Stars Hollow experience. The Harvest Festival will include a scarecrow contest, corn maze, local vendors, amazing food, live music, fire truck tours, family-friendly fun, and much more. Admission is free! This not-to-miss fall event is organized by Washington Business Association and Washington Parks & Recreation.

@hickorystickbookshop

5. Hickory Stick Bookshop

Stars Hollow wouldn’t be the same without its local bookstore, and the same goes for Washington! The beloved Hickory Stick Bookshop has been Washington Depot’s independent bookstore for over 70 years. You’ll find books in every genre at The Hickory Stick including all the latest best-sellers and new arrivals, as well as fun gift items, stationery, and more. The Hickory Stick has even put together a “Rory Reads Book List” for all the Gilmore Girls fans looking to browse through some of the books that Rory mentions throughout the run of the show.

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6. Marty’s Cafe

If you’re craving that second cup of coffee, then right next door to the bookshop is Marty’s Cafe! Visit this charming cafe for artisanal coffee, delightful pastries, and amazing breakfast and lunch specials. Their welcoming ambiance is the perfect spot to enjoy a memorable meal, get started on that new read, or simply sit back and watch the world go by in the heart of Washington Depot.

@shop.fivejanes

7. Five Janes

Right across the street from Marty’s Cafe is Five Janes, a lovely boutique shop full of latest fashion finds, fun accessories, beautiful jewelry and gift items. Perhaps you’ll even find some fun Gilmore Girls merch to take home as a token to your trip to “Stars Hollow”! Five Janes has welcomed fans from all over the world.

8. Washington Supply Company

Also located in Washington Depot is Washington Supply Company, a hardware store that’s been in business for over 100 years. We can imagine that Luke’s Diner, which was originally his father’s hardware store, was a nod to our Washington Supply Company. When you visit the store, you’ll not only find the expected tools and hardware but also a selection of home decor items, art supplies, candles, outdoor living products, and great gifts.

@thepantryct

9. The Pantry

Every small town needs a charming bakery like Weston’s Bakery of Stars Hollow, so make sure to visit The Pantry while you’re in Washington Depot! This local spot has been in business fostering a sense of community and friendship for over 40 years. While you’re at The Pantry, you’ll find a selection of freshly baked breads, delicious pastries, desserts, incredible sandwich and entree options, as well as beautiful products for the kitchen and home.

10. Washington Food Market

The Washington Food Market will surely remind you of the real-life version of Doose’s Market, so be sure to visit for a true Stars Hollow grocery store experience! The Washington Food Market is a quaint local grocery store and has been a family-owned business for over 100 years. Visit the market for some locally-sourced produce, a great selection of goods in their deli and bakery sections, and perhaps take a walk down the baking aisle to find some corn starch as a keepsake (if you know, you know)!

11. Gunn Historical Museum

For a bit of history about the town of Washington, be sure to visit the Gunn Historical Museum where you can take part in the self-guided tour of the“Washington, CT: An American Story” Exhibit that will take you through the fascinating history of Washington, much like the Stars Hollow History Museum that was created in the former home of old man Twickum! While you’re there, you can enjoy the current exhibits, take part in special guided tours, or view the latest art exhibit at Gunn Memorial Library’s Stairwell Gallery next door.

@starshollowyarns

12. Stars Hollow Yarns

And finally, make sure to head over Stars Hollow Yarns – named after Stars Hollow itself! This unique shop is full of beautiful yarns, knitting supplies, gift items, and more. Whether you’re a seasoned knitter or just starting out, you’ll find everything you need to enjoy this fun hobby while re-watching Gilmore Girls this fall.

More Gilmore Girls Fun:

If you’re planning a Gilmore Girls trip to Washington, make sure to read more in our Gilmore Girls Getaway Itinerary and other Gilmore Girls blogs.

View more things to do, where to stay, and spots to dine in our Guide to Washington, CT and download our maps to the Five Villages of Washington.

In the News:

Take a look at recent features of Washington, CT in local news!

Washington Featured on News 12
Washington, CT: The charming town that inspired a generation of ‘Gilmore Girls’ fans

The Hickory Stick Bookshop Featured on NBC Connecticut
Head inside the Washington Depot shop that played a role in the creation of “Gilmore Girls”