DISCOVER YOUR
STARS HOLLOW
The Magic Began Here
Have you ever wished you could walk the streets of the real life Stars Hollow Connecticut? Look no further than New Milford, CT. Amy Sherman Palladino was inspired to write the story of the Gilmore Girls by four Connecticut towns, especially New Milford.
New Milford's contributions include a bustling historic downtown village surronding a beautiful green, with a variety of fantastic restaurants and quirky small businesses - all within easy walking distance of one another. Most iconic of all is, of course, the gazebo (or bandstand as the locals call it) serving as the centerpiece of the town green. Browse the map below to see our essential list of G.G. landmarks for a bonafide fan experience.
ABOUT US
New Milford, Connecticut, founded in 1712, is a cozy town that boasts an array of charming and historic locations that mirror locations in Stars Hollow. While town meetings might not be as wacky as those in the show, the residents of New Milford share the same love for our little town as Rory, Lorelai, Luke, Taylor, Miss Patty, and Babette. Explore below to get a local's insight and fully appreciate the town and its rich heritage.
Our Suggestions
Day Trip Itineraries
Enjoy this charming and walkable Connecticut town that inspired Stars Hollow with one of our curated day trip itineraries! All destinations are within walking distance of one another. Keep in mind, some of these establishments may be closed on Mondays.
Where to Park
There are three places to park in Downtown New Milford. Use the map to the right for reference.
-Parking lot on Railroad Street.
- General Parking around the Town Green.
- A parking lot behind town hall on Church Street
Book & pizza lover like Rory?
Are you a fan who wants to see all the real-life counterparts to locations in Stars Hollow with enough time to eat Pizza and watch “The Power of Myth” at the end of the day? Then this day trip itinerary is for you! Start the day with a pancake breakfast and lots of coffee at Theo’s Downtown Diner. Take a walk or drive just a few minutes up the hill to tour the campus of Canterbury Preparatory School. Walk the same green as famous alumni such as Joseph Campbell and President John F. Kennedy. On your way, stop in at BD Provisions for all the candy and snacks you'll need for your journey. After you’ve worked up an appetite, come back down the hill and stop in at Grassroots Icecream for more sweat treats. Walk just down the street to explore the extensive collection of antiques, vintage, and second-hand items at The Hunt. Think Mrs. Kim's, only friendlier. Come into Honeybee Books and Tea and explore their collection of used books and their Gilmore Girls Gift & Book section. Walk out to the Gazebo in our town green for photo ops and to read the first chapter of your new book. Finish out the day with dinner at All Aboard Pizza. *Screenshot the bullet list below for easy reference!* - Theo's Downtown Diner - Canterbury Campus - Grassroots Ice Cream - The Hunt - Honeybee Books & Tea - Gazebo - All Aboard Pizza
Love small towns like Lorelai?
Are you a fan with a passion for historic buildings and a penchant for delicious food and movies? Then this day trip itinerary is for you! Start the day with a pancake breakfast and lots of coffee at Theo’s Downtown Diner. Then take a walk to view the Homestead Inn and stroll to Whittlesey Avenue to look at the beautiful colonial and Victorian style homes. Relax enjoy the town Green, where you will find our historic town hall, colonial era buildings, a genuine WWII tank, historical monuments, and, of course, the town Gazebo. At the opposite side of the green you will find the New Milford Historical Society, open Saturdays from 11 am - 2 pm or you can book a private tour! Get lunch at the ever-charming and delicious La Piccolina restaurant. Stop at The Hunt and shop their eclectic assortment of furniture and homewares. Get lots of snacks for dessert and watch a movie at the Bank Street Theater. Finish off your day with dinner at The Iron Rail. Restaurant. *Screenshot the bullet list below for easy reference!* - Theo's Downtown Diner - Homestead Inn - Whittlesey Avenue - N.M. Historical Society - La Piccolina - The Hunt - Bank Street Theater - Iron Rail Restaurant
Feeling luxurious like Emily?
Are you a fan who wants to enjoy one of the towns that inspired Stars Hollow in style? Then this day trip itinerary is for you! Enjoy breakfast and an assortment of teas, lattés, cappuccinos, and fresh baked goods at River and Rail Cafe. Have a Spa Day next door at Joe’s Salon, or at Skin and Tonic just around the corner. Enjoy a fresh green juice at Evergreen Juice bar. Shop the variety of boutiques on Bank Street, such as Safari Collective, Compass Rose, and Swank on Bank. Take a walk down Church Street to Ameico to find gifts and wares worthy of MOMA. For excellent food and outdoor dining, finish off your evening with dinner at Lucia Ristorante, right on Bank Street. *Screenshot the bullet list below for easy reference!* - River and Rail - Joes Salon or Skin & Tonic - Evergreen Juice Bar - Bank Street Shopping - Safari Collective - Swank On Bank - Compass Rose - & Co. - Ameico (Church St.) - Lucia Ristorante
Are you a foodie like Sookie?
Are you a Gilmore Girls fan who is a passionate foodie with a creative streak? Then this day trip itinerary is for you! Come on a Saturday and start your day exploring the fresh baked goods and local seasonal produce at New Milford Farmers Market. Who knows? Maybe you’ll meet a handsome young produce supplier while you’re there. Have a picnic on the green by the gazebo with the delicious farmers market food. Pop into New Milford’s own converted hardware store, The Village Center for The Arts, and let out your creative side in their Open Studio. Keep walking on church street and get some authentic Mexican fare for lunch at Mommas Tacos. Shop for artisanal products and unique kitchen wares at Blue on Bank and the Nutmeg Olive Oil Company. Finish your day with Bao Buns or a local mushroom bibimbap at Sparrow Bar and Restaurant. *Screenshot the bullet list below for easy reference!* - New Milford Farmers Market (May - November only) - Village Center for The Arts - Momma's Tacos - Bleu on Bank - Nutmeg Olive Oil Company - Sparrow Restaurant and Bar
Are you a Gilmore Girls fan who wants to explore off the beaten track and find vintage gems along the way? Then this day trip Itinerary is for you! Start off with breakfast at Theo’s Downtown Diner. Walk across the street and explore the work of local artists at Gallery 25. Walk up the hill and shop at Play where you could find your next great practical joke to play on your friends. Walk across the street to The Hunt and scour their collection of vintage graphic T-Shirts. Get lunch at All Aboard Pizza. Head over to Honeybee Books and Tea to pick up a Dostoyevsky novel and browse their vinyl collection. Walk up to our iconic gazebo and start reading your book. *Screenshot the bullet list below for easy reference!* - Breakfast at Theo’s - Gallery 25 - Play - The Hunt - All Aboard Pizza - Honeybee Books - Gazebo
Are you an intellectual rebel like Jess?
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Are you here with your family?
Are You a Gilmore Girls fan who wants to explore this beautiful town with the whole family? Then this day trip Itinerary is for you! Start off with breakfast at Theo’s Downtown Diner. Walk up the hill and browse the eclectic selection of toys at Nordica Toys. Pop in to the Village Center for The Arts for their open studio time. Have lunch right next door at Momma’s Tacos. Get a post-lunch sweet treat at Tasty Waves frozen yogurt. Relax and enjoy your dessert at the Gazebo. Head over to Honeybee Books and Tea to check out the children books section. *Screenshot the bullet list below for easy reference!* Breakfast at Theo’s Nordica Toys Village Center for The Arts Momma’s Tacos Tasty Waves Gazebo Honeybee Books
The Weekender
If one day in our charming town just isn't enough, explore our full New Milford experience weekend itinerary. All locations on this itinerary are within walking distance.
Where to Stay
Stay at the charming and historic Homestead Inn during your stay. The sophisticated yet cozy interior will make you feel like you are staying at the Dragonfly Inn.
Friday
Check in to your room at Homestead Inn on Friday afternoon. After dropping off your bags, take a leisurely walk through the town green where you can relax and take photos at the gazebo. Stroll up and down Whittlesey Avenue a look at the charming historic houses. Walk to the Bank Street Theater and see a movie (get lots of snacks for the full Rory and Lorelai movie night.) Enjoy dinner at The Cue on Bank Street. *Screenshot the bullet list below for easy reference!* - Gazebo - Whittlesey Avenue - Bank Street Theater - The Cue
Saturday
On Saturday morning, walk down to Theo’s Downtown Diner and enjoy a full breakfast with lots of coffee. Stroll back up to the town green and check out the New Milford Farmers Market (from May-November only) Walk up the hill to see the campus of Canterbury Preparatory School. After you’ve worked up an appetite from the walk, stop in at River and Rail cafe for a light lunch and some more coffee. Take your coffee and stroll around the many quaint shops on Bank Street, including The Hunt Antiques and BD Provisions for lots of snacks. See the full list of shops below. After dropping your wares off at your room, have an upscale dinner at Lucia Ristorante OR Sparrow Bar and Restaurant. Movies. anyone? The Bank Street Theater is only steps away. *Screenshot the bullet list below for easy reference!* - Theo’s Downtown Diner - New Milford Farmers Market - Canterbury Campus - River and Rail Cafe - Shopping - The Hunt - Village Center for The Arts - Safari Collective - & Co. - Compass Rose - Swank on Bank - Blue on Bank - Nutmeg Olive Oil Company - Play - Dinner - Lucia Ristorante - Sparrow Bar & Restaurant
Sunday
On Sunday morning, enjoy the complimentary breakfast at the Inn before checking out. Walk to Honeybee Books and Tea where you can relax with a cup of tea while you peruse the selection of Glimore Girls themed gifts and books. Stay as long as you like, and pick out a book to read during your trip home. *Screenshot the bullet list below for easy reference!* - Breakfast at the Inn and check out - Honeybee Books and Tea
Group Activities
Perfect for groups who want to do a Gilmore Girls themed birthday, bachelorette/bachelor trip, or wedding!
Our local movie theater can be rented out to groups! Bring a DVD to play one of your favorite films, Attack of the 50 Foot Woman, or one of your favorite episodes of Gilmore Girls!
Get a classic breakfast with lots of coffee catered for your next event. Theo's will also host events in the diner after hours.
Village Center for the Arts Parties & Group Rates
Let out your creative side in this quirky converted hardware store with a professional and eccentric staff that would fit right in in Stars Hollow.
Weddings and Events at 19 Main
Have you always dreamed of getting married in Stars Hollow? You can get the small-town Connecticut experience at 19 Main. Enjoy a sophisticated yet intimate wedding venue and get your wedding photos taken in front of our iconic gazebo, just steps away.
Local Events
While we don't host any annual battle reenactments, snowman building competitions, or basket fundraisers, New Milford is home to several town-wide events that would fit right in on the Stars Hollow Town Green. Come visit during one of these events for an extra dose of small town charm.
Fourth Of July Fireworks Display
New Milford Fireworks Celebration is held on the Green in downtown New Milford. This annual event is organized by the Greater New Milford Chamber of Commerce.
Rock the Block
Third Thursday of the month, our 3-concert series has expanded, now May-Sept! Join our free block parties downtown with live music on Bank Street, street games, local eats, sidewalk sales and fun! Grab your chairs and join us downtown for an evening of safe and community-involved entertainment.
New Milford G.O.A.T. Days
(Greatest Of All Towns)
New Milford “Greatest Of All Towns” celebration was started by Goatboy Soaps as a way to share our farm and giveback to the community. Each year we select a local nonprofit to donate the proceeds to. This year’s recipient is Wheels for Wheels.
Riverfest
New Milford, CT is excited to be holding its fifth RiverFest! We invite you to join us at Young’s Field Park, on Young’s Field Road, across from the banks of the Housatonic River in New Milford. This is a rain or shine event. There will be artisan and crafts booths, food trucks, music, river walks, activities for the whole family and more. Be part of this great event!
Trunk or Treat
Every year on Halloween, parents and businesses line up their cars around the New Milford town green and hand out candy to trick-or-treaters. All of downtown dresses up for the occasion and the Village Center for the Arts performs their Annual "Thriller" flashmob on the green.
Sip And Stroll (December and April)
Our most popular events of the year! Stroll with friends, meet new people, explore the unique variety of stores we have, and the best part, support two local non-profits: New Milford Food Bank and United Way of Coastal and Western CT. This event is 21+ only - Cheers!
Cookie and Cocoa Crawl
Join the participating merchants downtown for cookie and cocoa crawl! Merchants will have the logo displayed in their window. Bonus: Join Bank Street Theater for their showing of The Polar Express!
Annual Christmas Tree Lighting
The tradition of the trees on the Green was started by Walter Schutte in 1967 and the practice continues in his memory. The lights on the trees come alive with color on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Over the years, many people make a special detour on their way home from work or shopping to drive by the Green in the evenings to view the lights on the New Milford Green; while others make it a special place to visit with their young children and friends from out of town when the snow is softly falling and the trees are all aglow with many sparkling colors.