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. Even Yankee Magazine agrees, New Milford is the real Stars Hollow: Is This the Real Stars Hollow?
New Milford's contributions include a bustling historic downtown village surrounding 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 bona fide 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. 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 that 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 the town hall on Church Street.
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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 Cowboy Butter BBQ on Bank Street. *Screenshot the bullet list below for easy reference!* - Gazebo - Whittlesey Avenue - Bank Street Theater - Cowboy Butter BBQ
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 by Johana's Restaurant!
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.
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
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.