Finding Gilmore Girls in Old Town
Have you ever wished you could close your eyes, open them, and find yourself living in your favorite TV show, book, or movie? I know I have. As soon as autumn arrives, I always find myself rewatching Gilmore Girls, daydreaming about tasting Sookie's culinary creations at The Dragonfly Inn, or sharing a coffee with Rory and Lorelai at Luke's Diner. Since waking up in Stars Hollow isn’t possible, I thought—why not bring a bit of *Gilmore Girls* magic to Old Town instead?
With its charming streets, cozy cafes, and small-town feel, Old Town Alexandria has a lot in common with Stars Hollow. It’s easy to imagine the Gilmore girls fitting right in, finding new favorite spots to eat, shop, and enjoy life. So, while we might not be able to stroll through the gazebo or attend a town meeting with Taylor Doose, there are plenty of places in Old Town that would capture the same magic and become their go-to hangouts. Let’s take a look at where Rory, Lorelai, and the rest of the gang would likely spend their time if they lived in our own little version of Stars Hollow.
Stars Hollow locations if it were Old Town:
Luke’s Diner | Chadwick’s
If Luke's Diner were to exist in Old Town Alexandria, it would need a spot with that familiar, no-frills, community feel—a place where locals gather regularly for a good cup of coffee and comfort food. Chadwick’s would be a the perfect pick for Luke’s Diner. With its cozy, casual atmosphere and neighborhood-friendly charm, the only thing it's missing is the no phone policy.
Runner-up: Misha’s Coffee
Stars Hollow Books | Old Town Books
Rory Gilmore's passion for reading was a defining trait that carried through all seasons of Gilmore Girls. From a young age, she was an avid reader, constantly with a book in hand and often getting lost in stories. Rory would most definitely be a frequent customer at Old Town Books.
Friday Night Dinner | Landini Brothers
If Emily & Richard were to host Friday night dinners outside their home, Landini Brothers would be the perfect choice. Its dimly lit, elegant ambiance, paired with sophisticated wine and gourmet food, makes it a place worthy of Emily’s approval. It’s the kind of refined establishment where you dress up for the occasion—exactly the kind of place Lorelai would be reluctantly dragged to.
The Dragonfly Inn | Morrison House
The Dragonfly Inn is a charming boutique hotel with a warm, small-town feel, beautifully furnished rooms, and a cozy atmosphere that welcomes everyone. Similarly, Morrison House in Old Town Alexandria exudes boutique charm, historic elegance, and intimate ambiance, making it an ideal real-world counterpart. You can easily imagine Sookie bustling in the kitchen of Morrison House's restaurant, crafting her incredible dishes and serving them to delighted guests.
Chilton Preparatory School | St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes School
Rory attended the prestigious Chilton Preparatory School, and we believe this could be best represented by St. Stephen's and St. Agnes School. While Episcopal High School was a strong contender, its status as a boarding school makes it less suitable for this comparison.
Gazebo | Carlyle House Gazebo
The Gazebo is a famous location in Gilmore Girls located in the main town square. Old Town might not have a gazebo in the main town square, but there is one just close by at Carlyle House.
Stars Hollow Town Square | Old Town Alexandria
Town Square hosted infamous events from The Fall Festival to The Festival of Living Art. The perfect replica of this is Market Square in Old Town.
Yale | Georgetown University
Since Rory attended Yale, which was just 40 minutes away from her grandparents' home, she was able to visit frequently. In this scenario, Yale would be represented by Georgetown University.
If you miss the Gilmore Girls, you can catch the series on Netflix.
SEE ALSO: Autumn Activities: Apple Picking & Vineyards to Visit
