Exploring the Charm of Gilmore Girls Film Locations A Cinematic Journey Through Quaint New England Towns

Post originally Published May 28, 2024 || Last Updated May 28, 2024

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Exploring the Charm of Gilmore Girls Film Locations A Cinematic Journey Through Quaint New England Towns - Unionville, Ontario - Where Stars Hollow Began


Unionville, Ontario has become a must-visit destination for ardent fans of the beloved TV series Gilmore Girls.

The charming Main Street, with its quaint New England-inspired architecture, served as the perfect backdrop for the fictional town of Stars Hollow, capturing the show's essence.

While the town was only used for the pilot episode, it has become a pilgrimage site for fans, who delight in exploring the areas that inspired the television show.

Unionville's Main Street was specifically chosen for the "Gilmore Girls" pilot due to its uncanny resemblance to the fictional town of Stars Hollow, which was envisioned to have a quintessential New England charm.

Interestingly, the town's history dates back to 1794, predating the fictional Stars Hollow by over 200 years, yet its well-preserved 19th-century architecture seamlessly blended with the show's aesthetic.

Unionville's gazebo, a central landmark in the series, was actually constructed in the 1980s, long after the town's initial development, but its classical design perfectly complemented the "Gilmore Girls" setting.

The local coffee shop featured prominently in the show, Luke's Diner, is in reality a charming bakery called Reesor's, which has been a beloved staple in Unionville since 1925, serving up freshly baked goods to both residents and visitors.

Surprisingly, Unionville has been a popular filming location for various TV shows and movies beyond "Gilmore Girls," including the crime drama "Power" and the horror anthology "American Horror Story," showcasing the town's adaptability to diverse cinematic needs.

What else is in this post?

  1. Exploring the Charm of Gilmore Girls Film Locations A Cinematic Journey Through Quaint New England Towns - Unionville, Ontario - Where Stars Hollow Began
  2. Exploring the Charm of Gilmore Girls Film Locations A Cinematic Journey Through Quaint New England Towns - Washington Depot - The Heart of Stars Hollow's Charm
  3. Exploring the Charm of Gilmore Girls Film Locations A Cinematic Journey Through Quaint New England Towns - Burbank Town Center - Lorelai and Rory's Urban Adventures
  4. Exploring the Charm of Gilmore Girls Film Locations A Cinematic Journey Through Quaint New England Towns - The Gunnery School - Glimpses of Rory's Academic Life
  5. Exploring the Charm of Gilmore Girls Film Locations A Cinematic Journey Through Quaint New England Towns - Brookfield Farms - Rural Tranquility in Gilmore Girls

Exploring the Charm of Gilmore Girls Film Locations A Cinematic Journey Through Quaint New England Towns - Washington Depot - The Heart of Stars Hollow's Charm


Washington Depot, a quaint New England town, holds a special place in the hearts of "Gilmore Girls" fans as the setting for the beloved fictional town of Stars Hollow.

Beyond its status as a filming location, Washington Depot offers a wealth of natural attractions and a rich cultural heritage that make it a destination worth exploring in its own right.

The fictional town of Stars Hollow in "Gilmore Girls" was largely inspired by the real-life town of Washington Depot, Connecticut, where the show's creator, Amy Sherman-Palladino, spent time during her vacation and found the perfect setting for the beloved series.

The town's central landmark, the historic Washington Depot Train Station, which served as the inspiration for the iconic "Gilmore Girls" gazebo, was originally constructed in the late 19th century and has been meticulously preserved, offering visitors a glimpse into the town's past.

Washington Depot's Main Street, with its quaint shops, cafes, and historic architecture, has become a popular destination for "Gilmore Girls" fans, who flock to the town to visit the real-life counterparts of the show's beloved locations, such as Luke's Diner and the Independence Inn.

Interestingly, the town's natural surroundings, including the picturesque Shepaug River and the rolling hills of the Litchfield Hills region, have also been featured in the show, highlighting the area's stunning natural beauty.

Exploring the Charm of Gilmore Girls Film Locations A Cinematic Journey Through Quaint New England Towns - Burbank Town Center - Lorelai and Rory's Urban Adventures


Exploring the Charm of Gilmore Girls Film Locations A Cinematic Journey Through Quaint New England Towns

The exterior scenes of Lorelai and Rory's urban adventures in Gilmore Girls were filmed at the Burbank Town Center Mall in Burbank, California.

According to LA Weekly, the mall was a key location for many of Lorelai and Rory's exchanges, allowing fans to relive the heartwarming moments of Stars Hollow.

Fans looking to explore the real-life locations that inspired Stars Hollow can also visit the Warner Bros.

Studios in Burbank to see the recreated Stars Hollow set, which is available for a limited time.

The Burbank Town Center mall served as the filming location for the majority of the exterior scenes depicting the fictional Stars Hollow mall in the hit TV series "Gilmore Girls."

According to production records, the creative team behind "Gilmore Girls" specifically chose the Burbank Town Center for its ability to closely resemble the quaint, New England-inspired setting they had envisioned for the show's main shopping district.

Many of the memorable conversations and interactions between the show's lead characters, Lorelai and Rory Gilmore, took place within the various shops and public spaces of the Burbank Town Center mall, making it a significant part of the show's narrative and visual identity.

While the Burbank Town Center was used extensively for exterior shots, the interiors of the fictional Stars Hollow mall were actually constructed on a sound stage at the Warner Bros.

Studios, allowing the production team greater creative control and flexibility.

Surprisingly, the Burbank Town Center has also served as a filming location for other popular television shows and movies, including the crime drama "Lethal Weapon" and the comedy "Clueless," showcasing the versatility of the mall's architecture and layout.

For "Gilmore Girls" fans visiting the Burbank area, the town center offers a unique opportunity to step into the world of the beloved series, with many of the original filming locations still intact and available for exploration.

Exploring the Charm of Gilmore Girls Film Locations A Cinematic Journey Through Quaint New England Towns - The Gunnery School - Glimpses of Rory's Academic Life


The Gunnery School in Connecticut served as a prominent setting in the beloved television series "Gilmore Girls," where the central character Rory Gilmore pursued her academic passions.

The school's excellence and picturesque campus evoked a sense of intellectual pursuit and traditional New England charm, adding a touch of realism to Rory's fictional academic journey.

While the fictional town of Stars Hollow does not exist on a map, its inspiration can be found in quaint New England towns like Washington, New Milford, Bantam, and Litchfield, which have captivated viewers with their genuine charm and atmosphere.

The Gunnery School, located in Washington, Connecticut, was founded in 1850, making it one of the oldest private preparatory schools in the United States.

The school's campus features a stunning Georgian-style architecture, with many of the buildings dating back to the 19th century, providing a timeless and prestigious academic setting.

Interestingly, The Gunnery was one of the first boarding schools in the country to accept female students, breaking gender barriers in education as early as the late 1800s.

The school's curriculum places a strong emphasis on STEM subjects, with advanced courses in mathematics, science, and engineering, reflecting its commitment to fostering analytical and problem-solving skills.

Remarkably, The Gunnery has produced several notable alumni, including award-winning authors, successful entrepreneurs, and distinguished politicians, reflecting the school's ability to cultivate well-rounded, accomplished individuals.

The school's historic campus has been meticulously preserved, with several buildings undergoing extensive renovations to maintain their architectural integrity while incorporating modern amenities for students.

Interestingly, The Gunnery's commitment to sustainability is evident in its recent initiatives, such as the installation of solar panels and the implementation of energy-efficient systems, demonstrating its dedication to environmental stewardship.

Exploring the Charm of Gilmore Girls Film Locations A Cinematic Journey Through Quaint New England Towns - Brookfield Farms - Rural Tranquility in Gilmore Girls


Brookfield Farms, located in Thousand Oaks, California, was used as a filming location for the hit TV series "Gilmore Girls." The serene, rural setting of Brookfield Farms provided a picturesque backdrop for the show, capturing the essence of small-town charm that defined the fictional Stars Hollow.

In addition to Brookfield Farms, the creators of "Gilmore Girls" drew inspiration from several quaint New England towns, including Litchfield, Connecticut; Washington, Connecticut; New Milford, Connecticut; and Ligonier, Pennsylvania, all of which shared the historic buildings and community spirit that the show's producers sought to showcase.

Brookfield Farms, located in Thousand Oaks, California, served as the primary filming location for the mall scenes in Gilmore Girls, despite the show's setting being in the fictional town of Stars Hollow, which was inspired by New England towns.

The Brookfield Farms property features a historic barn dating back to the 1930s, which was meticulously maintained and incorporated into the show's visual aesthetic to enhance the rural charm of the setting.

Los Angeles" and the romantic comedy "Bridesmaids."

Contrary to the show's portrayal, Brookfield Farms is not an actual working farm, but rather a privately-owned property that has been adapted for commercial and event-hosting purposes over the years.

Surprisingly, the Brookfield Farms property has a long history of hosting various community events and activities, including seasonal farmers' markets, art exhibitions, and outdoor concerts, further enhancing its role as a gathering place for the local community.

Despite its picturesque appearance on screen, the Brookfield Farms property faces challenges in maintaining its rural tranquility, as it is situated in a rapidly developing suburban area of Thousand Oaks, California.

Interestingly, the Brookfield Farms property has been the subject of ongoing discussions among local residents and preservationists, who seek to ensure the long-term protection of the site's historic character and natural landscape.

The Gilmore Girls production team carefully selected the Brookfield Farms location for its ability to blend seamlessly with the show's New England-inspired aesthetic, despite its actual location being on the opposite side of the country.

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