The Small Town in Idaho That Feels Straight Out of ‘Gilmore Girls’

The cooler temperatures, pumpkin spice filling grocery store shelves, and a change of color on the trees mean one thing—fall is here. And it’s during this time of the year I start to get an itch to rewatch a show that is the definition of autumn's charm—“Gilmore Girls.” While there are a handful of cute and quaint small towns around Idaho that may remind you of Stars Hollow, there is one that is the ultimate definition of cozy. It is a town that’s idyllic, beautiful, and its sense of community is strong. It is the small town of Ashton, Idaho.

I believe Ashton is a hidden gem in the autumn months. Located near Rexburg and Island Park, Ashton is often considered a drive-through destination on Highway 20. However, if you stop and explore, you’ll realize there is more here than meets the eye.

This small town has a population of approximately 1,000 people. Just like Stars Hollow, it features a walkable Main Street with many buildings dating back to the town’s early days. Ashton was established in 1906 as a railroad town. Pioneers had settled in the area years before, but it wasn’t until the Oregon Short Line Railroad reached the area in the early 1900s that Ashton was officially established and transformed into a thriving community. It became a busy center for transporting materials via rail for projects like the building of the Jackson Lake Dam. Today, you can still see evidence of its railroad history throughout the town.

In fact, one of my favorite things to do in Ashton, Idaho, and one destination that belongs on every fall bucket list, is the Ashton-Tetonia Trail. This nearly 30-mile abandoned railroad grade takes you from the small towns of Ashton to Tetonia (or vice versa), and was built in the early 1910s by the Oregon Short Line Railroad. When it was a railroad track, it was an important means of transportation as it moved agricultural supplies and livestock into the Teton Valley.

Today, the well-maintained trail takes you through this beautiful stretch of land and features multiple bridge crossings and exquisite views of the Teton Mountains. In fact, with the Tetons in the distance and the fall foliage surrounding you, there’s nothing quite like the scenery you’ll find along this historic trail in the autumn months.

If you want to enjoy fall foliage views but without the extra effort, I recommend driving the Mesa Falls Scenic Byway. This is a 28-mile route that begins in Ashton and ends near Harriman State Park in Island Park. This route also takes you to Mesa Falls, one of the largest and most beautiful waterfalls in southeastern Idaho. Surrounded by autumn’s splendid colors, these falls will certainly leave you impressed.

If the weather doesn’t want to cooperate, stay in town and plan to visit the Museum of the Henry’s Fork, where you can learn more about this community and what makes it unique. And, of course, to truly feel like you are on the scene of "Gilmore Girls," you need a place to eat in town where everyone gathers. That’s the vibe you’ll find at Frostop Drive-in, which is located right off Highway 20, and has been serving the community for more than 60 years. The food here is delicious, but I always recommend that you order some ice cream before you leave.

Of course, you also can’t go wrong with a visit to Big Jud’s. This is one of the most popular burger joints in the area, with customers driving from all over for a big, juicy bite of its menu items. Come hungry because the portions are big. In fact, if you have a large enough appetite, tackle a Big Jud Special, which consists of a 1-pound cheeseburger, large fries, and a drink.

Stars Hollow may be a fictional destination, but it has many qualities that you’ll find in Ashton, especially during the autumn months. Charm, friendly faces, cozy vibes, natural beauty—there’s so much to love here. Ashton, Idaho, truly is a small town straight out of "Gilmore Girls."

Plan your own trip to southeastern Idaho with Only In Your State’s AI-powered itinerary planner.