The Small Town in New Jersey That Feels Like Stars Hollow 

Fans of Gilmore Girls understand the appeal of Stars Hollow, the fictional Connecticut town where the TV show takes place. It’s cozy and idyllic, and all of the townspeople are on a first-name basis with each other. As it turns out, there’s a borough in New Jersey with a similar friendly atmosphere and storybook charm: Madison.

A suburb of New York City, Madison is located in Morris County, New Jersey. It has a population of about 17,000 people, and like Stars Hollow, the residents form a tight-knit community. With tree-lined streets and a walkable downtown, it's also beautiful in every season. Below are four reasons why Madison, New Jersey, feels like a small town straight out of Gilmore Girls. We also share why every traveler should add Madison to their local bucket list.

A Charming and Walkable Downtown

On Gilmore Girls, Rory and Lorelai Gilmore are always walking through the Stars Hollow town square. They chat with neighbors, visit local shops, and frequent Luke's Diner for coffee and comfort food. In the same vein, Madison’s downtown is also the heart of the community. Strolling down the streets, you’ll come across family-owned restaurants, boutique shops, and local cafés. Here are some of my go-to stops in Madison:

• Sunday Motor Co. — Car-inspired cafe known for its coffee and pastries, plus breakfast, brunch, and lunch foods
• 54 Main Bar & Grille — New American restaurant with inviting decor and a wide selection of craft beers
• McCool’s Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt — Local favorite for cold sweet treats
• Bottle Hill Tavern — Lively tavern serving comfort food
• The Pink Pear — Gift shop with a well-curated selection
• Tons of Toys — Small business selling toys for all ages
• The Chatham Bookseller, LLC — Sells rare and used books

A Tight-Knit Community

Stars Hollow is beloved for its quirky and lovable residents. While the inhabitants of Madison might not be quite as dramatic, they still share a sense of camaraderie. The town hosts regular events, including holiday parades, free summer concerts, and an outdoor fall festival called Bottle Hill Day. The sense of local pride is almost tangible, especially when you see how the residents support local businesses, schools, and their community. 

Quaint and Historic Buildings 

Madison boasts plenty of old-school charm, just like Stars Hollow and other New England towns. Indeed, it features a handful of historic properties, and several of them are included on the National Register of Historic Places. One standout is the Madison Train Station, built in 1916, which still serves NJ Transit to this day.

Madison’s residential neighborhoods are also quaint and attractive, with well-manicured lawns, classic street lamps, and attractive front porches. Architectural styles in the area include Victorian and Colonial Revival—reminiscent of the houses seen in Gilmore Girls.

An Ode to Academics

Gilmore Girls largely centers on academics. Rory Gilmore attends a private high school (Chilton Preparatory School) before enrolling at Yale University. Madison has the same focus on higher education, given that it's home to two colleges: Drew University and Fairleigh Dickinson University. Saint Elizabeth University is also around the corner. The campuses of these colleges have beautiful grounds and historic buildings, which might remind visitors of Stars Hollow yet again.  

Whether you're a Gilmore Girls fan or you’re intrigued by storybook small towns, Madison, New Jersey, is worth a visit. It feels like a real-life version of Stars Hollow, and you don’t even have to leave the Garden State.