The Small Town in Virginia That Feels Like Stars Hollow

There's something so calming about watching Gilmore Girls, and I'm certainly not the first person to say it. The easygoing acoustic music, back-and-forth banter, and quintessential small-town-New-England scenery set the stage for this popular comfort show. Stars Hollow may be fictional, but there are some very real places in Virginia that exude this brand of charm. One of them is Staunton, a Shenandoah Valley town complete with a beloved local coffee shop and timeless inn.

The fictional Stars Hollow is famous for its charming, tight-knit community with a quirky yet lovable cast of characters. It's the kind of place where everyone knows everyone, and it's virtually impossible to go somewhere without running into a friend or neighbor. Staunton shares this same small-town dynamic, and you'll quickly fall in love with its charm and community.

Upon your arrival, head to the By & By Coffee Shop, a local staple that might as well be Luke's Diner. Open since 2002—beforehand, it was known as Coffee on the Corner—it's the place to get a reliably great cup of coffee, bagel, or grilled sandwich. Much like Luke's, it's the kind of place you could easily imagine the locals starting their day. Be sure to stop by later in the afternoon, when the outdoor patio transforms into a beer garden, and you might just spot some actors from the Blackfriars Playhouse next door. This world-renowned American Shakespeare Center would certainly make Miss Patty proud!

And that's just the beginning of all the small-town shops, restaurants, and businesses to explore. Wright's Dairy-Rite has been around since 1952, and it's still a fantastic spot to grab a cheeseburger and shake. It's a bit less eclectic than Al's Pancake World, but no less lovable. Staunton also has a vibrant book scene that Rory Gilmore would adore. If you're in search of your next great read, be sure to stop by Staunton Books & Tea or the Book Dragon Shop.

I can't promise that Staunton has its own Taylor Doose to keep everyone in line, but Cranberry's Grocery & Eatery is a great spot to pick up organic groceries and light bites—the perfect stand-in for Doose's Market.

Another quality that makes Stars Hollow shine is its commitment to holidays, festivals, and local traditions. Staunton, too, transforms throughout the seasons, inviting locals and guests to participate in annual events such as Queen City Mischief & Magic, holiday parades, markets, and art walks.

Hospitality is another key ingredient in a trip to Stars Hollow and Staunton. The fictional town welcomes guests to its cozy Independence Inn, and Staunton's answer to that is the Blackburn Inn. Just steps from downtown Staunton, this historic 1828 inn embraces timeless elegance and modern comforts, and it's all too easy to picture Lorelai Gilmore welcoming travelers at the front desk. Oh, and did I mention there's even a picturesque gazebo out front? If you know, you know!

Of course, you don't need to be familiar with Gilmore Girls to appreciate all that Staunton has to offer. Beyond the small town, there's a treasure trove of outdoor attractions to explore, and you'll be just a short drive away from Shenandoah National Park. Staunton proves that you don't need to travel to New England to find that Stars Hollow magic—it's right here in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley.

Feeling inspired? Try planning your own trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.