Where is Stars Hollow Filmed
“Gilmore Girls” is one of the most beloved TV shows of all time, largely due to its fast-paced dialogue, quirky characters, and, of course, the enchanting town of Stars Hollow. The fictional town, located in Connecticut, plays an integral role in the show, offering a sense of community and charm that resonates with audiences. While the series paints a picturesque image of Stars Hollow, the real filming locations are a mix of different places, from suburban streets in Canada to backlots in California. In this article, we will explore where Stars Hollow was filmed and how real-life locations helped create the iconic setting that became the backdrop for the lives of Lorelai and Rory Gilmore.
The Fictional Setting of Stars Hollow
Imagining Stars Hollow
Stars Hollow is depicted as a quintessential New England town, complete with cobblestone streets, quirky landmarks, and a tight-knit community. The town has everything one could dream of in a small town: a diner where everyone knows your name, a town square perfect for community events, and a central gazebo for spontaneous meetups. From town festivals to quirky neighbors, Stars Hollow captures the essence of what many imagine small-town life to be. The local businesses, like Luke’s Diner and Taylor’s Olde Fashioned Soda Shop, bring an undeniable charm to the town.
The show’s creators wanted to create a place that felt both nostalgic and timeless, drawing inspiration from the small towns of New England. The fictional town was crafted to give viewers a sense of belonging, making it the perfect backdrop for the personal growth and familial relationships that unfolded on screen.
Filming Locations of ‘Gilmore Girls’
The Pilot Episode in Unionville, Ontario
The filming of “Gilmore Girls” began in Unionville, Ontario, a charming town just outside of Toronto. Unionville’s main street became the setting for many of the town’s iconic locations, including the outdoor areas where Lorelai and Rory spent time. The historical charm of Unionville, with its tree-lined streets and quaint storefronts, mirrored the vibe of Stars Hollow, making it the perfect place to introduce the town.
In fact, many of the exterior shots that set the tone for Stars Hollow were filmed in Unionville. The town square, the church, and several other notable landmarks were all showcased during the pilot episode, giving the town of Stars Hollow its first appearance to fans.
Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank, California
After the pilot episode, the production moved to Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank, California, where the majority of “Gilmore Girls” was filmed. The studio’s iconic backlot, specifically Midwest Street, was transformed into the quaint New England town of Stars Hollow. This included the creation of several important locations, including the town gazebo, the town square, and Luke’s Diner.
The backlot allowed for more control over the environment, enabling the production team to recreate Stars Hollow with more precision. This also meant that the town could be filmed year-round, regardless of the weather, and the production could fully immerse audiences in the world of Stars Hollow. Notably, the town’s detailed street signs, the gazebo where major moments unfolded, and the famous diner became part of the iconic scenery that fans recognize and adore.
Greystone Mansion as Chilton School
While Stars Hollow was the heart of the series, several scenes took place outside the town, including Rory’s time at Chilton School. For these scenes, the production utilized the historic Greystone Mansion in Beverly Hills, California. This grand estate, with its ornate architecture and sprawling grounds, provided the perfect backdrop for Chilton, the prestigious prep school Rory attended.
The Greystone Mansion, built in the 1920s, offered the opulence and grandeur that matched the wealth and prestige of Chilton’s students and faculty. The mansion’s classic look and elegant features made it a fitting location for the academic scenes that played such a crucial role in Rory’s development as a character.
Real-Life Inspirations for Stars Hollow
Washington Depot, Connecticut
While Stars Hollow is a fictional town, its creators drew heavy inspiration from real-life locations in Connecticut. One town often cited as a model for Stars Hollow is Washington Depot, located in the northwest part of the state. Known for its picturesque charm, Washington Depot shares many qualities with the fictional town: a historical town center, a strong sense of community, and an abundance of local businesses.
The town’s quaint, historic buildings and the surrounding countryside serve as a visual inspiration for Stars Hollow’s look and feel. While the series wasn’t filmed here, Washington Depot embodies the essence of the small-town New England vibe that the creators wanted to convey. It’s easy to imagine the streets of Washington Depot being a real-life version of the place where Lorelai and Rory would grab a coffee or enjoy a quiet walk.
The Essence of New England Towns
The creators of “Gilmore Girls” intentionally crafted Stars Hollow to reflect the timeless essence of New England towns. This region is known for its charming rural communities, historic buildings, and a strong connection to local traditions. The show’s portrayal of Stars Hollow was meant to evoke nostalgia for a slower, simpler way of life. The fictional town became a symbol of everything that makes New England towns special, from the warm autumn colors to the friendly neighbors and the communal events that bring everyone together.
Though Stars Hollow may not be a real place, its spirit was inspired by the very real charm that defines New England towns. From community festivals to the general sense of nostalgia that permeates the town’s every corner, Stars Hollow is the embodiment of what makes these towns so beloved.
Visiting the Filming Locations
Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood
For fans looking to step into the world of Stars Hollow, the Warner Bros. Studio Tour in Burbank, California, is the perfect destination. The studio tour offers an up-close look at the sets used in the filming of “Gilmore Girls,” including the recreated town square and Luke’s Diner. Visitors can explore the iconic backlot, seeing firsthand how the production transformed a section of Burbank into the beloved town.
The studio tour also provides a behind-the-scenes glimpse at how the show’s sets were designed and constructed, offering fans a deeper understanding of how the magic of Stars Hollow was brought to life. For any “Gilmore Girls” enthusiast, this is a must-visit destination.
Exploring Unionville, Ontario
Although many of the original filming locations in Unionville have since been modified or are no longer used for filming, the town remains a charming destination for those wanting to experience the real-life inspiration behind Stars Hollow. Visitors can stroll along Unionville’s historic Main Street, where many of the pilot’s iconic scenes were filmed. While the sets have changed, the town’s atmosphere still reflects the quaintness and charm that made it the perfect location for the start of “Gilmore Girls.”
Though Unionville itself doesn’t look exactly like Stars Hollow today, fans can still walk in the footsteps of Lorelai and Rory, soaking in the picturesque surroundings and imagining themselves as part of the Stars Hollow community.
Conclusion
“Gilmore Girls” has left an indelible mark on its viewers, not only for its heartfelt storylines and unforgettable characters but also for the town of Stars Hollow. By blending real filming locations and set designs, the show created a town that feels as real as any, with its own personality, charm, and sense of belonging. From the picturesque streets of Unionville to the backlots of Warner Bros. Studios, the filming locations of Stars Hollow helped bring this iconic town to life in ways that continue to captivate fans.
While Stars Hollow may exist only in the world of “Gilmore Girls,” the essence of the town lives on in the locations that helped create it. Whether you’re visiting the sets at Warner Bros. Studio or strolling down the charming streets of Unionville, you can experience a piece of the magic that made Stars Hollow a place like no other.
