Where Was Gilmore Girls Filmed?
“Gilmore Girls” is one of the most beloved television series, known for its witty dialogue, heartwarming relationships, and the charming small-town setting of Stars Hollow. The fictional town, with its picturesque streets, cozy coffee shops, and close-knit community, feels so real that many fans wonder—where was “Gilmore Girls” filmed?
While Stars Hollow doesn’t exist in reality, the show’s creators drew inspiration from a real town, and various locations were used to bring it to life on screen. From a small town in Connecticut to Hollywood studio sets, let’s explore the real-world places where “Gilmore Girls” was filmed.
The Origins of Stars Hollow
Before diving into the filming locations, it’s important to understand how Stars Hollow came to be. The show’s creator, Amy Sherman-Palladino, was inspired to create the fictional town after a visit to Washington, Connecticut. She stayed at the Mayflower Inn & Spa, a charming and peaceful retreat that gave her the idea for a town where everyone knows each other, and life moves at a slightly slower pace.
The architecture, seasonal beauty, and community-oriented atmosphere of Washington heavily influenced Stars Hollow’s design. Though no scenes were actually filmed there, it remains a must-visit location for “Gilmore Girls” fans looking to experience the town’s inspiration firsthand.
Filming Locations for Gilmore Girls
Although the setting of “Gilmore Girls” was meant to be in Connecticut, the actual filming took place in multiple locations, from Canada to California. Below is a breakdown of the key filming spots that helped bring Stars Hollow to life.
Unionville, Ontario: The Pilot Episode
The very first episode of “Gilmore Girls” was filmed in Unionville, a quaint and historic village near Toronto, Canada. The showrunners initially chose this location because of its authentic small-town charm, with its tree-lined streets, independent shops, and welcoming atmosphere.
Main Street Unionville served as the backdrop for the pilot episode, where viewers got their first glimpse of Stars Hollow. If you watch closely, you’ll notice that some elements in the pilot, like the look of Luke’s Diner and the overall town layout, differ slightly from the rest of the series. That’s because after the show was picked up, production moved to a more permanent filming location.
Warner Bros. Studios, Burbank, California: The Series’ Main Location
After the pilot episode, the production moved to the Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank, California. A section of the Warner Bros. backlot, known as “Midwest Street,” was transformed into Stars Hollow, becoming the primary filming location for the series.
This backlot has been used in multiple movies and TV shows, but for “Gilmore Girls,” it was customized to create the charming town square, featuring:
- Luke’s Diner: One of the most iconic locations, where Lorelai and Rory got their daily coffee fix.
- Doose’s Market: The town’s general store, where Taylor Doose presided over his mini-empire.
- Stars Hollow High School: The school where Rory initially attended before transferring to Chilton.
- The Town Gazebo: A central spot for town meetings, festivals, and romantic moments.
Throughout the series, the production team frequently redecorated the backlot to reflect seasonal changes, giving Stars Hollow its signature cozy feel, whether it was covered in autumn leaves, winter snow, or spring flowers.
Greystone Mansion, Beverly Hills: Chilton Preparatory School
Rory’s academic journey played a crucial role in the show, starting with her time at Chilton Preparatory School. While Chilton is a fictional elite private school, the exterior shots were filmed at Greystone Mansion in Beverly Hills, California.
This historic estate, known for its grand architecture and lush gardens, was the perfect choice to represent Chilton’s prestigious and intimidating atmosphere. Many fans recognize it from the scenes where Rory and Paris clashed, studied, and eventually became friends.
Pomona College and UCLA: Yale University Scenes
As Rory pursued her college education, she eventually enrolled at Yale University. However, rather than filming at the real Yale campus in New Haven, Connecticut, the show used multiple locations in California to stand in for the Ivy League university.
- Pomona College in Claremont, California was used for many of the early Yale scenes, particularly when Rory first visits the campus.
- University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) provided some of the key settings for Rory’s life at Yale, including classroom and library scenes.
Though the real Yale University wasn’t used, the production team did an excellent job recreating the atmosphere of an elite college experience.
Visiting the Real-Life Stars Hollow
For dedicated fans who want to immerse themselves in the world of “Gilmore Girls,” there are several ways to experience the magic of Stars Hollow.
Warner Bros. Studio Tour
One of the best ways to see the real Stars Hollow is by taking the Warner Bros. Studio Tour in Burbank, California. The tour allows visitors to walk through the town square, see Luke’s Diner, and stand in front of the famous gazebo. While the set has been slightly altered for other productions, much of it remains recognizable to die-hard fans.
Washington, Connecticut
Though no filming took place there, Washington, Connecticut, remains a pilgrimage site for “Gilmore Girls” enthusiasts. Visitors can stay at the Mayflower Inn & Spa, explore the small-town charm, and even participate in local “Gilmore Girls”-themed events.
Gilmore Girls Fan Festivals
Several “Gilmore Girls” fan events are held in Connecticut and other locations, giving fans a chance to celebrate their love for the show. These festivals often include cast appearances, themed activities, and plenty of opportunities to connect with fellow fans.
Final Thoughts
“Gilmore Girls” might have been set in the fictional town of Stars Hollow, but its real-world filming locations allow fans to step into the magic of the show. From the charming streets of Unionville to the iconic Warner Bros. backlot, these places bring the beloved series to life.
Whether you’re visiting the original inspirations in Connecticut, walking through the sets in California, or attending a fan event, there are many ways to experience the world of “Gilmore Girls” beyond the screen. So grab a cup of coffee, put on your favorite episode, and start planning your own journey to the real-life Stars Hollow!
