A typical fall day in Stars Hallow is not complete without comforting food, colorful leaves, fun-filled festivals and, of course, coffee. While “Luke’s” can’t be found in Delaware, nor can “Chilton,” the “Dragonfly Inn” or “Miss Patty’s,” there are locations you can visit for similar vibes. Follow this itinerary for a Gilmore Girls kind of fall trip to Lewes, Delaware.
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Stay at a Cozy Inn : At one of Lewes’ inns, you can imagine Michel managing the front desk, Sookie cooking something delicious in the kitchen and Lorelai showing you to your room. Stay at one of the many options, including the Dogfish Inn, Savannah Inn or Inn at Canal Square.
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Grab a Cup of Coffee (and some breakfast) : It’s impossible to have a Gilmore Girls kind of fall without a cup of coffee – or multiple cups! Stop by Notting Hill Coffee Roastery where the smell of fresh coffee beans will hit your nose instantly. For some conversation over a filling breakfast and a warm beverage,
visit Eggcellent for delicious pancakes, French toast, omelets and more.
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Visit an Antique Store : Mrs. Kim always had something of value in her antique shop. Visit Lewes Mercantile Antiques to explore rows upon rows of antiques. From nautical antiques to clothing, posters and more, Lewes Mercantile Antiques has it all.
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Read in a Peaceful Spot : For most of the series, Rory can’t go a day without reading one of her books. She can often be found reading in the iconic pavilion in Stars Hallow. After purchasing a book from Biblion, visit the pavilion in downtown Lewes to embrace your inner Rory. Or you can find a bench at Lewes Beach by the ocean’s waves. Cape Henlopen State Park offers scenic walking paths with rest spots perfect for some light reading.
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Take a Historic Tour : The Lewes Historical Society offers tours of Lewes’ history, something Taylor Doose would be quite fond of. You can also visit the Zwaanendael Museum for a bit of nautical history or Fort Miles for remnants of WWII.
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Attend a Local Festival : Just like the town of Stars Hallow, festivals in Delaware are taken seriously. These annual events are special to both locals and tourists. Attend Boast the Coast on Oct. 5 in Lewes for free boat tours, face painting and live music or the Sea Witch Festival from Oct. 25-27 in nearby Rehoboth Beach for an iconic parade.
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Grab Something Sweet : Neither Lorelai nor Rory would ever turn down something sweet. Visit the vintage Kings Ice Cream, similar to Taylor’s Olde Fashioned Soda Shoppe, or Station on Kings for some dessert! While you are there, walk through their garden center for fall plants and garden accessories.
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Catch an Old Movie or a Theatrical Production : Between watching something with Pippy Longstocking or Donna Reed, Lorelai and Rory love old movies. Catch a movie at the Cinema Art Theatre for independent film screenings. Or, for a live performance, visit the nearby Clear Space Theatre or Milton Theatre. You won’t find Kirk there, but you will find talent!
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Take a Trip to “Hartford” : Take a trip north to Wilmington as if you are traveling to Hartford from Stars Hallow. Similar to the feeling of stepping into Emily and Richard Gilmore’s lush home, the du Pont mansions of Northern Delaware offer exquisite architecture and regal sights. Stroll gardens at Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library, explore historic stories at Hagley Museum or imagine extravagant parties at Nemours Estate.