Nothing says fall like watching “Gilmore Girls” on repeat and escaping to Stars Hollow, the fictional small town where the pop culture classic takes place. But you don’t have to travel far to have a “Gilmore Girls”-inspired getaway. Named one of the best places to visit for fall in 2024 by USA Today 10Best, the Columbus region is filled with New England heritage, quaint streetscapes and local spots the show’s iconic characters would love. In honor of the show’s 25th anniversary this October, we’ll lead you follow, our ultimate guide to where we imagine fan favorites like Lorelai, Rory, Sookie, Luke and more would spend their time in Columbus.
Stauf's Coffee Roasters. Source: Experience Columbus.
Rory: A Book-Filled & Caffeinated Visit
Known for her love of books, the first place you’d catch Rory in Columbus is in German Village, roaming The Book Loft. With more than a dozen independent bookstores in Columbus and an annual book festival, she would make her way to each neighborhood, from Storyline Bookshop in Upper Arlington to Prologue Bookshop in the Short North. Rory and Lorelai’s love of pop culture is second only to coffee, so find the two of them exploring the Columbus Coffee Trail, perfect for days spent studying during her Chilton or Yale years. Another favorite of Rory and Lorelai? Watching old movies. In Columbus, you can catch new releases and classics at Gateway Film Center, Grandview Theater & Drafthouse or Drexel Theatre.
Old Worthington. Source: City of Worthington.
Lorelai: Short North Shopping & Casual Eats
Known for her sense of style, Lorelai would fit right into Columbus, a top fashion city. Find her and Rory or even begrudgingly, with Emily in tow, shopping local boutiques in the Short North Arts District or at Easton Town Center. A lover of pizza and sweets, they’ll eat their way through the Columbus Style Pizza Trail and Columbus Buckeye Treat Trail. In Stars Hollow, the town green is the heartbeat of the community, so Lorelai would love Old Worthington with their themed Sunday Fundays, weekly Concerts on the Green in the summers and Third Thursday Night Markets filled with buskers, local fun and a New England-style streetscape. And of course, during the first snow of the season, take a stroll through German Village’s picturesque streets and you may bump into Lorelai soaking in the magic.
Newport Music Hall. Source: Rainer Ziehm.
Lane: Rock ‘N’ Roll Favorites & Franklinton Fridays
A drummer and music lover, Lane would start her day exploring Columbus’ many local record stores, from Spoonful Records to Magnolia Thunderpussy. Then you might find her and Rory shopping at vintage stores in Clintonville, looking for the perfect band T-shirt or jean jacket to wear to a concert at Newport Music Hall, one of the most legendary rock clubs in the country that’s one of the stops on the Columbus Live Music Trail. During the second Friday of the month, Lane and her bandmates might even be performing at Franklinton Fridays or in Land-Grant Brewing Company’s beer garden.
DK Diner. Source: Destination Grandview.
Luke: Local Diners & Nearby Nature
Every “Gilmore Girls” fan dreams of going to Luke’s Diner, and Columbus is home to many local favorites like Tommy’s Diner in Franklinton and DK Diner in Grandview. Here you’ll enjoy – like at Luke’s – coffee with no frills and classic breakfast dishes alongside delicious donuts. Known for going fishing and escaping to the outdoors, Luke would want to check out the region’s over 20 Metro Parks or spend the day hiking at Hocking Hills. Rarely seen without his baseball hat, you might catch Luke at Huntington Park catching a Columbus Clippers game or on a date with Lorelai during Dime-A-Dog Night.
Short North Food Tour. Source: Columbus Food Adventures.
Sookie: Farmers Markets & Food Tours
Sookie, Lorelai’s best friend and business partner and a talented chef, would be at home in one of Food & Wine’s Next Great American Food Cities, eating her way through the city’s top restaurants and shopping for local produce with Jackson at local farmers markets or Saraga International Grocery. No doubt she would take every Columbus Food Adventures tour there is, and food-focused festivals like Obetz Zucchinifest and the Reynoldsburg Tomato Festival would be a must. A mom of three, Sookie would love spending the day at COSI, the nation’s #1 science museum, or the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.
Two Dollar Radio HQ. Source: Experience Columbus.
Dean, Jess & Logan: Distillery Tours, Poetry Readings & Outdoor Adventures
Are you Team Dean, Team Jess or Team Logan? No wrong answers. Looking for Rory’s first love? Find Dean pouring his heart into a special hands-on gift for Rory by taking studio classes at Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens’ Hot Shop or making her jewelry at Red Giraffe Designs. The always aloof Jess loves reading as much as Rory. You'd likely find him at a poetry open mic night at Two-Dollar Radio HQ, buried in a book at Kafe Kerouac, or catching a local show at A&R Music Bar. Always up for a good time and often out with friends, Logan would love Columbus’ entertainment districts and the Columbus Distillery Trail. Known for thrill-seeking, he and Rory might try a ZipZone Outdoor Adventures night flight or the urban via ferrata at Quarry Trails Metro Park.
Butcher & Rose. Source: Cameron Mitchell Restaurants.
Emily & Richard: Classic Cocktails & Performing Arts
Rory’s grandparents would have no shortage of things to do in Columbus, from viewing the latest exhibition at Columbus Museum of Art to attending performances at Ohio Theatre. Before a show, you might find them enjoying a classic cocktail on the patio at Lindey’s in German Village, at Butcher & Rose Downtown or The Guild House in Short North. An avid golfer, Richard would want to explore the Jack Nicklaus Museum in honor of the legendary golfer and Columbus native and attend the Memorial Tournament while Emily would enjoy shopping luxury brands at Easton and, as a gardener, would appreciate the stunning flowers at Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens.
The Scioto Mile. Source: Experience Columbus.
Michel: French Eats & Spa Days
Originally from Paris, Michel could be transported back with dinner at The Refectory or Chouette, which holds the prestigious World’s French Restaurant certification by the French Association of Master Restaurateurs. For a sweet treat, he’d head to Pistacia Vera for a pistachio or vanilla bean macaron. Dog dad to Paw-Paw and Chin-Chin, Michel would love long strolls along the Scioto Mile and would want to explore all of the city’s dog-friendly spots. For a weekend of pampering and because of his background as a hotelier, Michel would likely check in at Le Méridien Columbus, The Joseph, home to an impressive art collection and luxurious spa suites.
How do you imagine your favorite character would spend a day or weekend in Columbus? Get inspiration of other fall festivals and things to do at experiencecolumbus.com/fall.
