'Gilmore Girls' inspired me to move to a small town in New England 10 years ago, and I've been living out my Stars Hollow dreams ever since

Lauren HarkawikJan 12, 2024, 19:43 IST

I moved to a small town in Vermont as an adult.Lauren Harkawik

I pined after the small-town life I watched on "Gilmore Girls" while growing up in the suburbs.
I eventually moved to a small town in Vermont, where I'm now raising my daughters.

I was in high school when "Gilmore Girls" premiered, and I watched it each week from my home in the suburbs. Though I didn't necessarily want to be Rory or Lorelai, I did covet one aspect of their life: Stars Hollow.

From where I was sitting in the suburbs, life in their New England small town — with all its quirks — looked like the perfect place to live. In my mid-20s, I felt drawn enough to this idea that I took the plunge and moved to southern Vermont.

Over a decade later, I've found that small-town life actually is similar to Stars Hollow.

There's a good chance of running into someone you know at the diner in the center of town.

Dot's is like our Luke's from "Gilmore Girls."Lauren Harkawik

We have a giant inn in the center of town, too.

Like Stars Hollow, my town has a beautiful inn.Lauren Harkawik

The town gazebo is a go-to place for our annual traditions.

The Stars Hollow gazebo is a big character on "Gilmore Girls."Lauren Harkawik

An old hall acts as a more formal meeting place.

The town often congregates at the hall.Lauren Harkawik

Molly Stark, whose statue is holding a baby in one hand and a rifle in another, is part of our town's cast of characters.

Molly Stark was alive during the Revolutionary War.Lauren Harkawik

Our restaurants each have their specialties.

Jezebel's Eatery is home to a British market.Lauren Harkawik

An antique store is a prominent feature of our downtown area.

Like Mrs. Kim's business on "Gilmore Girls," we have a beautiful antique shop.Lauren Harkawik

There's a painted horse that looks like he's sticking his head out of a storage barn.

I love passing by the quirky fake horse in my town.Lauren Harkawik

Our boutiques look like houses from the outside.

There are so many fun decorations and knickknacks on the porch.Lauren Harkawik

Each year here has cycles by way of traditions, celebrations, and scenery.

Berries grow at the start of summer.Lauren Harkawik

What you don't see in these pictures is actually the best part of living in a small town: the people.

I love my small-town life.Lauren Harkawik

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