Confession: I have an unhealthy obsession with Gilmore Girls and the fictional town of Stars Hollow. I’ve watched every episode countless times – even the much-derided season 7. I got into the show around 2005 and have been an avid fan of the show since. As an avid fan, I wanted to know where Gilmore Girls was filmed and whether Stars Hollow was a real town.
I learned that while Stars Hollow isn’t a real place, there is a town in Canada where the pilot episode of Gilmore Girls was filmed: Main Street Unionville. I got a chance to visit this adorable town on two different occasions; once on a whim and again during the Gilmore Girls Fan Festival in 2019. Here’s my experience visiting Unionville, Ontario for the first time and experiencing real-life Stars Hollow:
Where was Gilmore Girls filmed?
The fictional town of Stars Hollow is one of the most appealing aspects of Gilmore Girls. Amy Sherman-Palladino’s visit to Washington Depot, Connecticut, inspired the town and the series. She fell in love with its small-town charm and decided to center the series around it.
Stars Hollow is your quintessential small town with friendly people, architectural charm, and twinkling lights everywhere. It became a character on the show, with fans falling in love with its quirks and eccentricities.
The first episode of Gilmore Girls was filmed on Main Street Unionville, Ontario. Unionville is a historic town near Toronto and offers all the charms of Stars Hollow. On Main Street, you can see the original filming locations for Luke’s Diner, Kim’s Antiques, Miss Patty’s dance studio and other places that resemble Stars Hollow.
Eventually, the show’s production moved to the Warner Bros backlot in Burbank. But many of the town’s attributes remained the same and the set retained much of the charm seen in the pilot episode. You can still visit the set and even Unionville, to reminisce and recreate your favorite moments on Gilmore Girls.
The opening scene of the Gilmore Girls pilot episode was filmed on Main Street Unionville. Lorelei crosses the street to Luke’s Diner and begs him for coffee, kicking off one of the most underrated TV shows in history.
Now if you’re a serious Gilmore Girls fan, Main Street Unionville has probably been on your list of places to visit. I googled Unionville before my visit to Canada and found it to be just as picturesque as Stars Hollow.
The town has not one but two gazebos, a pond perfectly named Toogood Pond in Toogood Park – I’m not kidding! Alongside Main Street, you’ll find loads of adorable little shops and enough charming buildings to give you Stars Hollow flashbacks. Visiting Main Street Unionville is a must for any self-respecting Gilmore Girls fan who finds themselves in Ontario. That’s exactly what happened to be on a freezing cold day in February.
How I visited the town where Gilmore Girls was filmed
A month ago, I was in Toronto under some not-so-great circumstances. Sightseeing or doing anything fun wasn’t on my agenda. At one point, I mentioned to my parents that I’d like to come back later to check out Unionville. My cousins got wind of it and insisted I tell them the name of the town, but I refused and they seemed to let it go.
At one point, we hit up a Tim Horton’s drive-through near Toronto when my cousin brought it up again: “So what was the name of that town you wanted to visit?” I finally relented after insisting that we wouldn’t go: “Unionville.” “Oh, that’s like 15 minutes away from here. This is the perfect time to go.”
The timing was perfect. When we arrived, it was night time and the twinkle lights were on; the entire town looked straight out of a storybook. It couldn’t have been more idyllic and adorable.
My self-guided tour through Main Street Unionville
On our way towards Main Street, we even passed a series of houses that looked similar to those occupied by the residents of fictional Stars Hollow This blue house we drove past bore a striking resemblance to both Sookie St. James and Lorelai Gilmore’s Houses on the show – ironic, considering the two houses on the WB backlot were actually attached.
The town church
My goal when visiting Main Street Unionville was to find the town gazebo and the building where Luke’s Diner was filmed in the first episode of Gilmore Girls. So I pulled out my phone to look up their locations. The building standing in for Luke’s Diner was on 156 Main Street, while the gazebo was further down.
My cousin pulled over in the parking lot of what appeared to be a church but turned out to be a TV and Stereo store. Oddly enough, there was an actual church two blocks down, which looked identical. I wondered which church was built first and how one got turned into an audio store. Maybe demand just wasn’t high – even Stars Hollow’s residents shared a church between multiple religious groups.
Seeing the church on Main Street Unionville reminded me of Lane Lim’s storyline in Gilmore Girls: Lane’s family was very religious and went to church regularly. However, Lane was an audiophile who hid rock albums under her floorboards and aspired to be a drummer.
The irony of Main Street Unionville having a church-turned-stereo store was not lost on me. I’m sure Lane Kim would’ve been thrilled!
We headed towards the shops on Main Street, which couldn’t have been more adorable. First up was a cute little dress boutique called Paris Fashions and this quaint little shop, which turned out to be a Spanx store.
What is a Spanx store doing in Stars Hollow?!?! Taylor Doose would disapprove. It killed the magic a little, but it just goes to show that none of us are free of corporate America (even Canadians!).
Taylor’s Olde Fashioned Soda Shoppe
As we walked down Main Street, the seven-degree weather hit me; I began losing feeling in my hands and toes. When we couldn’t find any buildings resembling Luke’s Diner, we walked into the Old Firehall Confectionery to ask for help. I had no doubt it was the inspiration for Taylor’s Olde Fashioned Soda Shoppe.
I felt slightly stupid, pulling out my phone and showing the very nice cashier the building I was looking for. She said we’d passed it and told me it was two or three doors down. I was determined to find Luke’s Diner, so off we went into the freezing cold.
Luke’s Diner at 156 Main Street Unionville
We followed the cashier’s instructions and ended up at the Tucci Armadio Ladies Boutique, which looked similar to Luke’s Diner. Later, I found out I got it wrong once again. The Paris Fashions Dress boutique next door was actually the filming location of Luke’s Diner, not Tucci Armadio.
In fact, 156 Main Street is where Luke’s Diner was filmed in the pilot episode of Gilmore Girls. So if you’re headed to Ontario for a self-guided tour, be sure to stop by this place.
We walked around a bit more and passed yet another corporate place – Starbucks! That would not fly with Taylor Doose…or Lorelai. But then again, Luke’s Diner isn’t around anymore so where else is a girl supposed to get her coffee fix?
Sorry if this is all a little too inside baseball. You really need to watch Gilmore Girls to know what I’m talking about. It’s available on Netflix, so you might wanna clear your calendar.
Kim’s Antiques
During my stroll down Main Street, I came across a small home decor place called Isla Home. It easily could have been a stand-in for Kim’s Antiques. Everything from the paint color to the general look of the building reminded me of Lane’s childhood home.
Lane’s actual home during the pilot episode was filmed at a store called The Glass Chimney on 151 Main Street. The shop has closed down and is currently housing the ONE Gallery instead. If you watched the pilot episode, you can even catch a glimpse of The Glass Chimney’s sign in the background as Rory and Lane enter Kim’s Antiques.
The town gazebo
I took a lot of photos of cute little shops that resembled buildings around Stars Hollow. While the area is full of charm, I was on a mission to find the town gazebo. All the show’s most adorable moments happened there and it’s a quintessential part of the town. So I kept searching.
I didn’t have to look far before my cousin spotted it right outside the Old Planning Mill. There was a second gazebo right across the street.
At this point, my hands and feet were frozen and my face felt like it had been injected with a Real Housewives dose of botox. I was wearing a knee-length dress with tights and a coat. I’m not used to wearing gloves, so I left those in the car. Man did I regret it at that moment!
Barely able to hold my phone, I stood across the street and snapped a picture of the gazebo. I literally couldn’t stand out there anymore (let alone cross the street), so I decided this snap was sufficient.
We headed back to the car and even though I was wearing 4-inch heels, I ran as best as I could. I grew up in Germany where it snowed every winter, but I have never experienced weather this cold before. We all hopped in the car, blasted the heater, and waited for our limbs to thaw before driving back home.
A very Gilmore Girls moment
As we passed the filming location of Luke’s Diner, the most Gilmore of moments happened: It started snowing. The kicker? The snow sparkled with what appeared to be flecks of glitter.
On Gilmore Girls, Lorelei was obsessed with snow. She considered it a magical time because every great thing that ever happened to her happened while it snowed.
Sparkling snow falling as we made our way down the street where the pilot episode of Gilmore Girls was filmed (just past the character’s favorite hangout spot) couldn’t have been more perfect.
Should you visit Main Street Unionville?
As a huge Gilmore Girls fan obsessed with Stars Hollow, I loved getting a taste of real-life Stars Hollow on Main Street Unionville. I loved my short but sweet visit to the town where the show’s pilot episode was filmed and seeing Luke’s Diner and the original Miss Patty’s Dance Studio.
If you’re a Gilmore Girls fan and want to relive the magic of the show and its fictional setting in Stars Hollow, I highly recommend visiting Unionville to relive the magic of Stars Hollow. It will make you feel immersed in the world of Gilmore Girls and appreciate the show so much more.
I’ve since gone back for the Fan Festival and explored the town in-depth. It was a wonderful experience because I got to enjoy the place with fellow fans who absolutely geeked out at every resemblance to Stars Hollow.
Frequently Asked Questions
This story was originally published on December 18, 2019. It has been updated with new information.
Hi Ariana,
I know about Gilmore Girls and did see an episode or two but don’t remember it. Reading your description and love for the show makes me want to see it again and I will. It must be good for you to like it so much. I thought people were only huge fans of the show Seinfeld.
I go to Pickering, Ontario all the time and Unionville is around Markham road which is one of my favorite places to go while in Toronto. I love the Afghani food at Bamiyan Kabab and always get my sweets from the Al-Karam store on Markham Road.
I will watch the pilot episode of Gilmore Girls tonight and stop by Unionville, the next time I go to Toronto.
Thanks for enriching my life. I love people who are passionate about things.
Feroz
I’ll have to go to Unionville sometime when I go to Toronto next. I just learned that it was where the plot was filmed and searched for more info and stumbled upon your post.
Love all of the pictures and description. And how fun that it snowed!
You definitely should! The snow, right as I walked by “Luke’s Diner” was definitely special.
Does anyone know the date when they filmed the pilot in Unionville?
I believe it was around September 2000.
I am from Unionville, and I have a little extra trivia for you! The house that you have pictured above that looks like Lorelai’s house was actually the house of a childhood friend of mine. This same childhood friend was actually IN Gilmore Girls. He was a party planner in season six, episode five – We’ve Got Magic To Do. 🙂
No way! What a crazy coincidence. Was he by any chance the guy in the pool house, helping Rory plan the DAR event right before Paris storms in and announces she’s broke? (Did I mention my trekkie-level obsession with the show?)
Yes! That is him. We went to grade school together, and then he went to a high school for the performing arts.
How crazy is that?! I would have loved to have been on set of that show. I’m keeping my finger’s crossed that they’ll do a prequel or something: Gilmore Girls: The Early Years.
Thanks for sharing! I’m 3 season’s into it on Netflix and I’m hooked! It just makes me feel so happy and serene.
Same here! You’re in the best seasons right now. My favorites are 2 and 5. When you get to 7, just remember that the original show runners had nothing to do with it, so it’s not the same.
Okay this may sound crazy to you, but Have never seen the Gilmore Girls’ pilot movie. BUT Unionville was my home for 41 years. I only recently moved 15 minutes north because they tore down the building I lived in to build Condo’s. I lived right behind the trees behind the bandstand. I still go to Unionville a lot though. The last time I was there was about 3 hours ago! 🙂
Lucky! I’m absolutely in love with Unionville. Gilmore fan or not, it’s an adorable little town.
Update: I’m actually now working in Unionville for the local BIA. My job is to arrange all the events and hire the bands that play on the street in the summer. So I guess I’ll be seeing Unionville a lot more now lol. You’ll have to come back to visit.
That’s so cool, Gary! I’m literally obsessed with this town. I’ll absolutely come back at some point. BTW if you guys can manage to put a diner on Main Street along with a cozy little inn, you’d have Gilmore Girls fans flocking from far and wide.
You could manage to bring the cast and do a “Gilmore girls event”, fans would be linen up to see it :3
There’s actually an annual Gilmore Girls Fan Fest in Connecticut around October. Part of the cast shows up, though event looks a bit boring (i.e. there’s a knit-a-thon). I’ve been toying with the idea of holding a more fun version of the event in Unionville. Something to think about, for sure!
I am also obsessed with the show. I LOVE that fictional town! How amazing would it be to live in one just like it?
Anyone know if a town that has that vibe (besides Unionville?)
It’s based on Washington Depot, CT which is a pretty close contender. Even has a little Taylor Doosey style grocery store.
Well here is some great news that was released yesterday on the Unionville Main Street page on Facebook- Next Fall the Gilmore Girls Fan Fest 2019 will be in Unionville! Very exciting for the town and the Gilmore Girls fans!
I didn’t see your post before leaving my comment so it basically says the same thing…. Its very exciting though! I haven’t been to any of the past fan fests and had heard this was the last year for it…. so glad to see that’s NOT the case!!
Yep! The organizers reached out to me to let me know. So exciting!
HUGE Gilmore Girl fan here! (I even have a whole room dedicated to GG complete with wolf girl picture!) I know this is an older post but I wanted to tell you that Gilmore Girls fan fest is scheduled to be in Unionville in 2019!
I heard! I’m beyond thrilled and will be there for sure.
Very excited too! It’s just 10 minutes from my house. I’m in Unionville and always walk by where Luke’s was. I can’t wait until October 2019!
Lucky!
Just finished watching the series……..Loved it….this post is great!!! Loved seeing these pictures, all the info on the town is wonderful!!! And the snow……..amazing Please post info for the event in October, 2019.
Thanks!!!
Thanks Pat! Will do when I hear more.
Here’s a link to the video we produced that they played at the Gilmore Girls Fan Fest in Connecticut.
Fun fact: The organizers from the US had never seen a black squirrel before until they came to Unionville. Hence why we called it “A Black Squirrel Production” 🙂
https://www.facebook.com/UnionvilleInfo/videos/254154801938962/
Thanks for sharing Gary! Confession: I hadn’t seen a black squirrel before that trip either.
Was watching an episode and spotted a board and battan building which building looks Canadian. Have spent summers in Ontario since I was 5. My parents lived in Ontario. My sister lives in Ontario and my brother lives on Vancouver Island. I can usually spot a Canadian setting in US movies or tv. Googled “Gilmore Girls” and yes! I love the series! Too busy to watch tv raising 5 children. Enjoying now at age 71. Thanks!
This show really has something for everyone. Glad you’re enjoying it!
I just started watching Gilmore Girls on Netflix yesterday as school has been closed and theres not much to do stuck inside. I got curious and googled where Gilmore Girls was filmed, expecting the location to be in Connecticut (at least for the outside scenes). I’m actually blown away, I’ve lived in Markham my entire life, I was born and raised here. I have driven through Main St. Unionville a million times and often hung out there with friends during spares or on weekends. Half my family live in the area. I can’t believe I didn’t recognize it, and that in my 19 years of living in this town no one has mentioned the pilot was filmed here.
You’re lucky! The town in the show was inspired by Washington Depot, CT. But I feel like Unionville embodies the town so much better: The gazebo, the park (“Toogood park”) and just the overall vibe. I saw a blue house for sale across the street from the train station and it’s the spitting image of Lorelai’s house. I kept thinking someone should turn that into a Gilmore themed airbnb, they’d make a fortune.
Same. No one has said anything! It was not until they had that “gilmore girls” festival thing that i made the connection. Plus it really does not look like a quaint town to me. We only have firehall, starbucks, jake’s and a couple brunch spots on main street. Nothing that i would consider “small town”.
You’re not alone – I hear this from Markham/Unionville residents all the time. To be fair, only the pilot was filmed here and they ended up recreating the town on the WB backlot.
I’m so sorry but I believe you have the wrong Main Street, see in Markham there are two Main Streets there’s Main Street Markham and Main Street Unionville. I believe the pilot was filmed on Main Street Markham if you see the pictures you’ll see the resemblance.
No it was Main Street Unionville. I lived in Unionville for 41 years and remember when they were filming it. In fact there was a Gilmore Girls Fan Fest there last October in celebration of it. All of the pictures above were taken on Main Street Unionville by Ariana.
Thanks Jack! It actually was filmed on Main Street Unionville. I ended up going to the Gilmore Girls festival there last year and was able to revisit where the opening shot was filmed.
Hi. The building that they sold spanx out of was originally owned by my family. As well as the building directly south of it. I lived in both houses as a child. And I worked in the one selling spanx as an adult. The owner of the store bought it once my grandmother died and we sold the property. It was originally a typhoid house and is quite haunted, roughly 11 to 16 people died in it.
Oh my gosh! Thanks for sharing Andrea. I would love it if one of these old houses got turned into an Inn. Like the gift shop near the train station – it looks just like Lorelai’s house.
I live in unionville and am a gilmore girls fan. Never considered they used it in the pilot. It does look very different though in the show than in person, and our main street is very small. It only gets busy in the summer so not an ideal retail location. Nice to know Unionville is seen as such a cute little town. Gives me a bit more appreciation for my area!
You’re lucky to live there! A few shows have filmed on Main Street, including Suits.
Want to know where the rest of the series was filmed? It was in Burbank, California. Look up images of Midwest street and it’s not just places that kinda look like you could find them in Starts Hollow. No, its the real deal. Luke’s diner, Kim’s Antiques, the Gazebo, etc.
Hi everybody, if you guys want to know where the rest of the series was filmed it was in Burbank, California. Look up images of Midwest street and it’s not just places that kinda look like you could find them in Starts Hollow. No, its the real deal. Luke’s diner, Kim’s Antiques, the Gazebo, etc.