This Ontario Town Will Make You Feel Like You’re In An Episode Of Gilmore Girls

When life starts to feel a little “la la la la la la”, there's only two things you can do. Turn on the TV to binge watch Gilmore Girls, or start the car and head to Port Perry to experience a Gilmore Girls inspired day for yourself. We recommend doing both, really. Although the fan favourite Gilmore Girls wasn’t filmed in Durham Region, you'll quickly find that stepping into historic downtown Port Perry will transport you to Stars Hollow. The only thing missing? Lorelai and Rory.

Use our guide below to enjoy a very Gilmore Girls inspired adventure through one of Durham Region's charming downtowns.

The Dragonfly Inn

Although Michel won’t be there to greet you at the front desk, you can expect the same quality and love that Lorelai and Sookie have from the staff at The Piano Café and George Stanley Inn—located in the heart of downtown Port Perry. The George Stanley Inn, guests can experience a cozy overnight stay in one of their beautiful rooms and wake up to enjoy a delicious meal at The Piano Café. You may even recognize this iconic spot from many of your favourite movies and TV shows!

Luke’s Diner

Although Port Perry’s version of Luke’s isn’t a sit-down diner with endless pots of coffee ready to fulfil your black coffee order, there are plenty of options for you to fuel up. If you're anything like Lorelai or Rory, you'll want to start with a cup of black coffee at That Place on Queen, then head to Hank’s (no, not Kirk’s) for your next one, and lastly stop in at Nexus Coffee Co.—for there is never enough coffee. In the true essence of Lorelai Gilmore, there is no such thing as too much coffee. If a full English breakfast, Luke’s Diner style, is what you’re after, be sure to check out  The Pantry Shelf or Hyland Family Restaurant.

Miss Patty’s School of Ballet

Just like Miss Patty’s School of Ballet, Port Perry has a beautiful historic town hall—Town Hall 1873 Theatre—that just so happens to be a theatre with dancing, singing and acting. Located at the edge of downtown, the theatre is a cultural centre that promotes, presents and nurtures Canadian artistic talent. Check out upcoming performances and add a stop at the theatre to your Port Perry plans.

Kim’s Antiques

You won’t run into Lane—or Lane’s mom—but you will run into a unique collection of antiques, collectables and décor at Port Perry’s Vintage Market. With more than 30 vendors to explore, you can find an eclectic mix of groovy, funky, vintage, retro and cool all in one place.

Stars Hollow Books

If you love to read or are looking for a good book to cozy up with this fall, channel your inner Rory and explore rows of new and used books at Books Galore in Port Perry. Just as Rory famously carries a book everywhere she goes, there are no shortage of great reading spots in town—we recommend Palmer Park or That Place on Queen to catch up on your next read.

Taylor’s Olde Fashioned Soda Shoppe

In Gilmore Girls, Taylor’s Olde Fashioned Soda Shoppe has sweet treats and local goodies from wall to wall, and in Port Perry, The Nutty Chocolatier has just the same. Indulge in some of the finest, richest Belgian chocolate, truffles, and hand-crafted chocolate specialties, as well as an assortment of candies and homemade fudge.

The Gazebo (yes, there’s even a park gazebo)

Right on the edge of downtown, you’ll stumble upon Palmer Park and the Lake Scugog waterfront. Enjoy a beautiful waterfront walk and stop and sit under the gazebo with a coffee or book (or both) in hand. From the famous cinematic moments of Luke and Lorelai [finally] saying “I do” to the many cherished moments of motherly-daughter advice, you can find yourself in a real-life Gilmore Girls episode sitting under the gazebo in Palmer Park.

Shopping, takeout and ice cream

Channel your inner Lorelai and Rory with unique fall finds at Bonita Clothing Co., Brock’s Department Store, Anja of Sweden Boutique, Kelly’s On Queen, or Beyond Tartan (The Wee Tartan Shop). Once you’ve found your new fall wardrobe and worked up an appetite, pick up a menu and find some delicious takeout options at Louie’s Cafe, Marwan's Global Bistro or Jester’s Court. Just like there’s never enough coffee—there’s never enough ice cream, and The Perfect Scoop is exactly where Lorelai and Rory would be if their freezer ran out (which it often does). It wouldn’t be a true Gilmore Girls experience without takeout and ice cream!

While exploring all of the charm Durham Region has to offer, we’d love to know what you tried and loved the most. Tag @DurhamTourism in all your posts on social media so we can follow along!

Explore downtown Port PerryDiscover more fall funGetting there by busMake it a weekend getaway with these overnight accommodations