Ever dreamed of stepping into the cozy, small-town vibes of Gilmore Girls?
The show may be fictional, but the town is not. You can visit a quaint small town complete with charming main streets, indie coffee shops, eclectic boutiques, and friendly locals that’s a real-life version of Stars Hollow.
Tucked into the city of Markham, Unionville is a hidden gem that feels like stepping onto a Hallmark movie set.
Settled in 1794, the historic hamlet has all the aesthetic charm of a New England town without having to cross the border. It’s the perfect place for a day trip in the GTA if you’re looking to slow down and soak up some wholesome summer vibes.
I visited the charming Main Street Unionville for a day trip, and it was just like stepping into Stars Hollow. Here’s what to know about visiting.
Was Gilmore Girls filmed in Unionville?
While most of Gilmore Girls was filmed at Warner Bros. Studios in Los Angeles, the show’s pilot was shot in Unionville, which served as the fictional town of Stars Hollow, Connecticut, in the episode.
In fact, the rest of the series was designed with inspiration from Unionville, according to Destination Markham.
Take a trip to the town (and watch the pilot episode) and you’ll be able to see “Luke’s Diner,” which in real life is a medical spa, and the charming main street, several shots of which were used in the pilot.
As you wander the streets, you’ll likely see some buildings you’ll recognize from the show, such as the Old Unionville Congregational Church, which can be seen in the opening shots of the series.
You can even embark on a self-guided tour and hit other Gilmore Girls spots in town, including the town gazebo, which was the inspiration for the well-known town centre gazebo in the show. The gazebo can be found on Main Street and is beautifully decorated for each season, so be sure to grab a photo.
There’s also the Old Firehall Confectionery, which served as an influence for the look and feel of Taylor’s Olde Fashioned Soda Shoppe in the show.
Once the home of the town’s fire hall, the confectionery is the place in town to stop in for sweets and snacks. Be sure to grab a coffee while you’re there (it’s the Gilmore Girls thing to do).
Things to do in Unionville
Beyond the Gilmore Girls sights, Unionville offers tons of things to do and see during a visit. Here are a few of the top things to do in town.
Shop charming boutiques for unique items
Main Street Unionville is home to a number of cute shops and boutiques that would be right at home in Stars Hollow. You can find everything from clothing and jewelry to home decor and gifts.
Along Main Street, you’ll find clothing stores like Susannah Designer Consignment, Tucci Armadio, and Pretty Thingz, jewelry stores like Gold Crest Jewellery, and specialty stores like the Cigar Bodega.
Take in the historic buildings
Unionville’s historic buildings are a highlight of the area, so be sure to bring your camera to capture their unique architecture and character.
The colourful buildings, paired with town’s flower-lined streets, are literally picture perfect, and there are plenty of cute little spots for a photo op.
Unionville also regularly hosts free historic walking tours where you can learn about its past and iconic landmarks.
Check out a local festival
There’s always something fun happening in town. Unionville hosts a variety of events throughout the year on Main Street, including concerts, markets, holiday festivities, and movie showings.
The Unionville Festival kicks off the summer on the first weekend of June. The festival, which has been taking place since 1969, features a parade, food vendors, live music and tons of fun activities. There are also workshops and more to do throughout the year.
Get crafty
For a fun activity to do on Main Street, you can head to Crock A Doodle and paint your own pottery.
The space offers mugs, plates, housewares and more ready-to-paint pieces, and feels like the kind of charming, easy-going activity that Lorelai and Rory would enjoy in Gilmore Girls.
The store provides the pieces as well as an array of paint colours to choose from — all you have to do is paint.
Once you’ve finished painting your piece, you’ll leave it with the store to be professionally glazed and kiln-fired to a bright, shiny, food-safe finish that you can pick up later.
Grab some lunch (or brunch)
While you can’t actually visit Luke’s Diner in Unionville, there are plenty of spots to enjoy a meal.
Main Street Unionville has plenty of dining options and cuisines to choose from, whether you’re looking for classic pub fare, Italian specialties, unique coffee shops, or some good old-fashioned ice cream.
Don’t miss Next Door Restaurant, which serves up dishes made with Canadian ingredients, as well as iconic brunch towers that come stacked with smoked meat, pancakes, eggs, sausage and more.
Be sure to also check out Honoka Japanese Dessert Café for handcrafted Japanese sweets and lattes, and Sweetie Pie, a pie shop serving up tasty recipes.
Walk or bike the local trails
Don’t forget about the green spaces!
Unionville is home to some beautiful nature areas, including Toogood Pond, a picturesque 33-hectare park located in the heart of Unionville surrounded by lush greenery and featuring a scenic boardwalk.
There’s also Bruce’s Creek, a paved trail and boardwalk that offers a mix of forest, wetlands, and open fields to explore.
Whether you come for the Gilmore Girls vibes, the town’s charm, or just for some really good ice cream, this dreamy small town is the perfect summer day trip spot.
Happy travels, Canada!
Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.
