How to spend a fall day like the “Gilmore Girls” in Indianapolis


From “coffee, coffee, coffee” to chilaquiles and everything in between, here are a few ways to pay homage to “Gilmore Girls” in Indy this autumn.

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Fun fact: The town standing in for fictional Stars Hollow in the “Gilmore Girls” theme song is South Royalton, VT.

Photo by Anthony Quintano via Creative Commons

So, what’s the verdict? We are an autumn.

‘Tis the season to hit replay on “Gilmore Girls,” known for its cozy fall vibes. While Indy may not be Stars Hollow, we’ve put together a guide to help you live like a Gilmore Girl this fall.

Grab coffee and breakfast at Luke’s Diner

Start your morning at Luke’s, or in our case, Good Morning Mama’s. The kitschy restaurant is a great spot for when you “need coffee in an I.V.” + boasts a food menu that would make Luke and Caesar proud with pancakes, salads, and sandwiches.

If you’re looking to live the morning Caesar took over and made chilaquiles, we recommend heading up to Noblesville for Bocado’s delicious take on the breakfast classic.

Enjoy a festival

Stars Hollow was known for its epic festivals in the Town Square, like the iconic Festival of Living Art. Here in Indy, you can celebrate fall with festivals like Autumntidings, the Historic Irvington Halloween Festival, and Locally Made: Indy’s Fall Fest — bookmark our Plan Ahead for more must-do events, updated monthly.

Shop at Doose’s Market

Indy Fresh Market is our very own locally owned and operated market. Whether you’re in need of fresh strawberries or you’re stocking up for a movie night, this is the place to go.

Indulge in a slice from Weston’s Bakery

So, do you like cake? They’re very round. When we need a slice of something sweet, we head straight for The Cake Bake Shop. Seasonal flavors like the pumpkin spice cinnamon roll cake and the pumpkin cheesecake will satisfy all your fall cravings. Plus, you can grab “coffee, coffee, coffee.”

Look (but don’t touch) at Kim’s Antiques

Indy has no shortage of spots to shop second-hand. Check out our full list of stores to hunt for your own treasures.

Find the beat at Sophie’s Music Shop

If you’re looking for the new Belle and Sebastian single, you just might find it amid the stacks of vinyl and CDs at these locally-owned record stores.

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We think Rory would love the cozy vibes at Chapter Book Lounge.

Photo by INDYtoday team

Grab a book at Stars Hollow Books

When you need a bus book (and your other bus book), stock up your bookshelf at an independent bookstore.

Book a staycation at the historic Independence Inn

The Omni Severin is one of the oldest, most storied hotels in Indianapolis — in fact, it was named one of the Top 25 Historic Hotels of America.

Did we miss anything?

If you’re out on the road (feelin’ lonely and so cold) and you think we missed a peak “Gilmore Girls” autumn opportunity, let us know.

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