Bursts of red, orange, and yellow litter the ground as the falling leaves finally bring eager and heat-exhausted Texans a feeling of autumn. For many students, fall conjures up ideas of snuggling up with a cozy blanket and watching a comfy sit com such as the classic series Gilmore Girls. The feel-good TV show is widely known for its autumnal small-town festivals and warm fall setting. But what if you could bring the much-loved TV show from your television screens right into reality?
As October starts to roll around, Austinites fervently begin to paint the city in ideas of a crisp, warm fall environment, complete with spooky haunted houses and pumpkin spiced sweets in locations all around town. Enjoy this much-awaited fall season by bringing your aesthetic autumn dreams to life as you take a Gilmore Girls inspired journey around your very own Stars Hollow.
Opening up the seven-season flagship of comedy-dramas, Lorelai kicks off the show by begging Luke for more of the rich, bittersweet beverage that many teens find the bane of their existence: coffee. Take an excursion to the quaint cafés Austin has to offer, and soak in the abundance of holiday spirit seeping out of their flavorful seasonal drinks and pastries. Lucky Lab Coffee is a picturesque coffee shop, pairing scenic photo spots with the perfect seasonal drinks to spice up your fall day; a maple cinnamon oat milk chai, a harvest sweet cream latte, or a pumpkin oat milk cold brew are all delectable options to try at Lucky Lab.
During a core part of the show, Rory and her mother visit many college campuses such as Harvard and Yale. Bring to life Rory Gilmore by living out her studious dreams and take a trip to one of the main attractions the Austin city proper has to offer – the University of Texas at Austin. Only a few minutes walk from Lucky Lab Coffee, plan a lively friend date by swinging by the café and exploring one of Austin’s most prized possessions. In addition to its evergreen lawns of South Mall park and the beloved Littlefield Fountain at the head of University Avenue, the University of Texas at Austin offers in-person tours as well as admissions centers open to helping visitors (high school students) discover potential fields of interest.
Especially in the first few seasons of the show, Rory often frequents Kim’s Antiques to visit Lane, and the quaint shop quickly develops a whimsical atmosphere making the location one of the most unique places in the show. Explore the pastime of antique shopping at Uncommon Objects down in South Austin. The quirky shop maintains an eccentric array of all kinds of vintage relics, gadgets, toys, jewelry and taxidermy. However, if it’s more of the aesthetics that call to you, check out Charm School Vintage, providing a plethora of apothecarial products such as skin and facial care, candles and incense goods, tarot and journals, plus a massive, colorful collection of vintage clothing.
To top it all off, a Gilmore Girls themed itinerary simply wouldn’t be the same without attending a spooktacular fall festival. The main attractions that give the show a cozy, autumnal aesthetic, these small-town festivals are the highlight of what make the show such a fall classic. Spend a warm autumn day at Austin’s Oktoberfest on Oct. 14, a wonderful opportunity to not only enjoy fall-themed drinks and activities, but to also learn more about local German culture. Speaking of exploring new cultures, check out Mexic-Arte Museum’s Dia de Los Muertos Exhibition, or LEVITATION, a four day psychedelic music and arts festival featuring vibrant and diverse presentations from local and international artists.
And of course, don’t forget to end your day cuddling up with a cup of warm cider or coffee and binge-watch the all-time fall favorite, Gilmore Girls.
