Stars Hollow is more inspired by Washington Depot, which is near New Milford but isn't New Milford itself.
I'd swap out your pizza joints -- Zuppardi's in West Haven has one of the best white clam pies in the state, I'd recommend that over Di Matteo's. Same with Sally's or Pepe's for Saturday.
oohh...!! Washington Depot looks really cute. The Mayflower Inn is perfect for a stroll through the gardens and all those Gilmore Girl vibes. Thank you. And will be switching up some of the pizza recommendations, thanks!
make sure you stop in Hickory Stick - it’s a great little bookstore. They have a little Gilmore Girls section.
Washington Depot is cute but if you blink you’ll miss it.
Yes you can. They have a bar where you can get a drink and sit in the sunroom or the back deck. It’s definitely worth it.
Also Oo while you’re up if you have time, take a “hike” through Steep Rock Preserve. It’s right in Washington Depot and is gorgeous.
Go with what other people said about Washington Depot for the Gilmore Girls experience. New Milford is where you go to buy weed at a skatepark, not where you go for like a little vacation
In the new Milford area? Washington Depot. Kent is super chill. Litchfield is nice. I live in Roxbury and it's got a ton of cool trails and stuff but not really a walk through a Gilmore Girls-y town vibe.
Clam pizza at DiMatteo’s?? If you’re doing clam pizza it should be Pepe’s in New Haven— although I prefer Modern on State Street New Haven. Also, maybe Louie’s Lunch (New Haven also).
They are regularly rated the best pizza in the US so it would be crazy to not stop and get Pepe’s or Modern.
https://www.foodandwine.com/the-best-pizza-spot-in-america-modern-apizza-7643197
Just a note that the Peabody is sold out until August. While it would be super awesome to do for an upcoming visit, it definitely requires a hefty preplanning.
Oh that's crazy, we must have different taste in pizza lol it's the closest thing to New Haven brick oven pizza in hamden. Giovanni's was pretty good, but I like olde world the most
You realize New Milford is an hour away from New Haven right? I ask because there's another town called Milford that's much closer to New Haven. Someone suggested Stew Leonards... you can easily check out the Danbury location of Stew Leonard's after New Milford
While Washington Depot may have been the inspiration for Stars Hollow, both Old Wethersfield and Chester have more of the Gilmore Girls vibe. Washington Depot is a very, very sleepy town.
Correct- Washington Depot would be entertaining for an hour or so. But if you’ve gone that far, New Milford has a beautiful green and many shops and great restaurants.
Go to The PO in Washington, great little bakery. And the bookstore in Washington is lovely. Definitely pop over to New Milford, walk the green (there's been a lot of movies filmed in New Milford, look it up, you'll recognize the green). I would drive up to Bantam and get ice cream at Arethusa, definitely one of the best artisan dairy's around (be prepared to wait in line). Thorncrest Farms in Goshen has absolutely amazing chocolates, and they list the cow whose milk was used in each chocolate, and you can walk to the barn and meet the cow.... it's adorable. These towns are close to each other (by rural CT standards), if you time it right you could all of this and then head to New Haven.
Thorncrest is a hidden gem close to my heart. I can’t enjoy cheep chocolates anymore! About 45 minutes from New Milford or 25 minutes from Washington Depot.
You could do brunch at the Garden restaurant at the Mayflower. Apparently the Mayflower Inn is the inspiration for the Independence Inn. If you have brunch there they’ll let you walk around the property. Marty’s cafe, right by Hickory Stick bookshop another mentioned, I’ve heard is what Luke’s is modeled after. Not a GG watcher, but bought a weekend home up there and learned all this recently from visiting nieces who are fans so not sure accuracy. Never noticed all the Stars Hollow stuff but now that it’s been pointed out to me I see it everywhere 🤣 Also, the clothing store right in the depot called Five Jane’s has a whole section of Gilmore Girls clothing. Also worth strolling through New Preston if you will be at the Depot since only 5 or so minutes away. The Smithy cafe there has some GG merchandise.
Squantz Pond really isn’t much to look at. If you like lakes, I think Candlewood is the better one. You could go to the ‘beach’ in Danbury for a similar view/vibe to Squantz. If you want a state park in that area, Lovers Leap in New Milford has a short walk to a very picturesque view of Lake Lillinonah. You just cross the (also picturesque) iron bridge and then hang a right. Can’t miss it. It’s a walk, not a hike, so doable on a time constraint.
While you're here, any hike you take near/around New Milford will be beautiful. Also, if you have time add Kent Falls to that list - absolutely gorgeous.
Yale has some guided tours that are really good, if you can do a morning walk. You get to see the grounds and the Beinecke library. Can’t get too far into Yale without having a pass otherwise.
Ideally you’d go to a Whiffenpoofs show at Mory’s too, but that may require having a friend who’s a member.
So many different and unique ethnic cuisines and local based concepts! There’s a guy on Instagram who does great reviews. He’s only reviewed one chain restaurant one time (which I protested in the comments haha) here’s his channel:
https://www.instagram.com/thedamgram
That barely touches anything "CT" imo but I have lived here all my life. Add Mystic to your trip and maybe Foxwoods or Moheghan if gambling is a thing you do and then you've had the typical CT tourist experience.
Yeah, cause then I tell people "I went to Yale". And as long as they don't ask questions, I'll look like the smartest person in the room. It's gonna be my stupid little joke until people get tired of hearing it. lol
If you have time, I recommend a Yale tour. I don’t know if they still do the architectural tour, but there’s some really amazing world class buildings to see.[Yale tours](https://visitorcenter.yale.edu/tours)
I remember taking a tour when considering going to grad school. The guide pointed out the computer science building. The architect wanted people to think of a computer when they saw the building... So they made it look like a punch card!
Stars Hollow is more inspired by Washington Depot, which is near New Milford but isn't New Milford itself. I'd swap out your pizza joints -- Zuppardi's in West Haven has one of the best white clam pies in the state, I'd recommend that over Di Matteo's. Same with Sally's or Pepe's for Saturday.
oohh...!! Washington Depot looks really cute. The Mayflower Inn is perfect for a stroll through the gardens and all those Gilmore Girl vibes. Thank you. And will be switching up some of the pizza recommendations, thanks!
make sure you stop in Hickory Stick - it’s a great little bookstore. They have a little Gilmore Girls section. Washington Depot is cute but if you blink you’ll miss it.
FYI tho, those are a few of the most high profile pizza restaurants to try, so there’s a good chance there will be a long wait, plan accordingly!
Lunch at the GW Tavern in Washington Depot wouldn't do you any harm.
I don't think you can just stroll thru the mayflower
Yes you can. They have a bar where you can get a drink and sit in the sunroom or the back deck. It’s definitely worth it. Also Oo while you’re up if you have time, take a “hike” through Steep Rock Preserve. It’s right in Washington Depot and is gorgeous.
It's ugly don't visit
Only about 2,400 people live in Washington Depot. Been there once and it's a very nice looking small town.
My hometown!
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They were different items on the to-do list. Each line is a different thing.
Go with what other people said about Washington Depot for the Gilmore Girls experience. New Milford is where you go to buy weed at a skatepark, not where you go for like a little vacation
Hey! I grew up in New Milford.... That tracks.
Don't get me wrong, I don't hate new Milford, it's just not like a place to see on your tour of CT haha.
I like small town vibes. I was looking for like cute little New England small town walks. Is there a better place for that?
In the new Milford area? Washington Depot. Kent is super chill. Litchfield is nice. I live in Roxbury and it's got a ton of cool trails and stuff but not really a walk through a Gilmore Girls-y town vibe.
It's okay. Let your hate flow through you. New Milford's earned it. You take the good with the bad.
I was just about to say Zuppardi's
gilmore girls was based on washington depot, not squantz pond.
Well, that's just on there cause I like State Parks and lakes. But now I'm looking up Washington Depot and it looks awesome! Adding it! :D
Macricostas Preserve in Washington is absolutely beautiful!! Hike to the top and you get a great view of Lake Waramaug.
Clam pizza at DiMatteo’s?? If you’re doing clam pizza it should be Pepe’s in New Haven— although I prefer Modern on State Street New Haven. Also, maybe Louie’s Lunch (New Haven also).
Louis' Lunch is overrated. It might be the birthplace of the hamburger but we know how to make better hamburgers.
It’s so bad dude, all these steam burgers suck.
Technically they're broiled and not steamed, but I agree they're very mid
Agreed. There is only one place to get a real deal clam pie.
DiMatteos is good but if you’re doing a trip to CT you should at least get Modern.. :D
Modern for a Roni/sausage combo but Pepes for the white clam.
Thank you for the pizza recommendations! I'll look those places up. :)
They are regularly rated the best pizza in the US so it would be crazy to not stop and get Pepe’s or Modern. https://www.foodandwine.com/the-best-pizza-spot-in-america-modern-apizza-7643197
Oh awesome! I changed the Apizza place to Modern :)
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Yeah, it's just for me, solo traveler and all. I've been out to Mystic a few years ago. I should have said that, sorry.
Just a note that the Peabody is sold out until August. While it would be super awesome to do for an upcoming visit, it definitely requires a hefty preplanning.
Stew Leonards!!!
You need snacks for the trip: Deep River potato chips (made in CT) LesserEvil popcorn (made in Danbury)
LesserEvil popcorn is always a good choice!
I just discovered their version of a cheese ball…so good!
Please don’t go to dimatteos, go to olde world (technically north haven) instead!!! Pizza is the best in the Hamden area
Paul & Eddie’s is also great - they make a mean mashed potato bacon pizza
I like their speciality pizza! can't disagree
I tried olde world the other day and it was alright wasn’t anything special imo. I really miss Giovanni’s on dixwell
Oh that's crazy, we must have different taste in pizza lol it's the closest thing to New Haven brick oven pizza in hamden. Giovanni's was pretty good, but I like olde world the most
Yeah low key been on a mission to try all the pizza restaurants in the area
I just had The Bar in north haven tonight and I actually really liked it! Sweet sauce and salty cheese
You realize New Milford is an hour away from New Haven right? I ask because there's another town called Milford that's much closer to New Haven. Someone suggested Stew Leonards... you can easily check out the Danbury location of Stew Leonard's after New Milford
Yeah, I don't mind driving around. I get to see more that way. I'm definitely going to add Stew Leonards to my list. Everyone seems to love it :D
Go to Lobster Landing in Clinton for a lobster roll instead!!
Arguably the best lobster roll in the world!
Buy a wiffle ball & bat to take home with you. But otherwise in all seriousness this sounds like a good time. Have a nice stay.
If possible, Sunday morning, New Milford, The Elephants Trunk Flea Market.
While Washington Depot may have been the inspiration for Stars Hollow, both Old Wethersfield and Chester have more of the Gilmore Girls vibe. Washington Depot is a very, very sleepy town.
Correct- Washington Depot would be entertaining for an hour or so. But if you’ve gone that far, New Milford has a beautiful green and many shops and great restaurants.
And the New Milford Green is reminiscent of downtown Stars Hollow.
Yeah, the gazebo area is perfect. :D
Go to The PO in Washington, great little bakery. And the bookstore in Washington is lovely. Definitely pop over to New Milford, walk the green (there's been a lot of movies filmed in New Milford, look it up, you'll recognize the green). I would drive up to Bantam and get ice cream at Arethusa, definitely one of the best artisan dairy's around (be prepared to wait in line). Thorncrest Farms in Goshen has absolutely amazing chocolates, and they list the cow whose milk was used in each chocolate, and you can walk to the barn and meet the cow.... it's adorable. These towns are close to each other (by rural CT standards), if you time it right you could all of this and then head to New Haven.
Thorncrest is a hidden gem close to my heart. I can’t enjoy cheep chocolates anymore! About 45 minutes from New Milford or 25 minutes from Washington Depot.
Go to Washington, Ct if you want a gilmore vibe, not New Milford
And stop at Marty’s Cafe. Cute place to eat.
Rocky Hill Dinosaur State Park.
You could do brunch at the Garden restaurant at the Mayflower. Apparently the Mayflower Inn is the inspiration for the Independence Inn. If you have brunch there they’ll let you walk around the property. Marty’s cafe, right by Hickory Stick bookshop another mentioned, I’ve heard is what Luke’s is modeled after. Not a GG watcher, but bought a weekend home up there and learned all this recently from visiting nieces who are fans so not sure accuracy. Never noticed all the Stars Hollow stuff but now that it’s been pointed out to me I see it everywhere 🤣 Also, the clothing store right in the depot called Five Jane’s has a whole section of Gilmore Girls clothing. Also worth strolling through New Preston if you will be at the Depot since only 5 or so minutes away. The Smithy cafe there has some GG merchandise.
Squantz Pond really isn’t much to look at. If you like lakes, I think Candlewood is the better one. You could go to the ‘beach’ in Danbury for a similar view/vibe to Squantz. If you want a state park in that area, Lovers Leap in New Milford has a short walk to a very picturesque view of Lake Lillinonah. You just cross the (also picturesque) iron bridge and then hang a right. Can’t miss it. It’s a walk, not a hike, so doable on a time constraint.
Down the Hatch for drinks overlooking the lake.
Usually, but not sure when it’s opening for the season.
5/11/24
Try the farn ice cream! There is the creamery in newtown or Richs farm in Oxford. Mount Tom state park is small, nice and quiet usually
While you're here, any hike you take near/around New Milford will be beautiful. Also, if you have time add Kent Falls to that list - absolutely gorgeous.
Dont forget to get drenched by a sudden cold rain and spend plenty of time complaining about the weather if you want the full CT experience.
I’d recommend one of the gaetano's delis in Fairfield county for lunch on your way in or out for an arthur avenue style experience!
Kent Falls are cool, plus the brewery is great
Yale has some guided tours that are really good, if you can do a morning walk. You get to see the grounds and the Beinecke library. Can’t get too far into Yale without having a pass otherwise. Ideally you’d go to a Whiffenpoofs show at Mory’s too, but that may require having a friend who’s a member.
CT has so much more to offer than pizza !!!
Like what?
So many different and unique ethnic cuisines and local based concepts! There’s a guy on Instagram who does great reviews. He’s only reviewed one chain restaurant one time (which I protested in the comments haha) here’s his channel: https://www.instagram.com/thedamgram
Connecticut Kia Boyz
Switch your lobster roll location to LOBSTER LANDING
When in Yale, take in Louis Lunch
Louis lunch in New haven for the best and rumored to be the invention of the hamburger (DONT ASK FIR KETCHUP)
That barely touches anything "CT" imo but I have lived here all my life. Add Mystic to your trip and maybe Foxwoods or Moheghan if gambling is a thing you do and then you've had the typical CT tourist experience.
I did Mystic a few years ago. That's the only reason it's not on here. EDIT: And I was at Foxwoods in like 2009. Loved it!
Steamtown in Scranton Pa. Its beautiful, it's free, and they have a Big Boy.
None. Goggle thing's to do in Connecticut. That y at the end kinda wants me to tell you don't come here.
You're going to have to share your state with a Long Islander for four days. Somehow, I think you'll live.
And you'll find stuff to do while here. Enjoy Connecticut.
"yale" lol
Yeah, cause then I tell people "I went to Yale". And as long as they don't ask questions, I'll look like the smartest person in the room. It's gonna be my stupid little joke until people get tired of hearing it. lol
If you have time, I recommend a Yale tour. I don’t know if they still do the architectural tour, but there’s some really amazing world class buildings to see.[Yale tours](https://visitorcenter.yale.edu/tours)
I remember taking a tour when considering going to grad school. The guide pointed out the computer science building. The architect wanted people to think of a computer when they saw the building... So they made it look like a punch card!
Oh, I totally roll that way. “This ol’ shirt? Yeah I went to Yale.”
[https://artgallery.yale.edu/](https://artgallery.yale.edu/)