If you’ve ever seen it Gilmore Girls and thought, “I want to go to Stars Hollow.” Here’s the good news: it’s basically possible. New Braunfels feels like the real-life version of the quirky, charming small town that made us all crave endless coffee, cozy festivals, and neighbors who somehow know your business before you do.
There’s no Luke’s Diner or Mrs. Kim’s antique store, but there is the next best thing. For that reason, this small-town gem is the closest thing Texans have to a Gilmore Girls fantasy.
Why New Braunfels, Texas is the best after Stars Hollow
Downtown New Braunfels feels like a television
The heart of Stars Hollow has always been the town square with its pavilion, twinkling lights and local shops. Downtown New Braunfels has that vibe and feels like home to the city Gilmore Girls.
Historic buildings line the streets. Locals stroll between cafés and boutiques. Live music wafts through the air. Now there might be a little more traffic than in Stars Hollow. But to be fair, this town is actually on a movie lot – that one Warner Bros. lot to be exact. During the holidays they even decorate the property for you Stars hollow Christmas – and New Braunfels does the same!
The coffee culture is suitable for a Gilmore
A Stars Hollow-worthy town needs coffee. Lots of it. New Braunfels is home to plenty of cozy cafes where you can camp out with a latte, people watch, and calmly immerse yourself in your latest life crisis. One of our favorites is New Braunfels Coffee, which is right across the street from the pavilion. Just look at how cute this place is – especially in the fall. It’s perfect if you’re an autumn like me!
Another place worth visiting and comparing to Luke’s Diner is Union Station Diner. For over 15 years, Union Station Diner has been a place where “friendly people meet and eat for breakfast and lunch.”
Local small town businesses fit the bill
Another Stars Hollow staple is Kim’s Antiques, and New Braunfels has no shortage of vintage, thrift and antique shops. Stroll through the Downtown Antique Mall, Lot 59, Traveling Gypsy or Red Rooster Antiques, among other things.
If you need groceries, go to Arlan’s Market. Keep an eye out for Dean, although you’re more likely to find him in Austin (if you know, you know).
Grab some ice cream Scoop Street And imagine Taylor serving you a treat at Taylor’s Olde Fashioned Soda Shoppe. And 2tarts Bakery is described as a place that serves homemade cakes, pastries and cookies, as well as light cafe fare in a colorful, whimsical setting. Sounds like exactly a place Sookie would run to.
Book a stay at Comal Inn and pretend Michel is the one who checked you in. Or, if you really want that small town B&B feel, go to Gruene and check it out Green Mansion Inn.
The festivals never stop
Somehow Stars Hollow had a festival every six business days, and honestly? Maybe New Braunfels too.
Here are just some of the festivals that take place here:
- Sausage festival
- Wassail Festival
- Folk festivals
- Farmers markets
- Holiday parades
- River events
- Art walks
- Seasonal festivals
There’s always something going on and many of the tests are full of colorful characters, just like Kirk! Unlike larger cities where events can feel transactional, events in New Braunfels still feel community-oriented. People show up because they want to be part of the community, not because it looks good on Instagram. This is very Stars Hollow.
Fall in New Braunfels feels particularly Gilmore Girls
If your ideal aesthetic consists of oversized sweaters, bookstore afternoons, coffee dates, fall festivals, and the idea that your life has a whimsical soundtrack, then fall in New Braunfels is elite.
Texas may not have foliage in Connecticut, but fall in the Hill Country has its own charm. Think clear mornings by the calm and picturesque river, historic festivals, cozy courtyards, and enough small-town energy to make you want to dramatically re-read a novel while staring out a café window.
New Braunfels is basically Texas Stars Hollow
No city can fully recreate the fictional magic of Stars Hollow, but New Braunfels comes surprisingly close. It’s quirky, cozy, community-oriented and romanticizes everyday life in exactly the same way Gilmore Girls did.
In a world where so many places feel overly polished or too fast, New Braunfels still feels personal – which may be the most Stars Hollow thing of all.
The post Why New Braunfels, Texas Is the Next Best Thing to Stars Hollow appeared first on Spill the Daily Sparkz.
