Gilmore Girls and the fall season go together just like Lorelai and a huge cup of coffee do.
Being back at school marks my annual rewatch of the ultimate comfort show, following Rory through her first semester at Chilton as I head back to Toronto Metropolitan University’s (TMU) campus. Nothing says fall quite like sipping coffee with Lorelai and Rory while the leaves change colours outside my window.
Bustling Toronto may be the opposite of quiet Stars Hollow, yet these five fall activities will transport you into an episode of Gilmore Girls.
- Hang out at Oakham Cafe (aka TMU’s version of Luke’s Diner)
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Lorelai and Rory Gilmore are usually found sipping coffee at Luke’s Diner in Stars Hollow. My version of Luke’s is Oakham Cafe — with its cozy dining room, mouth-watering food menu and delicious (and affordable) coffee.
Oakham Cafe is my first choice on campus when I need a caffeine fix and a bite. It’s the perfect spot to eat and study — just like Rory does at Luke’s Diner!
- Cozy up in Rory-inspired knitwear or Luke’s favourite flannel
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Gilmore Girls is filled with fashion inspiration, but perhaps the most iconic piece is Rory’s oversized knit sweater worn in the pilot episode.
The sweater is cozy, cute and versatile; pair it with jeans like Rory or dress it up with tights and heeled boots for a Lorelai-esque look. Or, wrap yourself in a flannel shirt, baseball cap and jeans to copy Luke’s daily “uniform.”
Thrift stores are the best spots to find cozy fall attire. My personal favourites are Common Sort and Expo.
- Take a trip to Stars Hollow at the Kew Gardens Gazebo
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Check out Kew Gardens in The Beaches for its picturesque gazebo, similar to the Stars Hollow landmark. Pack your picnic basket and bring the Lane to your Rory for the ultimate Gilmore Girls picnic.
You can find the perfect study tree inspired by Rory’s treasured Yale study spot here. Don’t forget to take your picture at the gazebo as you live out your Stars Hollow dream.
- Study at a Toronto Public Library location
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Make Rory and Paris proud by studying at one of the Toronto Public Library branches. The Toronto Reference Library and Lillian H. Smith are my favourites for their aesthetic design, expansive catalogue, and quiet study spaces. Even Jess could be convinced to study at these locations with their seemingly endless shelves of books.
- Find your fall soundtrack in Toronto’s music scene
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Lane would spend her days browsing the collections at Kops Records Danforth and her evenings playing drums at iconic Toronto venues such as The Baby G and The Garrison.
Shuffle a Gilmore Girls playlist with tunes by Carole King, The La’s and Sam Phillips while you find hidden gems at local record stores like Dead Dog Records. At night, hit Toronto’s live music scene to find the perfect fall soundtrack.
