A Gilmore Girls Fall
The Bostonian version of a Gilmore Girls’ Fall.
By Sophia Spiegel
Graphic by Avani Mitra
Beloved characters Rory and Lorelai Gilmore and their passion for all things autumn have become the hallmark of an aesthetic season, better known to fans as "A Gilmore Girls’ Fall." This Gen-Z phrase, taking a seasonal spin on "Hot Girl Summer," embodies the picturesque charm of storybook Connecticut’s small town, Stars Hollow. For those looking to recreate the nostalgic spirit of the season, Boston’s myriad of fall foliage and profound historic character offers a real-life version of the fictional set design that can turn anyone’s Gilmore Girls Fall fantasy into a reality (so much so that if you listen close enough, you may even hear Carole King’s "Where You Lead" echoing throughout the streets).
The Charles River Esplanade: As the city's centerpiece, the Charles River is the ideal urban space to take a break from the books and admire the fall foliage while breathing in the crisp New England air. While BU students can enjoy their own slice of the river known as BU Beach, not far beyond campus is the Charles River Esplanade, also home to BU’s Sailing Pavilion, where students can enjoy river activities, like boating, sailing, and kayaking. Plus, open green spaces, fields, and docks are a perfect place to recreate scenes from the "A-Tisket, A Tasket" episode of season two.
Fall Farm Visits: Venture 35-minutes outside the city limits to Boston Hill Farm in North Andover, where visitors can feed barnyard friends or pick their own cornucopia of apples, pumpkins, and fruits. Alternatively, head to Connor’s Farm, located in Danvers, to test your navigation skills in their legendary seven-acre corn maze. Although technically young adults, BU students can still nurture their inner child with some wholesome family-fun activities and make memories with their friends.
The Ghosts and Gravestones Tours: Ride the Trolley of Terror from "Beantown to Screamtown" and discover some of Boston’s most haunted sites, like The Omni Parker House, a haunted hotel with links to Boston’s most notorious villain, the Boston Strangler. Next, trek through King’s Chapel Burying Ground and bear witness to the history of Ephraim Littlefield’s black-market body trading scandal. As one of America’s oldest cities, Boston certainly has a rich, but dark past in the presence of underground tunnels and public executions, fitting for the spook-seekers of Halloween.
Fall Foods: Some of us wait all year for the return of pumpkin spice-flavored drinks and treats, and for those new to these fall flavors, you can thank us later! Mike's Pastry in the North End is a Bostonian institution and their pumpkin spice cannoli is a must-try. If you prefer ice cream, head to Newbury Street’s Emack and Bolio’s for a pumpkin ice cream cone. If cookies are your thing, check out famed cookie shop Levain’s Fall Chocolate Chunk cookie (Levain has just expanded delivery hours for those late-night cookie cravings!). Jennifer Lee’s Shop has a host of pumpkin and apple cider-flavored donuts and cupcakes which are all vegan and allergy-free. And of course, all treats can be washed down with a Pumpkin Spice Latte from the recently reopened Starbucks on Commonwealth Avenue. Or, for the more adventurous and health-conscious eaters, a Kabocha Squash Latte from Tatte Bakery can fulfill even Lorelai’s infamous coffee cravings.