The Gilmore Girls Take Pittsburgh: Adventures for Every Character

Every fall, I find myself right back in Stars Hollow — coffee in hand, a cozy blanket nearby, and “Where You Lead” by Carole King playing like a ritual. But as the show celebrates its 25th anniversary, I started wondering: What if the Gilmore Girls spent a weekend here in Pittsburgh?

Our city is full of quirky, creative charm that the Gilmores Girls would undoubtedly love. So grab a coffee and check out how each of the Stars Hollow residents would spend their perfect Pittsburgh day:

LORELAI GILMORE

  • Stay at The Inn on Negley – a beautifully restored period home located in the heart of Pittsburgh's charming and historic Shadyside neighborhood.
  • Start the day at Pamela’s Diner – unlimited refills on coffee and crepe-style pancakes the size of your head.
  • Shop and stroll Lawrenceville – think whimsical boutiques, vintage style and fun activities along the way. We think Lorelai would buy all of her souvenirs at Wildcard!
  • Lunch at Primanti Bros. in the Strip District – and after downing an Almost Famous sandwich, she’d still have room for a burnt almond torte and a quick stop at Grandpa Joe’s Candy.
  • Grab a mid-afternoon pick-me-up at De Fer Coffee & Tea – let’s be real, Lorelai would likely stop at every coffee shop she passes throughout the day. Pro-tip: the Strip District location is the perfect place for people watching, too.
  • Spend the rest of the afternoon at the Andy Warhol Museum – it’s the perfect place for a dose of pop culture and color. Don’t forget to take a selfie with the silver balloons and visit the Factory to screen print a shirt or tote bag!
  • Happy Hour at Lorelei – you know Lorelai would insist on checking out this eclectic spot, even if only to tell them that they got the spelling wrong.
  • Dinner at Chengdu Gourmet or Alberta’s Pizza – both inspired by her love for takeout, but we insist on grabbing a table to enjoy the experience.
The Andy Warhol Museum

RORY GILMORE

  • Stay at the Joinery Hotel – this trendy yet historic hotel offers plenty of nooks to hang out with a good book and a vintage record playing.
  • Grab a coffee and a pastry from La Gourmandine – a little taste of France with delicious baked goods, breakfast pastries, bread and more.
  • Head to White Whale Bookstore – start the morning off slow, perusing one of Pittsburgh’s beloved independent bookstores.
  • Explore the Carnegie Museums of Art & Natural History – two museums for one admission, you can spend hours taking it all in and still have so much to learn. If you get hungry, take a break for lunch at The Café Carnegie, and also be sure to stop in the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh right next door.
  • Stroll Schenley Park – take in the fall foliage and find the perfect tree to rest against with your new read.
  • Attend a lecture or performance at City of Asylum – Rory would love the atmosphere as well as their mission as the world's largest sanctuary for writers in exile.
  • Dinner at Bombay to the Burgh – this authentic Indian restaurant is calling Rory’s name.
  • Placate your sweet tooth at Butterwood Bake Consortium – the perfect place to end the night with tea, cake and some introspection time.
The Joinery Hotel

LUKE DANES

  • Stay at Shipp’s Creek – we all know Luke doesn’t seem like a center-city hotel guy, so this rental offers plenty of space set back on a creek in the Laurel Highlands.
  • Breakfast at DeLuca’s Diner – this classic greasy-spoon offers a hearty start to the day.
  • Fishing at Moraine State Park – take a short trip out of the city to spend the day in nature with plenty of peace and quiet.
  • Catch a game at PNC Park – continuously recognized as one of the best ballparks in the America. Plus, Luke would fit right in with Pittsburgh Pirates fans (grumbling optional).
  • Grab a beer at Eleventh Hour Brewing – grab a stool at the bar with a front-row seat to the brewing process.
  • Dinner at Girasole – this authentic Italian restaurant gives Sniffy’s Tavern. He’d likely make friends with Owner Jimmy Gerasole, too.
PNC Park
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Dave DiCello

RICHARD & EMILY GILMORE

Grand Concourse
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Serena Brooks Photography

SOOKIE ST. JAMES & JACKSON BELLEVILLE

  • Stay at The Inn at Negley – not only does this inn offer excellent accommodations, but it’s also well-known for a fantastic chef-prepared brunch.
  • Breakfast at Mediterra Café – this artisan bakery and café is bound to impress.
  • Shopping for specialty ingredients in the Strip District – they’d also make a special trip to Steel City Salt Company in Millvale and the Bloomfield Farmer’s Market.
  • Take a Burgh Bits & Bites Food Tour – they’d come back again and again to take tours in every neighborhood offered.
  • Dinner at Scratch & Co. – every detail of each menu and service is crafted with intention, care and locally-sourced ingredients.
  • Cooking Class at Enrico’s Biscotti – the perfect date night activity for this foodie couple.
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Sarah Coker

Lane Kim

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The Government Center
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VisitPITTSBURGH
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The Government Center
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VisitPITTSBURGH

Jess Mariano

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VisitPITTSBURGH
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VisitPITTSBURGH

Logan Huntzberger

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The Oaklander Hotel
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The Oaklander Hotel

Dean Forester

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Pittsburgh Steelers
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Pittsburgh Steelers

Kirk Gleason

Miss Patty

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Duane Rieder
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Duane Rieder

Babbette & Morey Dell

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burghnosh
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burghnosh

Taylor Doose

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Gateway Clipper Fleet
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Gateway Clipper Fleet

Michel Gerard

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Julie Kahlbaugh
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Julie Kahlbaugh

Pittsburgh may not have Luke’s Diner or a town troubadour on every corner, but it has that same small-town-meets-big-heart charm that makes Stars Hollow so special. Whether you’re a Lorelai looking for coffee and chaos, a Rory craving quiet corners and good books, or a Sookie ready to taste everything in sight, you’ll find your perfect Gilmore moment right here in our city.

So grab your scarf, press play on that theme song, and plan your own Pittsburgh getaway — Gilmore-style.

Alex Soller

Author

Alex Soller

Communications & Public Relations Manager

A storyteller, food lover and art admirer, thriving in curated chaos. Enjoys long walks on city streets and can usually be found at your local farmer’s market or snuggled up on the couch with her dog.

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