The second annual Destination Stars Hollow is less than a month away, and local businesses are going all-in on bringing the Gilmore Girls’ hometown to life.
Last year, the event shattered expectations when 40,000 attendees showed up, nearly three times the 15,000 anticipated. To combat the crowds, organizers Laura Boote and Kathleen London extended this year’s return to three days, including a VIP Night on Friday and full-access Saturday and Sunday.
With nearly 40 local businesses participating Sept. 19-21, Destination Stars Hollow promises to be game-changing for mom-and-pop shops.
Here’s a few we think you should check out:
Two Dandelions Bookshop
428 W. Main St. (Stars Hollow Books)
Two Dandelions will reprise the role of Stars Hollow Books in 2025. The business will offer exclusive event merch to VIPs on Friday, including a limited edition puzzle.
Last year, the shop had displays of books featured on the show and visitors could vote for their favorite classic. The business also sold copies of “The Third Gilmore Girl” by actress Kelly Bishop and memoirs from actress Lauren Graham.
The Artisan’s Bench
307 W. Main St. (Look-a-Like Contest)
When he opened The Artisan’s Bench in 2011, Colin Miller completely remodeled the interior and exterior of the storefront. It covers two stories with nearly 4,000 square-feet chock full of homemade items: rugs, blankets, handmade jewelry, kitchenware, keychains, things customers have never even heard of.
Customers can find $22 mugs alongside $7,000 works of art, and everything in between. Practically all items are American-made, and Miller estimates about 60% are created in Michigan.
Last year, The Artisan’s Bench acted as Luke’s Apartment. In 2025, the store is hosting a VIP Look-a-Like Contest.
El Arbol Taqueria
140 W. Main St. (Al’s Pancake World)
Last year, El Arbol transformed into the iconic — and slightly infamous — Al’s Pancake World. While neither the restaurant nor its owner were ever actually seen in the show, Al’s chaotic rotating international menu was frequently mentioned, from his Salute to Paraguay to the Chicken Chow Mein Sandwich on Chinese Night.
Thankfully, El Arbol will be sticking to canned margaritas and “International Grab Bags” on Friday, hopefully with no questionable clams.
Oh My Lolli
421 Mill Pond Lane (Taylor’s Olde Fashioned Soda Shoppe)
Oh My Lolli will once again transform into Taylor’s Olde Fashioned Soda Shoppe, offering candy, exclusive merchandise and photos with a Taylor Doose impersonator. The longtime candy boutique is known for making hard candy from scratch in endlessly interesting flavors.
The Spice and Tea Exchange of Brighton
322 W. Main St. (Emily’s High Tea)
The Spice and Tea Exchange, a brand new shop, will open just in time for Destination Stars Hollow. Attendees can visit the store for character-inspired raffle baskets, then put on character costumes and become a live mannequin in a tea scene. Groups of four can sign up to be featured in Emily’s High Tea.
Shoppers can expect to find custom spice blends, a wide variety of loose-leaf teas, salts, sugars, olive oils, candles and other gifts.
— Contact reporter Tess Ware at tware@livingstondaily.com.
This article originally appeared on Livingston Daily: You need to visit these five businesses during Destination Stars Hollow in Brighton
Reporting by Tess Ware, Livingston Daily / Livingston Daily
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