Why We Rewatch Gilmore Girls Every Fall (And Why Bellville Feels a Lot Like Stars Hollow)

Photo from Handcrafted Over Tea

Why is it that when the leaves start falling and the weather cools, we reach for a Gilmore Girls fall rewatch? What makes it so lovable, and why do we cue it up every autumn? While there isn’t much research on Gilmore Girls specifically, many researchers pinpoint our love for comfort shows and nostalgic TV rewatches to their reliability and emotional warmth. Add the series’ autumn aesthetic, cozy coffee shop energy, and small-town charm, and it’s the perfect fall tradition for Gilmore Girls fans everywhere.

Bellville, Texas isn’t an exact replica of Stars Hollow, but there are plenty of similarities that make both places feel like “home.” Each centers on a walkable town square filled with local shops, cafes, and community spots—Stars Hollow has Luke’s Diner, Miss Patty’s, and the gazebo, while Bellville has The Gathery, Huff Brewing Company, and the Austin County Courthouse. These spots are beloved local staples: reliably good, and the kind of places people are excited to revisit again and again. It’s the kind of small-town experience that brings Stars Hollow vibes right to the heart of Texas.

Stars Hollow may have Civil War re-enactors, but Bellville has its own Market Day tradition. On the first Saturday of the month, around noon, vendors line the streets with fresh produce, baked goods, and handmade crafts. There’s even a playful historic jailbreak reenactment in front of the old jailhouse! It’s something you won’t get anywhere else, and the Bellville Farmers Market alone draws visitors from Houston, Brenham, and Austin looking for that authentic small-town fall festival feel.

The show radiates fall, and Bellville is packed with autumn things to do in Texas. Market Days are huge, we’ve got the fair and the rodeo, and just down the road in Chappell Hill, you’ll find a Scarecrow Festival that’s perfect for welcoming the season. This year, the Austin County Fair and Rodeo kicks off on October 4th, with the rodeo following on the 8th. A rodeo might not be in Stars Hollow, but it’s a local Texas staple—a cultural experience you won’t want to miss. If you’re planning a Gilmore Girls-inspired weekend getaway, Bellville is one of the best fall towns in Texas to visit.

We’re also excited to have opened the season with a crafting session hosted by Handcrafted Over Tea, our cozy craft community in Bellville that blends history, creativity, and connection. On October 11th, we hosted an open-air crafting event and a Gilmore Girls-inspired fall hangout at The Ferns, a historic guesthouse. Everyone showed up with their own creative flair and project to work on—from writing and quilting to junk journaling—there was a wonderful mix of mediums. The Ferns might not be the Dragonfly Inn, but we’re going for the same warm, welcoming vibe that Gilmore Girls fans love.

Photo from Handcrafted Over Tea

This will be the first of many HoT Flashes: bite-sized craft gatherings designed to help you slow down, make something lovely, and meet friendly faces. Bring your own project, and we’ll happily offer guidance as we’re able. We’ll have coffee (coffee, coffee!), and a curated lineup of autumn Gilmore Girls episodes playing in the background. No tickets required—just bring your cozy-season spirit.

Let us know if you’ll be able to make it and join the Handcrafted Over Tea community in Bellville for more fall workshops and creative meetups.