Wait, is Golden the ‘Stars Hollow’ of Colorado?
The stereotypical small town where everything is perfect only exists on television, right? Hallmark type towns couldn’t possibly be real, could they? Maybe so, but there’s something oddly familiar about Golden, Colorado and a fictional small town everyone falls in love with every autumn.
If you’ve ever watched Gilmore Girls, then you have to be familiar with the beloved Stars Hollow, a tiny New England town in Connecticut. It’s about as wholesome of a town that you could possibly imagine - everyone knows everyone, they have quirky community events, regular celebrations, and a charming downtown where everyone seems to gather. And guess what? Golden, Colorado isn’t that different.
Below are the 6 key features that are shared by both Stars Hollow and Golden, CO.
1. Quaint, Small-Town Aesthetic
Golden is the Western version of the New England based Stars Hollow. Every local and visitor is welcomed with a cheerful "Howdy Folks" displayed proudly on the iconic arch over Washington Avenue. Like the fictional town, downtown Golden is brimming with charm: cozy cafes, historic architecture, and local parks, like Lions Park and Parfet Park, which are popular gathering places for locals to picnic, play, and connect. Although there is no Luke’s Diner, the Windy Saddle Cafe on the main strip (Washington Ave.) comes pretty close, minus the grumpy owner. Here you’ll find delicious coffee, pastries, and lunch dishes.
2. Quirky Traditions
Stars Hollow has several quirky traditions like the Festival of Living Art, the annual Picnic Basket Auction, and the Revolutionary War Reenactment that Luke hates every year. Golden has a few of it’s own quirky annual events as well. The most notable being Goldens in Golden, a celebration of Golden Retrievers where there are, quite literally, hundreds of golden dogs roaming around town. Another popular event in Golden are the Buffalo Bill Days where they honor the local legend, Buffalo Bill. This is an annual week-long celebration that kicks off with a parade, followed by live music, performances, and rodeo shows.
3. Connection to Nature
Just like Stars Hollow is surrounded by beautiful landscapes, so is Golden. In fact, Clear Creek is the heart and soul of this Colorado mountain town. If you’re not familiar, Clear Creek attracts thousands of visitors every summer as it is one of the most popular river tubing destinations in Colorado. It’s a great way to cool off in the hot summer months. In addition to the creek, there are numerous biking paths, hiking trails, and green space for other nature oriented activities. Being outside is just part of living in Golden. Also, in case you’re wondering, Golden does get all four seasons and it’s an absolute wonder to see Golden transform into a sea of yellow in the Fall.
4. Key Landmarks
If Golden became the setting of a show, there would be so many iconic landmarks! The welcome arch over Washington Ave. that reads “Howdy Folks! Welcome to Golden Where the West Lives” is the most notable by far. For natural landmarks, South Table Mountain is the most familiar backdrop of Golden, as well is the giant “M” on Mt. Zion, especially for the School of Mines students. Iconic restaurants and businesses include the Table Mountain Inn, Buffalo Rose, Woody’s Woodfired Pizza, and Golden Goods General Mercantile to name a few. You can’t forget the Coors factory, which you’re reminded of frequently be the smell of yeast in the air. Sadly, the only thing missing from Golden is a gazebo!
5. Frequent Community Events
Community events are the heartbeat of Stars Hollow, bringing everyone together with a shared sense of joy and tradition. Golden mirrors this spirit with its own lineup of regular gatherings lie the weekly farmers market where you can find locally grown fruits, vegetables and artisan goods. Golden also shines during the holidays with special events that could easily feel at home in an episode of Gilmore Girls. The Olde Golden Candlelight Walk, held before Christmas, lights up the streets with glowing lanterns, carolers, and a festive atmosphere. In the spring, the annual Easter egg hunt invites families to gather and celebrate the season in true small-town style. These events embody the kind of wholesome community spirit that makes Golden feel like Colorado’s own version of Stars Hollow.
6. Tight-Knit Community
Although I can’t say if there’s a town gossip like Miss Patty or a Kirk-like character with an endless list of odd jobs, I can say this is a community that cares. Even during ordinary days, Golden exudes a sense of togetherness. The bustling Clear Creek corridor and lively downtown streets are proof of a community that embraces outdoor life and shared experiences. Whether it’s a picnic at Lions Park, or a coffee date at Windy Saddle Café, Golden’s residents create a welcoming environment that makes everyone feel at home.
In Golden, it’s the people and their connections that truly make the town shine. This spirit of collaboration, celebration, and mutual care is what defines Golden as a modern-day Stars Hollow—a place where life is richer because it’s shared.
