"...I'll tell ya, location, location, location..." | part one

"I could ask Patty for you if you want. Sometimes she gets the news first, 'cause her phone line picks up other people's conversations, something about proximity to the power liens. I'll tell ya, location, location, location." -Babette to Luke (during the opening of The Dragonfly Inn, 4x22, 'Raincoats + Recipes')

Most of the Gilmore Girls world is based on the Warner Brothers Studio lot in Burbank, CA. Stars Hollow, of course, including Lorelai's house, Sookie's house, Mrs. Kim's Antiques, the church, the gazebo, Miss Patty's (which is no longer on the lot), Stars Hollow High, etc. 

One of my very favorite things to do when I'm in LA is to track down the locations of my favorite films and TV shows. I've always had a fascination for this part of the industry. Maybe because it makes me feel like I'm part of the show, or story, in some small way? I'm not sure, but there's a magic I feel like I'm chasing when I'm able to find a location and visit it. So, of course, I've had to do it with many Gilmore Girls locations in scenes over the years. 

A few of the lesser knowns on the lot are: The park where Rory's study tree at Yale is. The backside "courtyard" (or outside) of Chilton, like when Rory graduates from high school. It was also used for a few other less significant scenes, like in "

Another spot on the lot I recently found out about from Scott Patterson's "I Am All In" podcast/Instagram. It was Sniffy's Restaurant, where Luke and Lorelai have their first date. And, after he pointed out the spot on the lot, I realized many of the restaurant/bar scenes from the series (and other shows that have filmed on the lot) seem to have taken place there. Like Lorelai's iconic scene of "I Will Always Love You" near the end of the OG series. 

But, perhaps one of the most recognizable and most often used is the Greystone Mansion, which was Chilton Academy for various scenes during the high school years. It's also one of the most beautiful locations I've ever visited and one of my favorite spots in LA. For Chilton, they used a lot of interior shots, through the hallways, the intricately detailed bannisters and staircases, as well as outside shots near the water fountain/moat area and courtyard, for the "I love you, you idiot scene" and Rory's graduation. I've actually known a couple of people who have held their wedding their, too. It's that kind of venue. 

Another on location spot: The Sea Sprite Motel from 4x17, "Girls in Bikinis, Boys Doin' the Twist" - *spoiler alert* it's not in Florida, it's actually in Hermosa Beach and it's called The Strand. I happened to be there for a Galentine's Day weekend, spotted it and thought, 'wait, that looks like...' I texted my mom and she said it looked like it. Then, I Googled it to confirm, it was indeed the GG Spring Break Motel. 

Another beach-themed setting: When Jess visits his dad in California; 3x21, "Here Comes the Son" - The Santa Monica Pier/Merry Go Round; the beach and Venice. 

I'll have more stories to come about other locations from the past and others in the future. What would you like to hear or know more about? What do you want to see in the future? 

That's all for now, 

Shelby