I know you were waiting with baited breath[1] to find out if I found what I was looking for. The answer is yes. I have surpassed U2 in that I found what I was looking for on my search for Stars Hollow. Below are some things I learned to help me on my quest for understanding the world around us.
Connecticut small towns seem to be doing just fine
As we drove along state roads, I was struck how well maintained they were. In general, people drove the speed limit. I got passed a couple of times, but it always felt quite safe.
On top of that, there were tons of small restaurants in these tiny towns that were all established near 1720. The houses were freshly painted and had roofs[2] that were in good repair. There were few chain stores in any of the towns we visited, but many local businesses. The town squares were all well-kept and there were people out and about. On Saturday morning, there was a thriving farmer’s market in one town with trucks that had addresses from all over Connecticut. Many sellers, a few shoppers.
I was born in a small town in Indiana. I have lived in Indiana, New York, New Jersey, Texas, Iowa, and Virginia. I love small towns. In no place I have ever lived have I have seen the small towns exhibit such a robust economy[3]. It got me thinking, Why? What made it ok for the local restaurants and consignment shops and markets to thrive in Connecticut when they certainly do not in Texas[4]. I think the proximity to so much wealth generation, located between Boston and NYC, has to have something to do with it. The very selfishness that drives upper middle-class people out of NYC for space and connection to nature brings their money with them, and those actions seem to generate small vibrant economies in a way that a small town in the middle of Texas won’t experience[5]. The commerce creates taxes that give money for schools and roads and civic projects. Those investments draw more people to visit and live in your small town.
Appearances Matter
Just like in Stars Hollow, everything looked picture perfect. It was the little things that stood out to me. Lines on highways were painted and you could see them[6]. Streets were clean and I didn’t see any weeds in the medians. Yards were mowed and there were flowers beds that looked healthy with vibrant colors[7].
You see, I am not talking about people dressing up. I am talking about dressing up your yard, your street, your house. As quirky as Stars Hollow was, it was always presenting a welcoming face to the world. That feeling was true in the small towns we stopped in and passed by. I also found that feeling in the state park we stopped at for a hike[8].
People aren’t really any nicer to each other in Stars Hollow
We stopped a couple of places for food and drink along our journey[9]. While I tried to smile and be friendly, I wouldn’t say anyone was particularly engaging or wanting to connect with us. On one morning, we went to a place called “Bread” which had a line. The croissants were $5 each[10]. When we asked if there was a restroom we could use, they waved vaguely across the street at another business.
When we reached the other business, yes they had a restroom, but we were forced to buy something else to use it. While there, we noticed they had a service where they would make you a can of your beer or cider of choice to take with you. My asked if any of them were local ciders, and the woman did not recognize what we meant by cider[11]. We gave up trying to figure it out.
It wasn’t that people were rude. It was just like people almost anywhere. Some are nicer than others, but most want you to complete a transaction. They were not looking to make a connection.
Bilbo was right that the journey is there and back again
The trip from NOVA to Connecticut was 300 miles each way. We travelled through New Jersey (where we had once lived) and through the northern tip of NYC. We made great time for a holiday weekend, and I have no regrets. The trip was exactly what I hoped it would be and could have been an episode of the Gilmore Girls. Husband and I were both happy to get home to our hot, sweaty, humid NOVA weather.
I think we caught a glimpse of Stars Hollow. I probably would have felt more of the vibe had we gone into an antique place or shopped at a farmer’s market. But, I was scared. It struck me as we were in small town Connecticut, how if you consider the show, it is making fun of everyone and their idiosyncrasies. I didn’t want to DO that or EXPERIENCE that. So, we did what we came for and headed home.
I would recommend a visit to the area 100%. You will find what you seek, which is generally the case in life. I could even see living there had we made different choices in life and hadn’t gone off to Texas 20 years ago. I both found Stars Hollow and didn’t look hard enough for it. Which, if you think about it, was part of the plan.
[1] Possibly baited with Kraken
[2] I noticed this mostly because we just had to replace our roof. Not because of a storm, but because of age. So it was all on us.
[3] In truth, we lived in New York City for 15 months and didn’t visit many small towns there. I have driven through upstate New York a couple of times, but I don’t remember the small towns being so wealthy in NY.
[4] Sorry, Texas. And Indiana. I have seen many small towns that are really just gas stops now…
[5] Just like in the original Cars movie.
[6] Hello, Texas and US290 into Houston. I couldn’t see the lane lines there at all in February 2020.
[7] It rained the whole time we were there, and that might have had something to do with it.
[8] Although, in a twist of irony at the Connecticut State Park, you had to pay to park by phone and the signal there was lousy. $12 if you paid online and $75 if you didn’t pay and had to be evicted. Luckily, we were able to make the payment with one bar of signal.
[9] Sadly, my favorite stop, as always was Costco. I am possessed by a love of Costco, and I own it.
[10] Quite yummy, but pricey.
[11] Hard Cider. British Cider. I know you are waiting for the Letter for Zerrius about that!