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Stars Hollow
There’s something irresistible about the winding roads and cozy corners of Stars Hollow, the beloved backdrop of Gilmore Girls. People wish for a town like this because it feels like a warm hug—there’s always a friendly face at Luke’s Diner and a quirky event happening on the green. The small-town festivals, from the annual Autumn Festival to the Firelight Festival, draw everyone together, making even visitors feel like locals. According to Travel + Leisure, Americans are increasingly seeking out towns with that authentic, “everyone-knows-your-name” vibe, and Stars Hollow fits the bill perfectly. Its sense of community is rare in today’s fast-paced world, with town meetings led by the stubborn yet lovable Taylor Doose and neighbors who are more like family. Even the architecture, with its iconic gazebo and twinkling lights, feels like something out of a storybook. Living here would mean trading car horns for church bells and city stress for endless cups of coffee and heartfelt conversations.
Hobbiton
Hobbiton from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit isn’t just a fantasy—it has become a real-world destination in Matamata, New Zealand, where over 300,000 fans visit every year, according to the official Hobbiton Movie Set. The rolling green hills, colorful gardens, and round hobbit holes give it a magical, tranquil feel. People are drawn to Hobbiton’s lifestyle: slow mornings, hearty meals, and the idea of “second breakfast.” It’s a place where community matters and the hardest decision of the day might be whether to garden or enjoy tea with neighbors. The simple pleasures here—like a walk over Bagshot Row or a pint at The Green Dragon Inn—remind us of the joy in slowing down and appreciating life’s little moments. With its lush landscapes and peaceful atmosphere, Hobbiton is the dream village for anyone tired of the noise and rush of modern life. Living here would be like stepping into a painting where every day feels like spring.
Pawnee, Indiana
Pawnee, Indiana, is wonderfully chaotic, a place where the townspeople’s oddball traditions and passionate involvement make every day unpredictable. Parks and Recreation turned this fictional town into a symbol of how community spirit and civic engagement can really make a place shine. Under Leslie Knope’s leadership, Pawnee’s government is more than bureaucracy—it’s about caring deeply and fighting for what’s right, whether that’s building a park or hosting the raucous Harvest Festival. The National League of Cities reports that local initiatives, just like Pawnee’s, boost happiness and connection among residents. Pawnee’s parade of wild festivals, strange murals, and over-the-top events makes it endearing—who wouldn’t want to live somewhere that celebrates “Treat Yo’ Self” day? The town is a mix of heart, humor, and hope, showing that even the weirdest places can feel like home. It’s a reminder that real community is built on the quirks and kindness of its people.
Hawkins, Indiana
Hawkins might be crawling with otherworldly monsters, but it’s also a nostalgic paradise for anyone who grew up in the 1980s. The friendships between Eleven, Mike, Dustin, and the rest of the crew are the kind of bonds people dream of having. Stranger Things has sparked a new love for retro pop culture, with Statista reporting a big boost in demand for 1980s-themed experiences. The small-town feel, with its diners, arcades, and hidden secrets, makes Hawkins feel both dangerous and safe—like a place where adventure is always around the corner, but home is never far away. The show’s waffles, walkie-talkies, and bike rides remind us of a simpler time, when summer meant exploring the unknown with friends. Hawkins might have its share of danger, but it also promises excitement, loyalty, and the thrill of the unknown. It’s easy to imagine wanting to be part of the gang, saving the world one Demogorgon at a time.
Gravity Falls
Gravity Falls is a paradise for anyone who craves the weird and mysterious. Surrounded by endless forests and filled with cryptids, hidden codes, and supernatural oddities, it’s the kind of town where every day could turn into an adventure. Fans of the show love how Dipper and Mabel Pines unravel the town’s secrets, making it a place where curiosity and courage are rewarded. According to a survey by The Ringer, Gravity Falls has built a devoted following thanks to its clever storytelling and lovable characters. The town’s blend of the cozy and the creepy is perfect for anyone who loves a good puzzle or a late-night campfire tale. Imagine stumbling upon a secret society or finding a map that leads to a new mystery—that’s everyday life in Gravity Falls. Living here would mean never running out of stories to tell or wonders to discover.
Sunnydale, California
Sunnydale, with its sun-soaked streets and classic high school drama, is the setting of Buffy the Vampire Slayer—a place that somehow balances everyday life with the supernatural. The presence of the Hellmouth adds an edge, but it’s the friendships, growth, and resilience of Buffy and her friends that keep viewers hooked. A University of California study found that the show’s blend of horror and humor has had a lasting impact on pop culture, especially among teens who love supernatural stories. Sunnydale feels like the kind of place where anyone could become a hero, facing down monsters both literal and metaphorical. The high school, with its lockers and angst, is the backdrop for epic battles and heartfelt moments. Even with the lurking danger, Sunnydale’s mix of small-town warmth and big adventures gives it an irresistible charm. It’s a reminder that even the most ordinary places can be extraordinary.
Cabot Cove, Maine
Cabot Cove is the cozy, coastal town where Murder, She Wrote’s Jessica Fletcher always seems to find another mystery to solve. Despite its infamous murder rate, viewers are drawn to the picturesque New England charm and sense of close-knit community. The American Film Institute notes that the show’s enduring popularity has elevated Cabot Cove into a template for the cozy mystery genre. The town’s foggy harbors, quaint cottages, and friendly faces make it easy to imagine spending afternoons strolling by the sea or sharing gossip at the local diner. Having Jessica Fletcher as a neighbor would mean never running out of stories (or suspects). The town’s warmth and timeless appeal make it a place where even dark secrets can’t overshadow the sense of belonging. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to curl up with a cup of tea and a good book.
Twin Peaks, Washington
Twin Peaks is haunting, beautiful, and just a little bit off-kilter—a town where the scent of Douglas fir trees mixes with the aroma of cherry pie and damn fine coffee. Fans of the show are captivated by its eerie atmosphere and unforgettable characters, such as Agent Cooper and the mysterious Log Lady. The Atlantic highlights how Twin Peaks has inspired a wave of filmmakers and storytellers, making its surreal style part of television history. The town’s secrets run deep, with every strange event leading to more questions than answers. It’s a place where the everyday mingles with the supernatural, making even a slice of pie feel mysterious. The town’s charm lies in its unpredictability and dreamlike beauty, drawing people who love a good mystery and aren’t afraid of a little weirdness. Living here would feel like stepping into a waking dream, where nothing is ever quite as it seems.
Beacon Hills, California
Beacon Hills is a hotbed of supernatural drama, where werewolves roam the night and teenagers juggle high school with secret societies and monster hunts. Teen Wolf made this suburban town the place to be for anyone who craves excitement and a bit of danger. According to Pew Research Center, supernatural themes are more popular than ever among young audiences, and Beacon Hills captures that blend of fear and fun. The stakes are high, but so are the friendships—the town’s teens are always ready to fight for each other, no matter what lurks in the shadows. The blend of everyday problems (like math homework) and supernatural crises (like full moons) makes life here never, ever boring. The sense of community is strong, with characters supporting each other through thick and thin. Beacon Hills is the ultimate “what if” town, where anyone could be a hero or a monster—or both.
Riverdale
Riverdale is the definition of dramatic, bringing the classic Archie Comics to life with a wild, pulp noir twist. Every corner of the town hides secrets, scandals, and enough plot twists to make your head spin. The show’s over-the-top energy has brought a new generation of fans to the Archie universe, with Deadline reporting a major resurgence in its popularity. Riverdale High is a stage for romance, betrayal, and mystery, where every hallway could lead to a new adventure—or a new drama. Iconic characters like Archie, Betty, and Veronica are constantly navigating friendships and rivalries that keep viewers glued to the screen. The town is always buzzing with excitement, from mysterious crimes to show-stopping musical numbers. Riverdale proves that even the most ordinary places can become extraordinary with the right mix of chaos and charm.
Besides founding Festivaltopia, Luca is the co founder of trib, an art and fashion collectiv you find on several regional events and online. Also he is part of the management board at HORiZONTE, a group travel provider in Germany.
