I Found the Dreamiest Fall Airbnb in Camden, Maine—And Every ‘Gilmore Girls’ Fan Needs to Book It

Living on the east coast my entire life, I always have to remind myself to savor fall. Summer is sacred to me, but there are only so many weekends to squeeze in all the pumpkin picking, leaf-peeping and corn maze-ing—all while keeping up with my annual Gilmore Girls rewatch. If you’re not careful, you’ll blink and the Christmas tree will be up before you even had a chance to eat one apple cider doughnut. It’s not until October 1 that I can let myself switch into autumn mode. But once that day hits—cue Luke Danes—"I’m all in.”

So that’s why this year, I spent the first weekend of October jetting off from New York City to Camden, Maine, for a cozy fall getaway that gave major Stars Hollow vibes—that is, if Stars Hollow were coastal. Same small-town New England charm—just with lots of lobster, sail boats and blueberry-flavored everything.

Here, my review of The Camden Cottage—with all of the things to do (and eat!) during your stay.

This Airbnb in one word? Cottagecore. From the outside, it’s weathered but charming. Its rustic exterior looks homey and lived-in (but not worn out). The first thing I saw when I walked in from the mudroom was the dusty green cabinetry and retro Smeg appliances in the kitchen, giving off a vintage charm. I could immediately tell that everything looked newly renovated, but the driftwood-inspired furniture and old-school coastal decor made it feel like I was staying somewhere with history.

Fast Facts

• Sleeps: 4
• Bed/Bath: 2/2
• Rate: from $531/night

The nonstop flight from LaGuardia Airport (LGA) to Portland International Jetport (PWM) took about 1 hour and 20 minutes. After picking up a rental car at the airport, I drove about 1 hour and 45 minutes to Camden, Maine.

If you’re driving from NYC, it’ll likely take you about 6 to 7 hours, without major traffic.

• 8 Bell’s Pub for drinks and sausage rolls
• Own & Turtle Bookshop Cafe for morning coffee and pastries
• Scott’s Place for lobster rolls
• Camden Deli for sandwiches and blueberry beer overlooking the harbor
• Salt Wharf for fresh local fare, craft cocktails and harbor views
• The Place Bakery for award-winning baked goods
• River Duck’s for an ice cream cone
• Franny’s Bistro for seafood and bistro classics

• Hike a scenic trail or drive up Mount Battie’s paved auto road for gorgeous panoramic views of Camden Harbor, Penobscot Bay and Maine’s coastline
• Roam the Camden Public Library
• Shop downtown (The Leather Bench, Smiling Cow, Motifs, Upper Vintage, Harth & Harrow and Glendarragh Farm Lavender Gift Shop—to name a few)
• Drive to Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse on the way back to Portland
• Visit the Camden Harbor Arts Fair (takes place in both July and October)
• Take a boat tour with Camden Harbor Cruises to learn all about lobstering and check out historical lighthouses on the rugged Maine coast

One important note for getting around: a car is definitely necessary. Don’t rely on Ubers or Lyfts for getting around Camden. I found it nearly impossible to get matched with a driver.

If you’re looking for the quintessential storybook New England town for a fun fall weekend, copy my itinerary and you won’t be disappointed. Next up, I think I need to see what Camden is like in the summertime.