Charming Towns

Ever since I first saw the TV show Gilmore Girls, I have been searching for the fictional town of Stars Hollow – the quintessential New England small town, where everyone knows everyone, and you can walk (or bike) to just about anywhere you’d want to go. I had no idea that after years of looking, I would finally find a real-life Stars Hollow on the Lower Cape: Chatham, Massachusetts.

Chatham is a beautiful and enchanting town, rich in history and tradition. One of my favorite things about the place is its walkability. Main Street is bustling with adorable shops and good restaurants, and the beach and parks are just a short distance away.  It may not be practical to live in a town like Chatham year round, but for a summer getaway, I daresay it’s the perfect place. (Especially if you've also been searching for Stars Hollow for the past 15 years!) Read on for 25 fun things to do while you’re there this summer. Whether you feel like getting in touch with nature and spending time outdoors, catching a ball game, or having some quiet time in a museum with a life-size Yoda, there's something here for everyone in the family (with a focus on the budget-friendly, of course).