7 U.S. Towns That Feel Like Anne of Green Gables
There’s something timeless about the world of Anne of Green Gables—sun-drenched meadows, handwritten letters, porch swings, and wild imagination. While Prince Edward Island is the heart of Anne’s story, you can find little pockets of that same charm right here in the U.S.
If you’ve ever longed to step into a storybook world where kindred spirits roam and the ordinary becomes magical, here are five American towns that might just be your own slice of Avonlea.
1. Lititz, Pennsylvania
Quaint, Quiet, and Full of Heart
Lititz is the kind of place where you half expect to run into Anne and Diana walking home from school, arms full of books and mischief. With its brick sidewalks, cozy tea shops, and 18th-century buildings, it radiates small-town warmth. There's even a little mischief in the air, just the way Anne would like it.
Kindred Spirit Stop: Visit Wilbur Chocolate, grab something sweet, and imagine Anne trying to make her own batch—with chaotic results, of course.
2. Wiscasset, Maine
New England’s Hidden Gem
Wiscasset is sometimes called “the prettiest village in Maine”—and it lives up to the title. This tiny coastal town offers harbor views, white picket fences, and historic homes that make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. The slower pace and natural beauty echo Green Gables' pastoral calm.
Kindred Spirit Stop: Pack a lunch and enjoy it by the Sheepscot River, Anne-style—with a bit of daydreaming, of course.
3. Coudersport, Pennsylvania
A Mountain Hamlet Full of Wonder
Nestled in the Pennsylvania Wilds, Coudersport feels untouched by time. Surrounded by forested hills, starry skies, and winding roads, it’s easy to get lost in your thoughts—or in one of Anne’s many elaborate daydreams. It's quiet, soulful, and full of natural beauty.
Kindred Spirit Stop: Stargaze in Cherry Springs State Park. Anne would 100% wax poetic about the Milky Way.
4. Amherst, Massachusetts
Where Literature and Charm Meet
This college town has deep literary roots (hello, Emily Dickinson!) and an old-world charm that fits Anne’s romantic sensibilities. Tree-lined streets, historical homes, and thoughtful bookstores make it a great place for kindred spirits to meet.
Kindred Spirit Stop: Visit the Emily Dickinson Museum and imagine Anne quoting her poetry on a walk through the gardens.
5. Ste. Geneviève, Missouri
French Flair Meets Farmhouse Whimsy
This little town along the Mississippi River is Missouri’s oldest settlement, and it’s full of charm. With stone cottages, flower gardens, and horses grazing nearby, it feels like a forgotten page from a childhood book. Anne would be in love with its character and history.
Kindred Spirit Stop: Tour the preserved French colonial homes and daydream about baking raspberry tarts in one.
6. Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
Seaside Whimsy with a Cottagecore Soul
Okay, hear us out—California might not scream Anne at first, but Carmel is no ordinary beach town. With fairy-tale cottages, hidden courtyards, and winding garden paths, it has a dreamy, artistic vibe that Anne would adore. Plus, the sea air and wildflowers are practically begging for a romantic monologue.
Kindred Spirit Stop: Grab a picnic and read poetry on the bluffs above the ocean—Anne would absolutely approve.
7. Galena, Illinois
Where Time Stands Still
Galena is a hidden gem in the Midwest with cobblestone streets, preserved 1800s architecture, and charming bed-and-breakfasts. It’s easy to imagine Anne getting caught up in one of her melodramatic daydreams as she walks along the riverside trails or explores the ivy-covered old buildings.
Kindred Spirit Stop: Take a historic home tour and picture Marilla’s kitchen or Rachel Lynde gossiping in a parlor window.
Bring Avonlea to Life, One Stop at a Time
These aren’t touristy hotspots—they’re little pockets of charm, filled with the kind of gentle beauty and spirit that Anne would’ve adored. Whether you're chasing autumn leaves, writing in a journal under a tree, or just searching for your next kindred spirit, these towns are a lovely place to start.
