I visited this fall Hallmark town near Toronto and felt like I was in a cozy autumn film

The views expressed in this Opinion article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Narcity Media.

Streets brimming with fall decor, cozy cups of coffee, quaint shops and a charming gazebo might sound like something straight out of Gilmore Girls, but this is the scene that greeted me in this cute small town near Toronto.

I took a weekend trip to Port Perry, located just an hour away from the city. The little town is perched on the shores of Lake Scugog and boasts a historic Main Street filled with local shops.

Port Perry has actually been the scene of several television shows and films, including Hallmark's cozy Home for Harvest, so I figured fall was the perfect time to visit.

The Main Street truly does resemble a scene from a Hallmark film. The historic buildings and store windows filled with leaves and pumpkins added to the dreamy fall atmosphere.

I enjoyed some lunch at The Piano Inn & Cafe, an old-world spot that has hosted some big-name celebs including Patrick Dempsey. The building swept me back in time with its high ceilings and little nooks.

A meal at the Piano Café.Madeline Forsyth | Narcity

The menu features a range of salads, sandwiches and more, and the quiche was definitely a winner for me.

In true Gilmore girl-fashion, my next stop was the local cafe called Nexus Coffee Company where I ordered a steaming cup of pumpkin spice latte.

A pumpkin spice latte.Madeline Forsyth | Narcity

Coffee in hand, I was ready to explore the Main Street. There are so many shops and boutiques to check out. You can find pretty much everything here, from local produce to clothes and home goods.

Port Perry Main Street.Madeline Forsyth | Narcity

Some of my favourite spots that I visited were Brock’s which sells all sorts of cozy sweaters, The Wee Tartan Shop where I picked out the perfect fall jacket and Branching Out where I found the best-smelling pumpkin candle ever.

A candle from Branching Out.Madeline Forsyth | Narcity

I found even more trinkets and goods at the the Port Perry Farmers' Market, which takes place on Saturdays until Thanksgiving and offers gorgeous lake views.

After browsing, I wandered through Palmer Park and past a charming gazebo with Stars Hollow vibes.

Port Perry gazebo.Madeline Forsyth | Narcity

To finish off the day in the sweetest way possible, I paid a visit to The Nutty Chocolatier and Hank's Pastries. Both shops are overflowing with storybook charm and drool-worthy treats (I'm still dreaming about the salted caramel fudge from the chocolate shop).

Whether you're looking for a romantic fall outing with your partner or a fun day trip with friends, Port Perry offers all sorts of Hallmark vibes and is a magical autumn escape.

Port Perry Website