Road Trippin’ with the (American) Girls

American Girl has charmed Gen Z and they're not afraid to show it.

The American Girl renaissance is thriving, with TikTok fueling a full-blown nostalgia tour.

Gen Z and millennials are putting their dolls back in the spotlight, serving outfit inspo (argyle sweaters, forever), memes, chaotic takes on what each doll would be like in her 20s and spot-on commentary using the girls as tiny, well-dressed avatars for everything from brunch drama to political hot takes. Even the brand’s in on the action, proving the girls still have it.

Photo credit: @americangirl

But let’s be real: this isn’t just about tiny plastic shoes and mini hairbrushes. These dolls had plot. Before we cracked open history books, we were reading about Molly rolling bandages for WWII soldiers, Samantha fighting for workers’ rights in turn-of-the-century New York and Kit reporting on the Great Depression with a typewriter and a whole lot of gumption. The books were our intro to feminism, resilience and the radical idea that girlhood mattered.

And the cultural comeback? Very real. Just ask Madison from Love on the Spectrum (Season 3, Episode 3 — required viewing), whose boyfriend Tyler surprised her with a retired 2007 Nicki doll, making the internet collectively melt. That doll isn’t even in production anymore, meaning he fully eBay-sleuthed it. Madison’s collection? Over 40 dolls deep and easily worth a down payment on a house.

Photo credit: @anathetomato

So, let’s take this offline. We mapped a coast-to-coast American Girl road trip inspired by the hometowns of some of our favorite dolls — from colonial reenactments to cowgirl core. Whether you were a Felicity girl who wanted a horse more than air or a Kit Kittredge stan who lived for a good underdog arc, this one’s for you.

Time to pack your trunk.

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Nicki: Estes Park, CO

2000s cowgirl chic

Nicki repped the ranch life before the Horse Girl movement had a name. In downtown Estes Park, hit up western wear boutiques for fringe, flannel and possibly the biggest belt buckle you've ever seen. Break in your boots at the MacGregor Ranch Museum for Rocky Mountain views and a peek at real-deal homestead life. Bonus stop: The Stanley Hotel, aka Stephen King’s inspo for “The Shining,” for a spooky detour straight out of your haunted daydreams. Check into TRAILBORN Rocky Mountains, a modern mountain lodge in downtown Estes Park at the entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park. Grab tacos and margs at Casa Colina before heading back for nightly campfire s’mores.

Book here, rates from $197.

Molly: Galena, IL

Midwestern charm with a WWII twist

Molly’s fictional town of Jefferson is basically Galena in disguise. This quaint Illinois gem has old-school ice cream parlors, trolley rides and even a hot air balloon festival. Grab a scoop from American Old Fashioned Ice Cream Parlor and pretend you’re brainstorming your next war relief fundraiser with the gals. Casual preteen conversations. Recharge at the historic Hotel Galena, a centrally located inn with a dreamy terrace made for lattes by day, wine by night.

Book here, rates from $121.

Kit: Cincinnati, Ohio

Great Depression grit, but make it modern

Kit was a journalism girlie before Substack during the Great Depression. In modern-day Cincy, hop on the Connector — the free electric streetcar that hits all the hot spots like Findlay Market and Washington Park. Baseball fans can catch a Reds game at Great American Ball Park, then refuel with a plate of Skyline Chili. (We strongly recommend packing Tums.) Check into Kinley Cincinnati Downtown for sleek rooms, bold design and a burger-and-bourbon spot that totally understands the assignment.

Book here, rates from $148.

Felicity: Colonial Williamsburg, VA

Horse girl meets history nerd

Felicity girlies, welcome home. Colonial Williamsburg is an 18th-century time warp, with costumed interpreters, old-timey shops and actual stables. Yes, you can visit horses. No, you can’t adopt one. And yes, we all begged our parents for Felicity’s horse, Penny, like our lives depended on it. After your historical deep dive, grab a pint (or ginger ale) at Shields Tavern and toast to liberty and lace-up boots. Wrap up your colonial experience at the Williamsburg Inn, a regal brick estate so luxe even the Queen has checked in — twice.

Book here, rates from $436.

Samantha: Mount Kisco, NY

Turn-of-the-century elegance IRL

Samantha’s fictional Mount Vernon was inspired by Mount Kisco. It’s just as grand in real life. Tour the mansion that sparked her story, then treat yourself to an over-the-top milkshake from Mt. Kisco Diner. Wrap it up with a stroll through Leonard Park, where we’re pretty sure she and Nellie would’ve gone for long walks and longer chats about social justice. Live out your Gilded Age dreams at Crabtree’s Kittle House in Chappaqua, where farm-to-table fare pairs with cozy-chic rooms perfect for curling up with a good book (à la Samantha).

Book here, rates from $199.