Ever since author Stephenie Meyer kicked off her vampire book series with "Twilight," and set it in the towns of Forks, La Push and Port Angeles on Washington's scenic Olympic Peninsula, the region has experienced a tourism boom. Here's how fans of the smash-hit book and movie-and its star-crossed lovers Bella Swan and Edward Cullen-can make the most of a visit to "Twilight Country."
A great place to start is the Forks Chamber of Commerce, 1411 S. Forks Ave., Forks, Washington. Not only is it an excellent resource for "Twilight" fan hotspots, but it's also home to "Bella's Truck"-an old red pick-up that looks like it drove off the pages of Meyer's book--and which is perfect for photo-ops. The Chamber also hosts Twilight Tours and is a free Wi-Fi hotspot.
Another great "Twilight" photo-op can be had at the Forks "Welcome" sign, 550 N. Forks Ave., Forks. Featured prominently in the movie "Twilight," this infamous sign-actually located at both ends of town-has served as a photo backdrop to scores of fans from around the globe and is a popular local icon.
The die-hard fan will want to check out where Bella and Edward first met: Forks High School, 191 S. Spartans Ave., Forks. The home of the Spartans is where the couple attended school-and first met as lab partners-in "Twilight." During the summer, Forks High School often hosts "Twilight" Symposiums, where fans can explore the mythology and folklore contained in the popular book series.
A "Twilight" vacation isn't complete without a visit to Forks Community Hospital, where Dr. Cullen treated Bella after Edward saved her from a scary mishap in the high school parking lot. Located at 530 Bogachiel Way in Forks, the hospital even has a special parking spot reserved for Dr. Cullen-look for the sign! Other nearby points of interest in downtown Forks include: Thriftway, 950 S. Forks Ave.-where Bella grocery shopped and which features a large selection of "Twilight" memorabilia-and the adjacent Forks Outfitters, where Bella worked with Mike Newton.
Another can't-miss diversion is visiting Bella and Edward's respective homes in Forks as described in the book. The Swan House, 775 K St., is where Bella and her father, Charlie lived. Note Bella's upstairs bedroom! Then, check out the Cullen House, 654 E. Division St. where you'll see "Cullen" on the mailbox and messages from Esme on the porch bulletin board. The Cullen house is also an operational bed and breakfast known as the Miller Tree Inn (see Resources below).
Venture over to the nearby town of Port Angeles to eat at Bella Italia, 118 East 1st St. (see Resources below), the Italian restaurant where Bella and Edward have their first impromptu date in "Twilight." You can dine on mushroom ravioli just like Bella!
Top off your trip by exploring First Beach in nearby La Push, the breathtakingly beautiful shoreline where Jacob tells Bella about the Quileute Tribe's ancestral stories and treaty with the Cullens. Be sure to check out the "No Vampires Past This Point" sign at the Quileute/Cullen treaty line.
