Five Things to Do During a Twilight Vacation in Forks, Washington

Reality and fiction blend when Twilight fans travel to the logging town of Forks, Washington, the primary setting of Stephenie Meyer's vampire romance novels and movies. Meyer found Forks via an Internet search when seeking a rainy town to base the books. Ironically, none of the Twilight movies were filmed in this town of about 3,100 residents, yet fans are flocking to this Olympic Peninsula community to see the fictional world Meyer created. Following are five things to see during a Twilight vacation in Forks.

Forks Visitor Information Center is a Must-See During a Twilight Vacation to Forks, Wash.
The first stop during a Twilight vacation should be the Visitor Information Center operated by the Forks Chamber of Commerce. It is located on the south side of town off Highway 101 (1411 S Forks Ave.; Tel: 360-374-2531). Arrive early as the center closes at 4 p.m. Bella's red Chevy truck is located outside and a great photo opportunity any time of the time. Inside find a small Twilight museum with memorabilia including photos, movie posters, and Dr. Cullen's laboratory coat. Fans can pose with a cardboard cutout of Edward Cullen and pick up a map highlighting Twilight-themed points of interest including driving directions along with Twilight trivia. Twilight guidebooks, jewelry and T-shirts are available for sale, too.

Visit the Forks Timber Museum During a Twilight Vacation
Forks Timber Museum is not related to Twilight but is located next to the Forks Visitor Information Center and offers an interesting look into the history of the area's timber and logging industry. Exhibits include tools, machinery and logging lingo. Donations are appreciated and call for hours of operation as they vary throughout the year. (1421 S Forks Ave.; Tel: 360-374-9663)

Read Esme Cullen's Message to Twilight Fans
The Twilight self-guided tour has half-a-dozen sites but if there is only time for one, stop at Miller Tree Bed and Breakfast (654 E. Division St.; Tel: 360-374-6806 ) and read the daily message written by Esme Cullen on the family's activities. Twilight fans are welcome to walk onto the porch to read the message and take photographs but are asked not to disturb guests. The bed and breakfast maintains a blog called The Cullen House (http://cullenhouse.blogspot.com) and write posts about Forks, Twilight and the adventures of "Pocket Edward," an Edward Cullen doll.

Shop for Souvenirs in Dazzled by Twilight
Several Forks shops sell Twilight souvenirs but Dazzled by Twilight (11 North Forks Ave.; Tel: 360-374-5101) is not only a shop but an awesome experience. Although a bit dark, this shop is decked out floor to ceiling in an outdoor Twilight theme. Detail is incredible with carpeting simulating grass, tiny white lights twinkling, and a faux tree bringing the outdoors inside. Souvenirs are plentiful including Twilight candy bars, dolls, jewelry, T-shirts and the novels.

If time permits, just a few steps down the sidewalk from Dazzled by Twilight is the Tour Depot. Visitors can shop for additional Twilight gifts and take a guided tour of Forks and La Push.

Have a Twilight Bite to Eat When Traveling to Forks
Satisfy the hunger by visiting one of several Forks restaurants that serve Twilight-inspired menu items. Get that small-town feel encapsulated in the Twilight series at Sully's Drive-In (220 North Forks Ave.; Tel: 360-374-5075) to enjoy the "Bella Burger." Making this hamburger special is the sauce, Swiss cheese and pineapple.

Whether a member of Team Edward or Team Jacob or just someone who appreciates pop culture, travel to Forks, Washington, is worth the trip to experience the fictional world of Twilight.

Sources:
April 2010 Visit
Forks Chamber of Commerce http://www.forkswa.com
Miller Tree Bed and Breakfast http://www.millertreeinn.com
Dazzled by Twilight http://dazzledbytwilight.com