Forks, Washington – the next hot destination? The rainy, rural town in western Washington State has gone from a quiet, almost unknown logging location to a travel sensation. The reason? The sensation of "Twilight" – the incredibly popular teen book series about vampires, romance and mystery.
Author Stephanie Meyer decided to set the "Twilight" series in Forks, thanks to its weather. One of the rainiest places in the U.S., its cloudy setting is quite friendly to sun-averse vampires.
When arriving in Forks, drop by the visitors’ center to get a map of area destinations from the films and take a picture with main character Bella’s rusty red truck. From there, travel to dozens of book and film locations, from the Forks Outfitters where Bella works to Carlisle Cullen’s hospital. (And yes, Dr. Cullen has his own reserved parking spot!)
The most popular landmark, however, is Forks High School, which receives dozens visitors each day. Tourists are not allowed inside, but plenty take pictures in the famous parking lot where Edward pushes Bella out of the way of a crashing car and saves her life for the first time.
Other destinations from "Twilight" include the seaside town of La Push, home to the Quileute reservation and Jacob Black. "Twilight" fans can visit First Beach, where Jacob first told Bella that Edward was a vampire.
In the town of Port Angeles, visit the quaint shops and restaurants, including Bella Italia, where Edward and Bella had their first date. Serious "Twilight" fans can order the mushroom ravioli, as Bella did!
But for the ultimate "Twilight" fan, there’s something special in the town of Forks: The Miller Tree Bed & Breakfast has been designated the Cullens’ official home in Forks. Though it was not the location of the house in the movie, the bed and breakfast features a white board on the porch with a new message from Edward’s mother Esme every day.
Who knows? Somewhere in the misty woods outside Forks, you might even find an Edward Cullen of your own!
Stay tuned for the upcoming film sequel, "New Moon" and add another destination to your "Twilight" trip: the eerie Tuscan hill town of Volterra, where several of the film’s most suspenseful scenes will take place. If Forks is any indication, Volterra could be the “it” destination of 2010.
To travel to Forks, most people book flights to Seattle and rent a car upon arrival. Forks is about a 3.5-hour drive from Seattle. It’s also possible to fly to Port Angeles, which is about one hour from Forks.
© Cheapflights Ltd Kate McCulley
