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Forks, a Twilight experience

A reason to visit the rainiest place in the U.S.

Bella’s trucks from Twilight parked in front of the Forks Visitor Information Center. Left is a 1952 Chevrolet truck -??" the truck from the book. On the right is a 1963 Chevy truck -??" like the type in the movie. Photo credit: Marguerite Cleveland

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The Twilight Saga of books and movies captivated the world especially teenage girls. Its setting is the town of Forks on the Olympic Peninsula. Author Stephanie Meyers googled the rainiest place in the United States and the Olympic Peninsula was the winner. She then searched for a small town that fit her imagination and came up with Forks.

Begin your first stop of the day at the Forks, Washington Chamber of Commerce. The ladies, who work there are fonts of knowledge, about both the Twilight phenomena and the local area and love to share. They can help you plan the perfect day in Forks. "In the nine years, I have worked here I've seen a variety of people who come through from all over the world to include from Russia, Europe, China and we even had a few from Madagascar last week," said Merry Parker, Director of Customer Service, for the Chamber. "It's fun to be famous for Twilight. It is a love story and brings people together. I often see mothers and daughters coming in and I've noticed we are seeing more men who are fans of the story."

Forks, Washington Chamber of Commerce, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday-Saturday; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday, 1411 South Forks Ave., Forks, 360.374.2531

If you are in town on one of the two days it is open, check out the Twilight exhibition at the Rainforest Arts Center. It includes movie props and costumes, art pieces, both book and movies items as well as a backdrop for photos. The highlight is the collection of movie props and costumes worn by three of the main actors, Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart and Taylor Lautner.

Rainforest Arts Center, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday-Saturday, 35 N. Forks Ave., 360.374.9430

After finishing up in Forks, another key location in the books is La Push. I am no expert on the books but apparently there was a treaty between the Vampires and the Werewolves in the story. The treaty line is conveniently located by the Three Rivers Resort, which has a sign marking the spot and a great photo op ...  This is the only stop before you get to La Push. The store sells Twilight souvenirs and is a good spot to stock up on snacks. There is a gas station and in season (April-October) a restaurant which offers a Twilight-themed menu.

Three Rivers Resort Store, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., daily, 7764 LaPush Rd., Forks, 360.374.5300

Consider a stay in La Push. It is the seat of the Quileute Nation. The Quileute Oceanside Resort is located on the water. It offers Twilight specials in the off-season and even a Twilight themed cabin. The River's Edge Restaurant is located nearby. You may want to bring extra snacks as services are very limited in La Push. The views of haystacks and the rocky beach are incredible and the dramatic crashing of the waves just adds to the atmosphere. The whole area is very isolated and you can totally imagine Twilight characters in the area. Accommodations are more on the rustic side with no T.V. or Wi-Fi in the rooms. If the weather cooperates have a fire on the beach with s'mores or bring some games to play. Better yet have a reading of the Twilight Saga that discusses the area. Stephanie Meyers, author of the books states on her blog, "We spent a half day at La Push, and that was even uncanny. There were no differences between my imaginary La Push and the real thing."

Quileute Oceanside Resort, daily, 330 Ocean Park Dr., La Push, 360.374.5267

River's Edge Restaurant, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Wednesday-Saturday, 41 Main St., La Push, 360.374.0777

Note. Be respectful of the culture of the Quileute Nation who is opening their home to you. Visit QuileuteNation.org for guidelines during your visit.

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