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Rainforest Arts Center
The main Twilight-centric activity in Forks (other than rushing around taking pictures) is exploring the Forever Twilight in Forks exhibit, a collection of Twilight paraphernalia that’s free and open to the public year-round. Located in the Rainforest Arts Center, you can wander through displays featuring costumes and props that were used in the films, international editions of the books, and fan-made items. Also on display is “Chuckesmee,” the original (and quite creepy, in my opinion) animatronic doll created for the films. It gained its nickname due to its eerily similar look to the haunted doll, Chucky.
Treaty Line sign on Highway 110
Make your way to La Push on the 110 and keep your eye out for the Treaty Line sign, which is an essential photo op for Twilight fans. It represents the spot where Forks becomes La Push—and where Edward and Jacob would have coordinated their exchange of Bella in Eclipse. When leaving Forks, the sign readers “No Vampires Beyond This Point, Treaty Line,” while the side visible to those heading out of La Push says, “Welcome Twilight Fans, Treaty Line.”
Miller Tree Inn
The best place to bed down in Forks is undoubtedly The Miller Tree Inn, which is affectionately known as “The Cullen House” due to its close resemblance to the property described in the books. While you’ll notice it’s a far cry from the Cullen house seen in the films (which is actually located in Portland, Oregon), the classic, spacious home looks remarkably similar to the one described by Stephenie Meyer, with its white-painted exterior, wraparound porch, and timeless design. Inside, you’ll also find a replica of the notorious graduation cap artwork that’s seen in the film, as well as special “Cullen House” mugs on the tables. There’s also a room on the second floor designed to look like Carlisle’s office, with medical equipment alongside paintings and pictures pulled from the book’s description of the room. According to the website, “the innkeepers speak Twilight” to help create an immersive experience for fans.
Other attractions in Washington
First Beach, La Push
While the film crew never actually set foot on First Beach to film the scenes in La Push—they’re actually shot in Oregon—it’s worth taking the trip over to this nearby popular beach that’s managed by the Quileute Tribe and frequently mentioned in the books. Its here where Bella first hears about the “Cold Ones” from Jacob while on a trip with her school friends. This trip and the legend she hears on it is the seed that inspires so much of the rest of the series; its also essential to the development of her friendship with Jacob, and her interest in vampires. It’s also one of the first (and last) real times that she bonds with her human friends before she starts drifting apart from them.
Bella Italia, Port Angeles
Grab a bite to eat at Bella Italia—a delicious Italian restaurant in Port Angeles, and the site of Bella and Edward’s first date after he rescues her when she wanders away from Jessica and Angela to find a bookstore with information on vampires. For the full effect, order mushroom ravioli and request your dinner date read the minds of everyone in the room.
