I was bit by the travel bug years (decades?) ago. But now I have been bit by something almost as alluring to me..and I am completely ashamed to admit it!
Count me in as a new "Twilight" fan. In a matter of less than a week, I have read the first two books in the "Twilight" series..."Twilight" and "New Moon." I am obsessed with getting my hands on the third, "Eclipse" and almost broke into a cold sweat when the local librarian told me it was checked out.
This might not seem strange to many of you fans - I have friends who hid in closets from their kids to finish reading it. However, with Ted Kennedy's memoir, and Alice Munro's latest book of short stories sitting on my bedside table, this was the least likely choice for me.For an involved, busy mom of three kids to read two 500 page books in less than a week tells you something.
My excuse to read it was that the film version of "New Moon" was out, and I should really know a bit about pop culture..and see what "kids" today are enthusiastic about reading. I am now a convert - thank you Edward Cullen. It is total escapism.
So - what does this have to do with travel? The setting of the book Forks, Washington - on the Olympic Peninsula - has been inundated with tourists from all over the world since the vampire book was published. There is a whole cottage industry that has sprung from the popularity of the novels...including "Twilight" tours visiting landmarks in the book. www.twilightinforks.com. It seems that this might be an interesting option when considering a trip with your teens...It is always a challenge to find something they want to do.
I'm not saying you will find it fascinating, even if you are an aficionado like myself. Some parts the "Twilight" tour mentioned above are pretty cheesy - certain houses being dubbed the house where Bella Swan lived...and where the Cullens lived, which, since this is a piece of fiction, is not true. That being said, there seems to be some fun things to try in this former logging town of 5,000 residents. (I am talking rural.) Kayaking on some pretty beaches..hiking through forests, just like in the book...and even heading into nearby Port Angeles and eating at Bella Italiana just like Bella and Edward did on their first date.
There is also a cruise to the Caribbean for "Twilight" fans - with activities to like a vampire costume ball, to screenings of the movie...to "Twilight" discussions. www.fantrips.travel/twilightfantrips.
If you do decide to visit Forks, do your research and perhaps plan to visit as a side trip to Seattle - a great city that teens will also love. Don't miss the Experience Music Project: a museum devoted to rock and roll.
Just remember - Forks is one of the rainiest places in the U.S...so pack your rain gear. No garlic necessary.
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