Vampire tourism going strong in Forks

"Twilight" novels keep bringing fans to Forks, the Olympic Peninsula setting of the teenage love novels by Stephenie Myer.

By The Associated Press and Seattle Times Travel staff

FORKS, Wash. — The "Twilight" tourism bonanza shows no signs of abating in Forks, the Olympic Peninsula town that's won new fame as the setting for a teen vampire fantasy.

Marcia Bingham of the Forks Chamber of Commerce says more than 16,000 people passed through the town's visitor center in July alone, doubling June's number, and in one month nearly equaling 2008's total of 18,485 people.

She notes that in the "old days" the visitor center focused mainly on teaching people about logging and coordinating tours of local natural resources. These days it's all about vampires and werewolves, linked to the bestselling "Twilight" series of novels by Stephenie Myer that are set in Forks. Logging tours have been cut back from three a week to one.

And the numerous visitors come armed with questions. Among them: Is it safe to go camping with the vampire problems in the area?

Forks information: www.forkswa.com/

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I'm glad Forks is seeing a boost in $ coming in, but why do people want to see a town where the film was not shot in? The film was actually... Posted on August 8, 2009 at 8:56 AM by wsucoug80. Jump to comment

I'm not sure why people are so down on Forks. It is a nice little town. We use it as a base when exploring the area. It has some nice... Posted on August 8, 2009 at 4:47 PM by jgh57. Jump to comment

And the numerous visitors come armed with questions. Among them: Is it safe to go camping with the vampire problems in the area?" I see a... Posted on August 7, 2009 at 12:46 PM by Workerbee123. Jump to comment

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