I’m going to come right out and say it: I went to Washington State with my girlfriend for the last Twilight movie.
Let’s back the red 1953 Chevy up
Forks, here we come
So about three years ago my friend Jamie and I decided we would go to LA for the red carpet premiere of the last movie as a kind of final farewell to the series. Both of us adore the series on a semi-insane level and it only made sense to go with someone who could fully be in that place with me. Oh, we planned. We called Summit on many occasion inquiring about the process and realized that the ‘campers’ were allowed to start camping out a week prior to the premiere. Well, there went that idea. Some of us have, you know, responsibilities. So, instead we decided the next best way to say our goodbyes was to actually go to the birthplace of the series, Forks, WA. We began the trip by seeing the final movie in Seattle. Did anyone else almost hyperventilate at ‘the moment’? It is hard to shock me in books and movies, but when ‘the moment’ happened I was completely blindsided. I began hitting Jamie in the arm and saying things like What the mother crap is going on?!?! Hats off to Bill Condon, Melissa Rosenberg and Steph Meyer for shocking the fans in such a perfect way. Best possible way to end the series.
The next morning we drove to Forks, and I have to say, I have fallen in love with the tiny dot on the map. It now holds a special place in my heart, and Jamie and I have sworn it will not be the last time we find ourselves there. First of all, the scenery is gorgeous. Pictures never do landscape enough justice, but just the peacefulness alone was enough to put anyone at ease.
To be honest, I thought we’d be really bored after a bit, but it was just the opposite. We spent the majority of the day on a Twilight tour with a van full of other crazy fans, which was so much fun. We imagined Bella, Edward, and Jacob at every turn and even had the cardboard cut-outs to help!
We stayed at what is known in town as “The Cullen House”, formally known as The Miller Tree Inn B&B. It matches very closely to Stephanie’s description of what the Cullen’s house looked like and serves as such on the tour. The owners really ran with it and went as far as replicating the graduation cap wall hanging in the living room! It was warm, cozy, and just enough Twilight to satisfy us. And the breakfast was ridiculously good (whoever thought of making french toast with croissants?). We were in good company, as the entire house was full that night with fans just like us. We were all chatting about the movie during breakfast. It was kind of a relief to know we weren’t the only ones that loved it so much!
La Push, baby!
The next day we headed to First Beach in La Push before heading out of Forks. It was rainy and freezing but worth every single finger-numbing second. We found ourselves just staring out at the water realizing that it was now all over. A love affair of 4 years of our lives was now finished. I don’t care how this sounds: it was a bittersweet moment.
Seattle
I can’t pinpoint what it is about the series that causes such craziness. I think it has to do with the desire for unconditional love, self-esteem, strength… Personally, it brought me back to an exciting place that I had left back in my high school days that was fun to explore again. My hubs and I never really had that flirty stage in our relationship. We kind of went from talking to dating, so I was immediately sucked into that part of the first book. The chase, the mystery, the angst, the intrigue… Every girl loves that stuff, no matter what her age, and if they say they don’t, they are lying.
Thank you to my dear friend and fellow nerd girl, Jamie, for loving the series as much as I always will. We will always have this trip to remember, and hopefully we’ll have another one to look forward to!
Haters gonna hate
As for all the Twilight haters reading this, I have a lot I want to say to you, but let me just quote Melissa Rosenberg: “There are endless male-fantasy movies out there, and some are good and some are bad. Popcorn movies, no big deal, whatever. So I don’t understand the contempt people who have never read the books or seen the movies throw at Twilight. Even if it was the worst-written, worst performed movie in the history of the planet, the vitriol with which they attack it is out of balance. I think it’s because Twilight was made for a female audience, and so that must make it silly and frivolous and stupid.” No matter how you feel about Bella and Edward, Robert or Kristen, sparkle or no sparkle, you can’t deny the storytelling power of Stephenie Meyer. Her books allowed so many of us to break away from reality for just a little bit, and for that I am grateful. As much as they don’t want to admit it, any writer out there would only hope to have as many people love their story as those that love Meyer’s.
And for the love of all that is holy, please stop comparing Twilight to Harry Potter. It is possible to unabashedly love both!
Until next time…
3 Comments
What a great idea-going to Forks. I'm glad yall had fun, and it is a perfect ending to the saga! I love reading and re-reading the books too; it lightens my heart!
(I don't know if you've ever read Francine rivers books, but I think you would Love one of her hits: Redeeming Love!)
Hi Ariel,
I’m just reading this post and loved it! You were in my old stomping grounds in Washington! It flooded back memories for me! Paul and I went salmon fishing at La Push! He lost his original wedding ring there! I loved all your pictures! Thank you for posting this on Pinterest! Love you, Sweetie!!!
Oh wow, I didn’t know you had been to La Push, Pam!! It is SO beautiful! I want to go back so badly. We really had a great time on that trip! Love you too!