It appears that “Twilight” is trending again.

Not only has Stephanie Meyer’s retelling of Twilight, “Midnight Sun” topped 1 million copies in sales its first week out, but according to USA Today, Meyer has story outlines worked out (and even a beginning chapter) for two more additions to the Twilight saga.

Lucky fans, and lucky town of Forks, WA.

It’s hard to believe that it’s been over 10-years since we first hit US-101 to the Olympic Peninsula – destination Forks, WA where they hold a Twilight festival each September.

Here’s a revisit of that trip, which was first shared on seattlest.com in August, 2011.

Twilight madness, Bella’s Birthday Bash and 3 other reasons to Visit the Olympic Peninsula

If you shout out “Breaking Dawn” in a crowded room it’s a pretty sure bet that you’ll be able to pinpoint the ‘twihards’ among you.

The fans of the ever-popular Twilight series have been clogging up the chat rooms and blogs with anticipated buzz about the next release date of the Twilight saga. Several weeks ago, twihards let out a collective sigh of relief (and subsequently even more chatter and speculation online) when the next installment, Breaking Dawn, was officially announced to drop nationwide on November 18.

Good news for the hard core fans – but still, a good three or four months before they can get their next Twilight fix. If you count yourself among the twihard posse, or if you didn’t get your fill of the Royal wedding and want to see how vampire love consummates when Edward and Bella get hitched, you might think November is just too long to wait.

But there is some relief in sight.

We all know that vampires don’t age, but us mere mortals sure do – and Bella is one of us (at least for now). So every year around the second weekend of September, the town of Forks, WA (where the action in Twilight is mainly set) rolls out a big ol’ cake and puts on a three-day bash to celebrate Bella’s birthday.

This year, September 9-11 [Editor’s note: the 2023 festival runs September 14-17], you can join thousands of like-minded fans dressed as their favorite Twilight character as they roam the streets of Forks, profess their loyalty to Team Edward or Team Jacob, and walk in the same steps of Bella, the Cullens and the rest of the Twilight team.

The weekend promises plenty of Twi-goodness with look-a-like costume contests, twilight tours of key locales, Twi-fashion exhibits and, of course, Bella’s Bridal Shower on Friday (no mention of a bachelor party for Edward) with the weekend concluding with the cutting of Bella’s birthday cake.

The town of Forks has Twilight visitors from all over the world making the trek out to the Olympic Peninsula throughout the year. But if you can only make it out to the coast one time then Bella’s Birthday Bash is a sure bet. And it might just be enough to hold you over until Breaking Dawn hits the screen November 18.

Even if you’re not a twihard, a trip to the Olympic Peninsula should still be on your must-list of travel plans this fall.

Sol Duc Hot Springs

Just 12 miles into the heart of the Peninsula you’ll come across the Sol Duc Hot Springs – a perfect diversion off of US-101. Take the time to soak in the mineral water hot pools, take a hike in the old growth rainforest that envelopes the springs and then relax with a massage before you hit the road again to continue your trip to the coast.

Quileute Oceanside Resort

Once you’ve hit the shoreline a good place to stop for the night is Quileute Oceanside Resort, just a few miles off the main road from Forks.

When you wake up in one of these cabins you’ll find yourself looking through the free-standing glass fireplace right out to the crashing waves of the Pacific. These cabins place you a few feet from a coastline and have an unparalleled view of the impressive James Island (also known as “Top of the Rock”). In fact, it’s James Island that Bella’s character from Twilight purportedly leaps from in desperation.

You’ll have no reason to leap after staying at the Quileute Oceanside resort. The cabins have open floor plans with enormous windows, a kitchen and the aforementioned fireplace. And at the end of the day after you’ve walked the beach and visited all of the Twilight sites, you can slink down into the generously proportioned soaker tub and watch the natural twilight that takes place outside the cabins every night.

Kalaloch Lodge and Cabins

After you’ve walked the beach in the morning continue down the coast until you trip across Kalaloch Lodge and Cabins.

30 miles south from Forks/La Push you’ll come across the majestic Kalaloch Lodge perched high on a bluff. You can stay in rooms at the lodge which have fireplaces – and of course spectacular views of the Pacific. But if you’re feeling adventurous and like the sensation of wind, water and salt beckoning at your doorstep then I’d recommend the Kalaloch Cabins perched high above the shore. While the cabins are more rustic – the views and overall experience cannot be beat.

As you pull into the parking lot it looks as if the cabins are precariously perched on the bluff that overlooks the ocean. But get closer and you’ll find that there is plenty of safe ground between you and the rugged terrain below. Enough space in fact to allow for an al fresco meal on picnic tables that live right outside your front door.

If you do want to get closer to the water and hear the crashing surf it’s an easy walk to the coastline that allows for some close up, and relatively safe, views of the tide ripping into shore.

Between two rainforests

Back on top of the bluff – keep your eyes out for the nature that dots the area. Kalaloch is situated between two rainforests that have puffins, sea otters and bald eagles as permanent residents.

Finish off your Olympic Peninsula loop drive with a visit to the grand Lake Quinault Lodge. Built in 1927 it sits in the middle of the Hoh Rainforest and was once visited by then sitting President Franklin Delano Roosevelt.

Be sure to take a drive around the lake and you’ll be within arm’s reach of several waterfalls, elk and other natural wonders. Park your car, drop your bags and get out there and enjoy the gorgeous hiking trails right outside your front door.

Post nature time you can head back inside to warm up in front of one of the coolest and grandest fireplaces to grace any lodge I’ve stayed in the US.

If the Northwest isn’t serving up its fall rain yet be sure to plant yourself in an Adirondack chair overlooking the lake.

There’s plenty going on in Seattle that it’s easy to get land locked in the City. But you’ll do yourself a huge favor by taking several days off and getting back to what makes this region such a great place to live. Check out Olympic National Parks for more detail.