Sherman's Travel

Twihards of all ages – listen up! In celebration of last weekend’s opening of New Moon, the sophomore film in the Twilight series that’s created a world-wide fan frenzy and shattered box office records, a number of outfits are offering guided tours of the Pacific-Northwest settings that both inspired author Stephanie Meyer’s best-selling books and are featured in their big screen adaptations.  In Vancouver, where New Moon was filmed last spring, visitors can explore the Cullen’s House, walk the scenic woods where Edward says goodbye to Bella, and stand in the spot where Jacob morphed into a werewolf, thanks to On Location Tours Vancouver.  The 6-hour long jaunts cost $149 ($119 for kids) and are offered every weekend. Afterwards, you can check into Vancouver’s trendy Opus Hotel, where “RPatz” himself liked to sip martinis before bedding down after a hard day of brooding for Bella.

In the tiny logging town of Forks, Washington (a 3 and ½ hour drive from Seattle), chosen by Meyer as the setting for her novels due to its status as the nation’s rainiest city, Dazzled by Twilight is conducting themed tours (three a day at dawn, mid-day, and twilight, starting at $40 per person) via a Twilight Tour Shuttle to Bella’s house, the Forks High School, and La Push Indian Reservation (Jacob’s home territory). Visit Washington State Tourism online and register to win this month’s New Moon prize package, which includes two free Twilight tour tickets in addition to a three-night luxury hotel stay. If you’re staying in Seattle, the Alexis Hotel is offering an Ultimate Twilight Adventure package that includes round transportation to Forks via a Mercedes or Jeep, guided tour of all the town’s Twilight locales, three meals, en-route screening of the first film, with a final stop for dinner at Bella Italia in Port Angeles — the cozy restaurant where Bella and Edward had their first date. Package rates currently start at $705/night for two people.