According to both the Peninsula Daily News (Port Angeles paper) and The Forks Forum (The Forks paper) they are really pulling out all the stops for Stephenie Meyer Day this year.  Frankly they aren’t sure how many people to expect since this is a record summer with the visitors quadrupling almost tripling what they had been: 18,000 in summer 2008 to 58,000 in summer 2009. Also of note is that it’s the driest summer in about 10 years. They are rationing water, yes you read that correctly, Forks is rationing water. The good news is if you are visiting this coming weekend, it’s bright and sunny!

They have taken some extra precautions like adding an officer on a bike patrol to assist with safe street crossing. The famous forks sign was also moved from the hill to ground level, so people no longer have to climb to get a picture next to it.

The Forks Forum has a revised schedule of events on this page (scroll down there is a TON of information) ranging from Mitch Hansen Band and Twilight Music Girls concerts, scavenger hunts, Forks High School tours, a preview of the Forks documentary…you name it.

Our inbox is filled with people asking us about different places in Forks. We’ve been to Forks twice, and we thought we’d just give a shout out to a couple of our favorite places to shop and to eat. We haven’t tried everything(so if we don’t mention it, it’s not that it’s bad, just that we haven’t been there), but here’s a shout out to what we tried and give a thumbs up to:

Forks Guide: Written by Chris Cook, the editor of the local paper. This has it all, and it’s filled with local stories as well.

Moca Motion The coffee is to die for. Don’t let the shack in the parking lot next to The Inn Place put you off. The coffee is to die for and the prices can’t be beat.

The Inn Place: A local coffee shop where we ate breakfast every day. Home cooked meals at fabulous prices. The breakfast could have you filled up until dinner easily.

Dazzled By Twilight: The have the most comprehensive Twilight merchandise that we have ever seen in one place, and that is saying something. They also do excellent driving tours.

Leppell’s Flowers: If you are into scrap booking go here. They have fantastic Twilight scrapbook supplies and unique Twilight crafts made by locals.

Forks Outfitters: Whether you have the munchies or you need a pair of rain boots. This is where you need to be. They also sell really warm hoodies with a Forks design that are so cuddly and comfortable.

Cozy River House I & II: Aside from being the only place in town that can claim “Stephenie Meyer Slept Here” these houses on the banks of the Sol Duc River are what they say they are, “cozy”. Each one sleeps at least 10 people. It is a super option if a bunch of friends are looking to pitch in.

The Forks Motel: The only place in Forks with a swimming pool, not that we used it. On June 30th it never got above 60 degrees, you’d have to be some kind of desperate to go swimming in 60 degree weather! However, clean rooms with comfy beds and great TV reception. Plus the Inn Place is across to street, what more could you want?

Sully’s Drive In: A classic burger place that looks like something out of Back to the Future. You want a burger, this is your place. The vampire lemonade drink is pretty good.

Plaza Jalisco: Who knew that the best Mexican we’ve had in ages would be in Forks.  Two words: carne asada.

Three Rivers Resort Food service: On the road to La Push on the right side of the road there is this little hole-in-the-wall place where you can get gas, supplies, and food. They always have a banner sponsored by Pepsi that says something about no vampires allowed. The place has maybe 10 tables and has terrific fresh fried fish.

The Forks Visitors Center: Get a map here, take a picture with Bella’s truck, and don’t miss the hiking trail out back!

Lastly shout out to our favorite people in Forks!

Kevin Rupprecht, principal of Forks HS who has a great sense of humor

Mike Powell, police chief of Forks who is a great cook

Chris Cook, editor of the Forks Forum who keeps us updated on Forks happenings

Rianilee Belles, Dazzled by Twilight who keeps us updated on Forks happenings that are Twilight related.

Marsha Bingham, runs the Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center