TA TALKS BACK: A TASTE OF ‘TWILIGHT’, A VISIT TO OREGON

TAer Chelle (aka BabyGM) writes in about her trip to Oregon and her stops through some familiar Twilight related places along the way; including the View Point Inn, Multnomah Falls, and more.

I planned this trip for the sole reason that my 3 year old son was going to spend a few days with his dad, and being the neurotic mother that I am, I had to keep myself distracted from going crazy without my baby. So what do I do? My aunt recently moved to Oregon, as in 3 weeks ago, from California (where I’m from). So being the Twilight obsessed fan that I am, the light went on in my head. Sadly all my friends think I’ve lost my mind regarding this whole Twilight thing, so they weren’t even considered to bring along. My mom is the only other person in my life who is just as obsessed with Twilight as I am (sometimes even more) so I told her about my idea. We can visit her sister in Oregon and visit The View Point Inn!!! Of course she says “Yay!”.

Ever since I heard about selling the View Point Inn, I really wanted to see it. It’s the most accessible location compared to Forks, although that is my goal for next year’s trip. Upon landing I was in full Twilight mode, so was my mom. The first thing we noticed was the blanket of clouds. Only a Twilight fan would get a genuine giggle and tickle over the constant envelope of clouds. The next morning we drove up to Seattle, again I saw no sun, only a peek through the clouds here and there, just like in the movies! During our drive I couldn’t help but notice the sign that direct you to Port Angeles, I giggled inside saying to myself “Next year I will visit you.” I took a picture of the sign of course, what is a Twilight fan to do.

I made sure I called the View Point Inn to make reservations for Sunday brunch for the next day. After looking up directions, turns out that the inn is about 40 miles away from the city of Hillsboro, which is where we were staying. I looked up attractions nearby and noticed the Multnomah Falls being a 10 minute drive away. I then wondered if this is the same waterfall seen behind the picture where Edward and Bella are gazing into each other’s eyes, which also happens to be my favorite shot of them. I looked it up and it was!!! It is the same one seen in the clearing where they played baseball! Needless to say, another giggle, I was one happy vacationer.

The spirit of Twilight can be felt everywhere here. The constant clouds were an endless reminder that this is where the book came to life. The road was very curvy, but I really expected that. Everywhere you look, there are lush, green giant trees, a nature walk no matter where you go. This endless green surroundings combined with the blanket of clouds really gave us the feel of Twilight. I could almost feel the Cullen’s presence among us. I pretended we were in Forks driving to the Cullen’s home LOL.

We finally made it up the windy road, and we saw the inn. At first I really didn’t recognize it, the front facing the driveway got me worried that it was the wrong one. But once we walked over to the side of the house, there was the grand view exactly as seen in the prom scene. The black fence was toward the back overlooking the majestic beauty of the Columbia River Gorge. The fountain seen at the end of the movie was there in the center. We took pictures from every angle. I saw the Monte Carlo marquee standing there all lonely, not quite glamored up with all the lights from the movie of course. I got all excited as I was staring at an actual prop form the movie. Some people came just to take pictures of the view. I assume they were all fans as well. I imagined every movement of Edward and Bella from their prom as I took in the place.

Finally we got seated, and ironically enough we got the very center spot right by the very same door Edward lifts Bella into the threshold! It was freezing with the door open but I didn’t care! The food and service was exceptional. My aunt, who isn’t an obsessed fan, loved the inn and plans to take another trip there. Half their gift shop consisted of Twilight memorabilia. I bought my very first Twilight shirt, the Forever shirt, and realized, wow, I’m buying my first shirt at an actual Twilight location! A sacred experience for me LOL!

The inn’s menu had a section for Twilight inspired drinks, I ordered the Edward Elixir, it was tall, dark, mysterious, sparkly and beautiful, just like Edward, not to mention it was yummy!!! The tables were set up right where the kids were dancing in the movie. They had some framed up articles featuring the inn’s connection to the Twilight phenomenon. The rooms were absolutely first class! Very cozy and gives you the feel of another era. They only have 5 bedrooms available but they were all set up and designed differently. I went up to one of the rooms looking for the window where Victoria looked out of, and went up and down the stairs she walked on. I felt like a little child all excited over going to a carnival!

We headed down the hill after brunch to Multnomah Falls. It was such a splendid view. We went down to the spot where they filmed some scenes, unfortunately those scenes were deleted. But like I said, Edward and Bella with the falls is my absolute favorite picture. Pictures galore again from every angle. A lot of people were there. I was a bit surprised the gift shop didn’t contain more Twilight merchandise like the inn, but then again the falls doesn’t need the Twilight help for promotion. On our way back, we stopped by the Vista House overlooking the Columbia River Gorge. I had to make do with this place to see the beauty of it, I don’t have an Edward to carry me on his back to the top of the trees… nonetheless, Oregon is a lovely place to visit, Twilight motivated or not. Coming here just made the existence of the Twilight world and its people so real. Sure in my heart that world really does exist, but to physically see and visit those very places is a very special and dear experience. I guess that’s what makes us a fan. So that’s my little taste of Twilight! Next year’s destination, Forks! I hope!

View more pictures from the trip here.

So, Twilight fans, what do you think? Have you been to any Twilight related places or do you intend to go? Talk back to us…