FORKS, Wash. -- Tourists from all over the world are visiting Washington because author Stephanie Meyer wanted the setting for her “Twilight” books to be a cloudy and somewhat gloomy spot, so she chose Forks.

The best-selling books are about a 16-year-old girl named Bella who moves from Phoenix to Forks. While in Forks she falls in love with a vampire. Bella goes to Forks High School and works at a local outdoor sporting goods store.

"The whole idea of coming to Forks is to become Bella while I'm here, so I pulled into Forks and all of a sudden I'm 17 years old and my truck is parked out here and I'm looking for Edward," said Christina Nielson, visiting from Utah.

A copy of Bella’s truck is parked outside Forks Chamber of Commerce – a popular spot for photo ops.

Visitors from as far away as Europe and Australia are now flocking to this once struggling timber town.

"For most of us, we love it; we think it’s really neat. We're finally on the map, Forks, our little rainforest," said Forks Outfitters Grocery Store employee Willow Roundtree.

Forks is getting a lot out of the popularity of the books. Local hotels have no vacancies, and stores are selling a lot of Twilight merchandise including sweatshirts, hats, candles and postcards.

Local homes are also standing in for houses in the books, and the police chief is signing autographs.

There are some critics.

"Every time you come into town, there’s people blocking the road taking pictures," said Forks High School student Dillan Klepps.

Residents couldn’t be happier that Meyer chose Forks, a place the author hadn’t even visited.

"There's no question it’s a great big gift, and we're very grateful," a Forks resident said.