There’s nothing quite as life-changing for a small town as a blockbuster movie.  They swoop in, film for a few months, then leave town again, but that little town is never the same again.  Mental Floss takes a look at some small towns changed by blockbuster movie fame.

For example, Forks, Washington, the town in which the Twilight series of books and movies made famous, has embraced its destination as a tourist trap wholeheartedly.  There are special Twilight event, lockers for Edward and Bella at the local high school, and any number of vampire-themed Forks events for tourists to delight in.  There are Twilight tours of the local filming locations and other points of interest, and a staggering amount of Forks-and-vampires shirts, sweaters, mugs, and errata.  Some of the local signs are downright hilarious.

However, Burkittsville, Maryland has a love-hate relationship with its noteworthy film.  This tiny town is where The Blair Witch Project was filmed has endured a great deal since 1999.  You’re more than welcome to spend your money, just don’t expect the locals to be too friendly with you since you’re probably just there to vandalize the cemetery and steal the town signs.

Tags: horror movies, Forks, Washington, horror movies set in small towns, how movie fame changed towns, movie sets, Burkittsville, Maryland

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