1. Those Giant Golf Balls Aren’t Golf Balls
Aurora is home to the Buckley Air Force Base. You can’t get on the base itself without a military ID, but there is no mistaking where it is. As you drive by, you’ll see six giant golf balls along the edge of the base. If you didn’t know any better, upon first glance you might assume that it’s one of Aurora’s many golf courses. But, indeed, it’s Air Force.
Okay, they’re not really golf balls. They are wind and weather shields that are used to protect the air force’s satellite antennas. But they do look like enormous golf balls. And if you make mention of “the golf balls,” while you’re here, any local will know exactly what you’re talking about.
2. Ben Affleck Gave The Science Fiction Theme Park New Life
Back in the 1970s, Aurora residents got really exciting news that a science fiction park theme park was going to be built in their city, that would also serve as the set of a slated $50 million film that was sure to be a huge hit based on the novel “Lord of Light.” It was going to be three times the size of Disneyland, with a hologram zoo and a 38-story ferris wheel. It was an awesome time to be an Auroran.
Except, it never happened. The whole thing turned out to be a big scam and massive letdown for locals. In a strange twist, though, the movie script went on to be renamed Argo and, as documented in the Ben Affleck film, was used as the cover for the amazing “Canadian Caper” exfiltration of the six U.S. diplomats trapped by the Iranian hostage crisis.
So the people of Aurora never did get their theme park, but they did get a pretty great story out of it.
3. Aurora Doctors Basically Saved The Whole Country
Aurora’s healthcare scene was put on the map back in the 1950s when President Dwight Eisenhower had a heart attack while vacationing in Denver and was treated in Aurora. While recuperating, the city briefly got the spotlight as it took care of the leader of the free world.
Today, Aurora’s healthcare system has only improved and continues to top the charts as one of the best cities for healthcare. The Anschutz Medical Campus is an award-winning medical facility that everyone wants to get in. If you’re sick, Aurora will get you better.
4. You Know You’ve Found Culture When You Reach The FOX
You might not think of Aurora when you’re thinking of booming art districts, but think again. The city has definitely turned up the culture in recent years, with world-class theater and dance performances, art exhibits, programs and events that can rival the biggest of cities and it’s one of the things Aurorans are proud of most.
The Aurora Fox Theater is a favorite location and historic landmark set right in the heart of the city’s Arts and Culture District. When you see the giant, vintage FOX sign, reminiscent of theaters of yesteryear, you know you’re in for something good. After catching a wonderfully kitschy and high quality production like “Spamalot” at this gem, locals can walk the streets among a slower of public art and maybe get lucky enough to stumble into one of the many unique local festivals and events.
5. Dry Dock Beer Has No Earthly Rival
When locals want a good beer in town, there are no shortage of places to go. But not all beers are created equal. When you’re in Aurora, you drink Dry Dock.
Microbreweries have become a dime a dozen in recent years. But how many of them can say that they took home the gold in the World Beer Cup? Dry Dock Brewing Company can and did for its HMS Victory ESB, now called the Amber Ale. Their brew house includes a 180-seat tasting room with 16 taps in their Hampden Avenue location.
And just last year, Dry Dock was able to open up a 30,000 square foot production facility to be able to produce and distribute their award-winning and highly beloved brew all around Colorado. So, if you haven’t found a Dry Dock where you live just yet, keep your eyes open because it’s coming.
6. You Live In The Marketplace To The Rockies
You’ll often hear Aurora described as the “gateway to the Rockies.” But it’s also the marketplace. Along with having some of the best cuisine in the region, Aurora is known well for its many unique places to shop for just about everything.
The diversity of the city provides numerous ethnic markets, making it easy to pick up those hard-to-find ingredients completely fresh. Grab some bok choy and Korean baked goods from H-Mart and then some exotic spices from the Bombay Bazaar. Farmer’s markets are also popular throughout the city, with many locations touting local produce along with artisan foods and handmade items.
And don’t forget being able to fill up your shopping bags with antiques from Havana Street, boutique items in Southlands and, of course, the Towne Center mall.
7. Aurora Is Where Everyone Goes To Get Ripped
A lot of cities have picked up on the Crossfit and bootcamp crazes that have gained attention over the years. But nowhere quite has their thumb on the market the way Aurora does. If you find that hard to believe, just look at the statistics. The city is consistently ranked among the healthiest places in America.
The close proximity to such great outdoor activities like trekking through the Rockies obviously plays a part in that. But so does the Anschutz Health and Wellness. Not only is it a state-of-the-art fitness and health facility, but it’s so impressive that it is where the ABC reality show “Extreme Weight Loss” train and work out to reach their fitness goals.
You can always find a camera crew around the city during filming and when you do, you know it’s because someone somewhere close by is getting ripped. Locals know how to bench, too. The city hosts The North American and Pan-American Regional Bench Press Championships.
8. You’re Living In A Pho Paradise
One of the best parts about the vast diversity of the city of Aurora is the copious amounts of ethnic restaurants to be found. This isn’t one of those cities where you’re stuck choosing between a slice of pizza or strip mall Chinese buffet. If you want Indian, Aurora’s got it. Any Cuban joints around? Of course. Hawaiian? Check. Ethiopian? Korean? Greek? Check, check and check. Oh, and when it comes to Pho, consider Aurora an enthusiastic checkmate. We’re talking Bobby Fischer level checkmate.
The number of amazing ethnic restaurants around the city has become somewhat of Aurora’s claim to regional fame. Everyone local has their favorite spots, of course. But just ask anyone in Denver about their favorite spots to grab some boba or falafels and don’t be surprised when every restaurant they list is in Aurora.
9. Kids Come To Aurora To Show Off Their Skills
The Aurora Sports Park is a really big deal here in town. People come from all over to enter their kids in regional and national tournaments and competitions or even just to observe the games at this impressive complex. On 220 acres, it’s got 12 baseball/softball fields, 23 soccer and multi-use fields, and hosts competitions for a variety of other sports including lacrosse, rugby, cross country and more.
When families travel to Aurora from around the country, it’s usually for their kid to play in one of those events, which can easily wind up as an all-day or all-weekend affair. The kids also have a pretty good chance of getting to play in front of and be observed by young college scouts in hopes of turning all of those hours they’ve spent on the field into a promising future. And you know soccer moms. If it gets their kid noticed, they’ll be there.
10. You Know Aurora Is Colorado’s Best Kept Secret
Aurora has long since been considered a suburb of Denver. And depending on who you ask, it doesn’t always have the best reputation. Sure, Aurora is in close proximity to Denver, which is a much bigger city. It doesn’t have the pro sports teams and the museums like Denver does, but the unique culture and community Aurora does have, Denver can’t touch strictly because of its size. And that’s what makes it so great.
People are quickly discovering everything Aurora has to offer: Family-friendly entertainment and athletics, a growing arts district, a booming health industry, and the destination of choice for anyone looking for a good meal, a craft beer, and a day of shopping. This is a community hell-bent on breaking free of Denver’s shadow in their own, unique fashion. That’s the Aurora way.
Feature Image Source: Visit Aurora Facebook
Did we miss anything? Tell us what you think is unique about Aurora in the comments below! 
