1. Two Brothers Roundhouse Is The Best Place To Grab A Beer
Two Brothers Roundhouse is an institution in the city, with its food, live entertainment, movie nights, and, of course, its beer. Try a pint of Domaine DuPage or Bitter End.
2. New Yorkers Can Keep Their Cake Boss Because Aurorans Have Something Even Better
Two words: Pie Boss. Each pie is stuffed lovingly by hand with savory, mouth-watering ingredients, like spicy chicken or pepper steak.
3. Keep Your “Da Bears” Impression To Yourself
Yes, Aurorans love the Chicago Bears, but no, they won’t tolerate your endless impressions of this iconic phrasing.
4. You’re A Wimp If You Can’t Handle Below Freezing Temperatures And Bucket Loads Of Snow
Winter means loads of snow in Aurora, but don’t worry—locals are used to it. And yes, they’ll complain about shoveling out cars, but there’s plenty of time of fun in the snowflakes, too.
5. People In Aurora Still Miss Michael Jordan
Locals still love those Chicago Bulls, but times sure were good when MJ and his crew we’re sweeping their way through the league.
6. There’s East And Then There’s Far East
Aurorans know that there are regions within the city, and hyper-local pride is major. There’s the West Side and the East Side, but then there’s the Far East Side, also known as Fox Valley.
7. Flea Markets Are The Most Serious Business
The city’s famous Louche Puce flea market is modeled after the style of European markets, but its handmade and vintage goods are uniquely Aurora.
8. ...So Are Farmers’ Markets
Well, when your local fruits and vegetables are this good, why wouldn’t you celebrate with loads of farmers’ markets?
9. Hope You Packed Your Kayak
You can’t keep Aurora locals from their kayaks—it’s a hugely popular activity for exercising or just plain relaxing on the water.
10. This Is The Cubs’ Year, No Doubt!
Chicago Cubs fans know how to face disappointment, but they’re still ready to cheer on their home team year after year, always believing. Unless you’re an Auroran fan of the White Sox, of course.
11. Hollywood Shines On The Aurora Riverfront
Fancy yourself lucky? The dockside Hollywood Casino Aurora should be your first stop.
12. The Wooly Mammoth Isn’t Real, But Everything Else Is
The Phillips Park Zoo is absolutely an Aurora favorite, and patrons are greeted by a large wooly mammoth statue.
13. Your New Favorite Holiday Is Diwali
Aurora is home to a major Hindu temple, Sri Venkateswara Swami Temple of Greater Chicago, which promotes the religion’s philosophies and culture, as non-Hindu locals can tour to take part.
14. Ever Wanted To Slide Down A Firepole? Now You Can.
The Aurora Regional Fire Museum isn’t just a fire safety group, it also preserves and exhibits fire department artifacts, so kids and adults can get up close with all the tools they’ll need to fight a fire themselves.
15. 88 Is Aurora’s Lucky Number
That is, unless you’re on the other team, because the Aurora 88s Roller Derby squad is not to be messed with.
16. First Fridays Are The Best Fridays
Want to support hyper-local businesses? Aurorans do too, and particularly on the first Friday of every month. Head to downtown Aurora for art, live music, and food from your favorite restaurants.
17. Art Vandelay Has Nothing On Aurora’s Architectural Glory
Walking around Aurora, you’re sure to note all of the stunning architecture—and it will probably look familiar to those with a good eye. The city has a massive architectural history, with Frank Lloyd Wright, Bruce Goff, and George Grant Elmslie’s work across the area.
18. Back Off, Paris. Aurora Is The Real City Of Lights
Aurora is famous for being the first city in the whole country to start using an all-electric street lighting system, way back in 1881. Aurora was dubbed the “City of Lights,” and kids have been able to stay out later playing tag ever since then.
19. Everybody Looks Forward To ArtWalk
The Cultural Creatives—a group made up of not only artists, but also just Aurora-loving locals—sponsors the Aurora ArtWalk four times a year, where patrons can stroll around town to take all kinds of amazing work from local artists.
20. The Stanley Cup Is Always Welcome In Aurora
It’s championship time in the whole greater Chicago area with the dominating Black Hawks—just the Hawks to locals—and when they start scoring the goals, prep your singing voice for "Chelsea Dagger" by The Fratellis.
21. You Fail At Father’s Day If You Don’t Get Your Dad Tickets For Blues On Fox
Blues on the Fox, part of the immensely popular Downtown Alive festival, features some big-name headlining blues artists. And because it’s always held on Father’s Day weekend, it works out as a perfect gift.
22. Put On Those ‘50s Records, It’s Nostalgia Time
With all sorts of theme nights and even adult lessons, it’s like you’ve taken a step back in time at the beloved Aurora Skate Center.
23. You Wish Your Soccer Kiddos Were This Good
Both Aurora girls and boys soccer from young ages up through high school are absolutely dominating the competition, having undefeated seasons and winning regional championships year after year, after year…
What do you have to explain to out-of-towners about Aurora? Tell us in the comments below! 
