1. You're Now A Rams Fan. Deal With It
Fort Collins is home to the beloved Colorado State University, and along with typically crazy college antics like the annual CSU Undie Run, the university’s sports teams are a huge part of Fort Collins culture. Scream for the Rams along with everyone else at the gorgeous Hughes Stadium.
2. Fort Collins Is One Of The Best Places On Earth, Literally
CNN ranked Fort Collins at number 6 on its 2010 Best Places To Live list, only slightly down from its number one spot in 2006 and number two in 2008. With an active community, artsy edge, job opportunities and hometown feel, it’s no wonder!
3. Your Favorite Beer Is Probably Made Here
Fort Collins has become somewhat of a microbrew haven. Coors might be in Golden, but Fort Collins is home to Anheuser-Busch Brewery, New Belgium Brewing Company, Coopersmith’s Pub & Brewing, The Fort Collins Brewery, Odell Brewing Co., among many others.
4. The People Get Kind Of An Unfair Rap
The people of Fort Collins have a reputation for keeping to themselves for the most part. But that’s not an entirely fair assessment. It’s true that they’re not as laid back as Californians and it takes a little bit of getting to know someone before they warm up to you, but the reputation of being cold is just wrong.
5. Cars Are Kind Of Yesterday In Fort Collins
As a completely free service to Fort Collins residents, students, and visitors, bikes can be rented out from the bike library downtown in exchange for a valid ID and credit card or bank account number. So you don’t even have to invest in your own wheels.
6. And There Are Trails For Every Rider
Fort Collins has 29 miles of well-loved biking trails for cyclists to enjoy. There’s terrain for everyone from the recreational cyclists to the most experienced, and for anyone who doesn’t already ride, that picturesque landscape is enough to make anybody start.
7. But Don't Sell Your Set Of Four Wheels
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Just because riding is so easy doesn’t mean you can bike everywhere. Overall, you’re looking at a lengthy commute, since most jobs these days are farther out of town.
So go ahead and get a car you’ll have fun driving, because you’ll spend a lot of time in it.
8. People In Fort Collins Have Some Beef With Californians
It’s more of an annoyance than actual beef, but an annoyance nonetheless. Californians already have a bad reputation to begin with for acting better than Coloradoans. But now that Californians are moving into Fort Collins for more affordable living, the spikes in housing prices are edging long time locals out.
If you’re from California, you’re going to want to switch your plates over as soon as possible if you want to make friends.
9. Fort Collins Should Really Be Called Fort Fresh
You can shop for the freshest local produce pretty much all year long in Fort Collins thanks to the Fort Collins farmers market from May through October and the Winter Farmers' Market from January through April. Everything from late seasonal vegetables to grass-fed meats, artisan foods, and handmade cheese is at your fingertips to keep your kitchen table fresh no matter what the temperature is outside.
10. Everybody In Fort Collins Is Irish For A Day
Whether it’s for the Lucky Joe's St. Patrick's Day Parade floats with delicious cinnamon rolls to spectators or the Rocky Mountains Irish Festival, Fort Collins is brimming with Irish pride. Locals hit the streets decked out from head to toe in bright green to celebrate, no matter what nationality.
11. Evenings Are All About Old Town
Old Town is Fort Collins’ vibrant downtown district rich with culture, community, and warm ambiance. After spending the day shopping, grab some dinner on the patio of one of the many restaurants lined along the streets, then paint with a friend at the local BYOB paint workshop.
12. The People Stick With The Little Guy
Fort Collins knows the importance of shopping local, and people go out of their way to stay loyal to small businesses. Shopping is available throughout the city, but Old Town is where the locals come to hit the shops on foot, especially on Shop Late Fridays where the stores stay open late every second Friday of the month.
13. This Is Where Beethoven Meets Picasso
Fort Collins puts a different spin on public artwork with their popular Pianos About Town project. The pianos come out in May and hit the streets all around town to both beautify the city and give it the soundtrack it deserves.
You’re free to tickle the keys yourself, even if all you remember is Chopsticks.
14. Fort Collins Cares About The Future
Instead of just complaining about wanting change, the people in Fort Collins became the change they wished to see. The Sustainable Living Association works hard to educate the public on what they can do to create a more sustainable lifestyle, and actively works towards finding solutions to non-sustainable problems throughout Fort Collins.
15. You'll Find Trash Made Into Treasure
Don’t expect to find gorillas at the Swetsville Zoo. This art garden is filled with unique sculptures and art made out of scrap metal by local artist Bill Swet. The result is a remarkable and fun collection that locals love touring for an afternoon of something a little different.
And the Swetsville Zoo only accepts donations, so stop by whenever you’re in a good mood.
16. Fort Collins Loves Live Music
Live music is everywhere in Fort Collins. Locals can choose from weekend long events like The Bohemian Nights and The Fort Collins Must Experiment, and once a week in the summer music lovers from around the city gather together for Thursday Nights Live’s summer concert series.
17. You're In A Rock Climber's Fantasy Land
The many Fort Collins parks are ideal for bikers, rock climbers, and anyone who just wants to get out into nature for a picnic. Hikers can choose from Horsetooth Mountain, Spring Creek Trail, and Rotary Park among many more for an active day out that beats the treadmill any day.
18. The Waffles Are The Most Perfect Science Experiment Ever
You haven’t had a waffle until you’ve tried the Waffle Lab food truck. Aiming to use organic, local ingredients, the Waffle Lab engineers unique combinations of gourmet Belgian waffles like the “The Braffle” made with seared beer brats and hot sauerkraut served on a classic Liège. When the Waffle Lab stops in your neighborhood, make sure to get there quick.
19. Art Lovers Get A Free Glimpse Of Some Warhol...
Sitting out front of Colorado State University’s University Center for the Arts building is the famed Andy Warhol Campbell’s soup can, which you can either gaze at seriously or just pose in front of for a goofy Instagram shot.
20. ... And Science Nerds Aren’t Left Out Either
The Fort Collins Museum of Discovery’s exhibits like a tornado chamber, an innovation lab, an interactive forest, and even a music and sound lab will give everyone something new to learn.
21. Getting Stranded At The Drive-In Is Fun
Over the past few decades drive in theatres have become harder and harder to come by. But not in Fort Collins. The Holiday Twin Drive-In Movies is a local favorite hangout for catching the latest flicks. Double features play on two screens every night! 
