1. Welcome To FoCo
Just call it FoCo. It’s what all the cool kids are doing.
2. Where Beer Grows On Trees (Almost)
If you’re a beer lover and you’ve found yourself in Fort Collins, then you just hit the jackpot. Big names in brew like New Belgium, Budweiser, and Odell’s live here, and FoCo is also known for its local breweries and craft beer.
3. Those Budweiser Clydesdales Live Here Too, BTW
Yep, those famous Budweiser Clydesdale horses are real and they call the Budweiser brewery here in Fort Collins their home.
4. The Tour De Fat Is Not What It Sounds Like
The annual Tour de Fat event combines two of FoCo’s biggest loves: beer and bikes, creating one perfect extravaganza where you drink your way through the different beers of the city and bike off any excess calories. And the crazier the costume, the better.
5. If You See People Running Around In Their Underwear, Don’t Be Alarmed
It’s just the annual Undie Run. Perfectly normal.
6. It’ll Take The Rest Of Your Life To Get Used To How Beautiful The Mountains Are
One sweeping view of The Rocky Mountains and you won’t be able to tell if this is still real life. Guaranteed.
7. The Trails Turn Everyone Into Outdoorsy Types
On foot or two wheels, the many trails that allow you to take in the great Fort Collins landscape can turn even the biggest couch potato into a nature lover in seconds.
8. People From Fort Collins Figure Out Exactly How Much Adrenaline Can Do
Hiking and biking are far from your only options of things to do in Fort Collins. You also have your pick of things that will get your adrenaline pumping. Thanks to the Horse Tooth River and Poudre Canyon, you can enjoy white water rafting, kayaking, rock climbing, extreme mountain biking… You name it, and Fort Collins is here to challenge you within an inch of your life.
9. You Like Crunchy? Fort Collins Has Crunchy
Are you into all-natural products, organic foods, and kale flavored everything? Then I have good news: Fort Collins is right up your crunchy alley.
10. If You Forgot Your Bike, There’s One Waiting For You
Fort Collins is a remarkably bike-friendly city. With extra wide bike lanes, easy to navigate streets, and a bike library anyone can utilize, it’s no wonder FoCo keeps landing on the top cities for cyclists in the country.
11. There’s A Reason It Looks Familiar
Downtown Fort Collins has such a classic, storybook look to it, Walt Disney himself fell in love with it and used it as his model for the famous Main Street U.S.A. in his Disney World theme parks.
12. Get Your Burgers At Big Al’s
Don’t ask questions, just take everyone’s word for it and do it. You’re welcome.
13. Peaches Are Worth Getting Dirty For
Nothing will show your love for the peaches of Fort Collins more than a peach pie eating contest at the Fort Collins Peach Festival. Don’t leave without grabbing a peach margarita or five.
14. When People Say It’s 4:20 Somewhere, They Mean In FoCo
The first state-licensed cannabis storefront in the country is right here in Fort Collins. Do with that information what you will.
15. Old Town Is Where It’s At
If you’re looking for the place with the most action in the city, then you’ll undoubtedly end up in Fort Collins, especially for nightlife. Park your car and stroll on foot through the various bars, restaurants, art shops, and alleyways filled with some killer murals with friends.
16. Yes, That’s A Real Dinosaur Skull For Sale
Stop by Nature’s Own to check out the most amazing fossils you’ll probably ever get to see up close. And they’re for sale, too. They might set you back a few grand, but that’s chump change for the ability to hang a T-Rex skull over your fireplace, don’t you think?
17. Drive-Ins Still Exist
As if Fort Collins didn’t give you that warm, fuzzy feeling as it is, the super popular Holiday Twin Drive-In theater only adds fuel to the nostalgic fire.
18. Don’t Expect To Find Any Animals At The Swetsville Zoo
The Swetsville Zoo might not have elephants or giraffes, you’ve already seen those a hundred times anyway. This place is an art zoo filled with the most unique and fun sculptures made from scrap metal, auto parts, and basically anything that artist Bill Swets can get his hands on.
19. Rams Are A Part Of Daily Life Here
No matter what part of the city you live in, you should probably get used to seeing Rams. Whether you’re a fan or not, there are a lot of cheerleaders for CSU athletic teams. Be sure to get to a women’s basketball game.
20. While Everyone Else Is Complaining About Winter…
…Locals are living the Fort Collins way, turning lemons into adventurous lemonade.
21. Fort Collins Folks Are Good At Spotting Transplants
You might be a transplant to Fort Collins, but you’re definitely not alone. People have been moving in like there’s marijuana for sale or something. Oh, wait… Anyway, you’ll figure out the telltale signs of a California and Texas transplant.
22. You’re Now Officially Irish
Most of the people here aren’t Irish...except on St. Patty’s day. Then, the entire city is Irish. And with the Lucky Joe’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade and the amazing cinnamon rolls and green beer at the Rocky Mountains Irish Festival, who can blame them?
23. Live From Fort Collins, It’s Thursday Night
Fort Collins has a great music scene and in the summer months, you can get your fix of it for free. Hit the streets of Old Town on Thursdays for Thursday Night Live by Bohemian Nights.
24. Fort Collinsers Never Miss A Meteor Shower
But with a sky like that, it’s safe to say you might be missing a lot of other things because it’ll be hard to do anything but look up.
25. You’ll Wonder What Took You So Long To Get Here
You’ve realized what you’ve been missing out on all this time and you’re kicking yourself for not getting here sooner. Don’t worry. All the locals who weren’t born here have felt that way. The important thing is that you’re here now. Welcome home.
What have you had to explain to out-of-towners about Fort Collins? Tell us in the comments below! 
