Chico Visitor Guide

Welcome to Chico! You’ll hear that phrase a lot when you come to this friendly, laid-back college town of around 100,000 people. Although Chico continues to grow, it’s managed to retain its small-town feel and appeal.

Chico is also a place rich in history and with abundant natural beauty as diverse as its people. It has something for everybody. Whether you’re looking for recreation or relaxation, education or artistic inspiration, entertainment or quiet contentment, you can find it in Chico, and in the pages of the Chico Visitor Guide, brought to you by the News & Review, Chico’s award-winning weekly newspaper.

It’s the people, however, who really make Chico a special place to live or visit. So use this fun and informative guide to help you find places to go and things to do, but be sure to take the time to meet the genuinely friendly folks of Chico. You may not want to leave.

Spring and Summer Highlights
When the temperatures rise, the town comes alive. Summertime in Chico may be hot, but the calendar is packed with special events. Whether it’s fun in the sun or entertainment in the evening, you can get the highlights here.

*Chico Facts
Just the facts. This section will fill you in on everything from politics to demographics to transportation to the weather.

Politics
What have you gotten yourself into?

*Health & Wellness
A top-notch hospital and wide variety of health-care options make Chico the health-care center of the region.

Downtown
To truly know Chico you have to spend some time downtown. Day or night, it’s the place to be for shopping, dining, entertainment, visiting with friends or meeting new people.

*Education
Educate yourself about Chico’s exemplary K-12 schools, both public and private.

University
Chico thrives in part because of its gorgeous downtown university, which provides the community with a wide array of educational opportunities, economic vitality and intellectual inspiration.

Excursions
Get up, get out and go experience the abundant recreational opportunities in and around Chico. Spend the day hiking, biking, picnicking, swimming, climbing, golfing, exploring or just lying in the sun.

Lodging
Check out our Lodging section and then check into a quaint bed-and-breakfast inn or one of the many conveniently located hotels or motels.

Bidwell Park
The jewel of Chico, Bidwell Park is one of the largest municipal parks in the nation and the first place locals bring their out-of-town guests.

*Kid Friendly
Hey kids! There’s lots of fun stuff for you to do, too.

Chico Rooks
The Rooks are in their 14th season of offering high-level soccer in a family-friendly environment at an affordable price. Come see these dedicated, highly skilled athletes lay it all on the line for the love of the game.

Shopping
From local gift shops and eclectic boutiques to big chain stores and rustic antiques, Chico has no shortage of shopping options.

Entertainment
The nighttime is the right time! Chico’s nightlife spans the spectrum of styles and tastes.

Wine & Dine
Deciding where to eat can be such an ordeal. You want Mexican, your girlfriend wants Thai, but her mom can’t eat spicy food. What are you going to do? Well, we can’t decide for you, but we can offer our comprehensive list of eating establishments, categorized for your convenience.

* These “Relocation Guide” sections are especially for readers new to town.

This Visitor Guide is published twice a year by the Chico News & Review, 530-894-2300 www.newsreview.com

Copyright 2006 Chico Community Publishing.