You’re welcome!

“Welcome to Chico!”

If your time in town is anything like mine, you’ll be hearing this quite a bit. People here are friendly to a newcomer, even if he or she doesn’t happen to be the editor of the alternative weekly newspaper.

See, I’m pretty new here myself. I moved up from Southern California in April, and whenever anyone learned I was new, I received a hearty greeting.

It’s just the way things are here. This city marches to its own drummer, a percussionist who strikes a mellow beat.

You may hear someone say “a-monds” instead of “almonds.” I say “may” because even though this is one of Chico’s most-talked-about quirks, I haven’t heard anyone pronounce it that way. But, then, I don’t do much nut-shopping.

As for The Esplanade: Chicoans here really do pronounce it “Esplanayde,” so you might as well change your speech pattern now if you have French instincts.

People talk a lot about the one-way streets, too, but they’re not so tough to figure out. They’re even simpler if you’re walking, which is easy to do around campus and downtown.

The street/avenue breakdown takes some getting used to. It’s nothing a good map won’t solve; barring that, just think of Bidwell Mansion as the dividing line, with numbered “streets” to the south (i.e., 1st Street downtown) and numbered “avenues” to the north.

As you flip or click your way through the Chico-pedia version of Goin’ Chico, you’ll learn a lot more about the community than diction and directions. You’ll find great places to eat, a primer on the music scene, cool coffee houses, where to find Wi-Fi, fun weekend trips and other useful information.

You’ll get a sense of what makes Chico—and the Chico News & Review—beloved by people who live here.

People a lot like you.

Welcome to Chico!

Chico•pedia
Our quick reference guide puts what you need to know in a handy place.

Magical history tour
Buildings you see every day date to the town’s earliest days.

Music, music everywhere
Chico’s sonic scene draws fans from across the Northstate.

The hot spots
Where to check out local music

Java huts
Coffee houses abound, including a number offering free Wi-Fi.

Ahhh, romance …
Resident gourmet Henri Bourride shares his tips for a luscious dinner date.

Arts affair
Find out why Chico is considered one of the best art towns in the country.

Chico art and theater guide

Getting involved
Should you care about local politics even if this isn’t your “real” home?

The community’s other college
Butte College provides an alternative for students.

Taco truck taste test
Good food sometimes comes from kitchens on wheels.

Good Grub
A quick guide to downtown Chico eateries

Day-trippin’
Want to get out of town? You don’t have to go far to see something amazing.

Do it your way
Don’t let college become a cliché—blaze your own trail.