You're Not From Around Here, Are You? — That’s OK. Not all of us are. Sure, there are plenty of born-and-bred Humboldtians around but this place has a way of luring in outsiders. When someone asks where you’re from, ask him or her the same.

Some of us were drawn to the natural surroundings, the ancient forests and dramatic coasts. Others were called by outdoor sports — the fishing, kayaking and hiking they got tired of only doing on vacation. Plenty of us came for college and couldn’t quite say goodbye to the laid-back lifestyle. There are those who followed a beloved here and stayed up north long after the affair went south. And take heed — there are even a couple who visited for a long weekend and ended up buying a house. Really.

We learn the ropes quickly enough, though. Some pointers:

• First, slow down. Time seems less pressing in a place with 2,000-year-old trees.

• Dress is casual. Outdoor wedding? Jeans. Clogs and sandals are always appropriate, and flannel is our black.

• Layer. Inland areas are hot and dry, the coast is cooler and everywhere can get chilly at night. Nobody carries an umbrella, even when it rains. Just put up your hood and run.

• Abandon your stereotypes. Our bikers eat panini, our professors hunt, our soccer moms 
are samba drummers and our entrepreneurs 
have dreadlocks.

• There’s no smoking in downtown Arcata (regardless of what you might smell in the air).

• We love our pets, but keep your dog leashed on the beach because we love the seals and birds nestled in the dunes, too. Play it cool if you see a guy walking a turkey or a yak on the street.

Now that you’re acclimated, let’s have some fun. In this summer issue of the Insider, you’ll find some places to cool off with a dip in a swimming hole, a fresh cocktail or a double-scoop of homemade gelato. We’ll help you plan your visit — and the next one — with custom-built itineraries for adventurers, foodies, art lovers, sightseers and families with little ones. Check out the festival preview and the 90-day calendar to see what’s going on around town (even more up-to-the-moment entertainment info awaits you online at humboldtinsider.com). You’ll even get to know a couple of the locals, like businessman/outdoorsman Don Banducci and Cody Hills, the young man who grew up on a tugboat in Humboldt Bay.

You can’t really see, do, eat and enjoy it all in one trip, which might be why so many of us move here for good. Don’t try too hard — we’re slowing down, remember? You’ll be back anyway.