This northeastern Denver suburb sits along the banks of the South Platte River. Brighton combines a small-town atmosphere with rich cultural and historical roots, evident as one drives down its main street.

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Every year, Brighton hosts the Adams County Fair, in which during past years, an infamous tomato-throwing contest painted contestants and parts of the town red.

Today, one of Brighton's most popular attractions is the Murray Maize Maze. This corn maze, shaped like a bear and two wolves, features four miles of twisting trails across 15 acres of tall corn. For outdoor pursuits, enthusiasts head to Brighton's own day-use facility: Barr Lake State Park. Here visitors can partake in wildlife viewing, jogging, horseback-riding, biking, fishing and boating (on the north side of the lake only small boats are allowed). Home to the Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory, with more than 300 different species, Barr Lake is also a birder's paradise. Find some of the best views from the lakeside gazebo, where even red fox and deer can be spotted.