Littleton

Not every Denver suburb has such a distinctive history separate from the city proper, but Littleton definitely has its own story.

First of all, its historic downtown area, with tree-lined streets and several distinctive historic buildings, looks nothing like Denver's high-rise skyline. But if you want to get to Denver from here, aside from driving, you can hike or bike the riverside trail along the Platte River or you can get there fast on the RTD light rail.

An impressive town museum, the Littleton Historical Museum, is situated on a spacious 14 acres next to Ketring Lake. This living history farm, served well by trained volunteers, re-creates life on an 1860s farm and homestead. Stepping through its gates is like stepping back in time. Imagine what it was like to go to class in the old schoolhouse, to churn the butter for your bread, make a quilt to keep you warm at night or watch the village blacksmith at work. Galleries and exhibits, with thousands of local artifacts, further interpret the area's history.

Step back out through the gates and you're in an urbane neighborhood, with great shopping and dining. Littleton truly enjoys the best of both worlds — past and present.