Northglenn

Just nine miles north of downtown Denver, Northglenn is a growing suburb in western Adams County.

The planned community, which saw its first residential development in 1959, features new homes, lots of neighborhood parks, trails and recreation facilities. Featuring a vast selection fast food and sit-down restaurants, Northglenn is an ideal pull-off spot during any road trip.

Those who stay longer, however, may enjoy Northglenn's 550-acre park system. The Webster Lake and E. B. Rains, Jr. Memorial Park received America's Crown Community Award by American City and County Magazine for its rehabilitation and redesign. The updated park is one of the town's most popular spots and includes three acres of improved trails and new picnic tables, flowerbeds and trees, as well as a unique public-art program that features a rotating selection of sculptures on loan. The park also includes a sensory playground and a place to rent paddleboats.

Croke Reservoir is another top spot for nature lovers. Visitors can fish, stroll around the lake or observe waterfowl and wildlife from the under the shade of giant cottonwoods.