Community Corner

Visit Brighton, A Fun, Family-Friendly City!

Every town has its traditions. Check out these fun facts about what makes Brighton so special.

(Photo Credit: Patch)

Brighton is a place like no other. And whether you grew up here, recently moved to the area or you’re just an occasional visitor, you know that Brighton has its own special traditions and history that make it so unique.

A few things to know:

  • The Brighton Millpond is a picturesque body of water in the heart of downtown Brighton that has been a popular spot for fishing, boating and picnicking for over 150 years. It's also home to an annual fishing tournament and a summer concert series.
  • Golf enthusiasts will love Brighton’s excellent golf courses. One notable course is the Oak Pointe Country Club, which has hosted multiple professional tournaments, and the Moose Ridge Golf Course.
  • If you're interested in history, be sure to check out the Brighton Area Historical Society Museum, which features exhibits and artifacts related to the history of the city and the surrounding area.
  • Brighton is home to several annual festivals and events, including the Brighton Fine Art & Acoustic Music Festival, the Smokin' Jazz & Barbecue Blues Festival and the Livingston County Home & Garden Show.
  • The 4,947-acre Brighton Recreation Area is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Its gorgeous lakes provide plenty of swimming, boating and fishing opportunities, and several miles of trails are available for biking, hiking and horseback riding.
  • Looking for a place to spend an afternoon? The Green Oak Village Place is a premier shopping destination in the Brighton area, featuring over 40 stores and restaurants, including popular retailers like Target, Kohl's and J.C. Penney.
  • For locals and visitors who love to support small businesses, the Brighton Farmers Market is held every Saturday from May to October. Here, local vendors sell a variety of fresh produce, baked goods and handmade crafts.
  • Brighton is one of just two incorporated cities in Livingston County, Michigan. It was first established in 1832, then incorporated as a village 35 years later. It officially became a city nearly 100 years ago in 1928.
  • Brighton has several parks and playgrounds for kids to enjoy, including the 10,000-square-foot Imagination Station playground. While the kids play, parents can take a leisurely walk along the Mill Pond or the Tridge, and on summer Sundays, everyone can enjoy free gazebo concerts in the new performance shelter.
  • The Brighton Art Guild is a nonprofit organization that promotes and supports local artists and their work through exhibitions, workshops and other events. The Guild hosts "Art in Public Places" exhibitions in various locations throughout the community and offers scholarships for high school seniors and college students.
  • Visit Mt. Brighton Ski Resort in the winter for a fun outing the entire family will enjoy. The resort opened in 1961 and is made up of man-made hills as there aren’t any high enough in the area for skiing. The resort has lessons for skiers and snowboarders of all levels.
  • Did you know that Brighton has been featured in several big and small screen titles? The character Harriet Hayes (Sarah Paulson) in TV’s β€œStudio 60 on the Sunset Strip” was born and raised in Brighton, while the film β€œAspen Extreme” features the two main characters working as maintenance staff at Mt. Brighton ski hill.

What's your favorite thing about Brighton? Let us know below in the comments!

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