Five things to love about Brighton, Michigan

Cassandra Lybrink, Livingston Daily
Updated ·2 min read

BRIGHTON — For shopping, eating, and indoor and outdoor activities, Brighton, Michigan, has visitors covered.

Here are some of the things we love most:

Brighton Mill Pond is the locally-described "focal point" of Brighton.
Brighton Mill Pond is the locally-described "focal point" of Brighton.

Brighton Mill Pond

Brighton Mill Pond is the locally-described "focal point" of Brighton. Sidewalks crisscross the pond, giving walkers the best views. The park is surrounded by a recently updated amphitheater for entertainment, shops and restaurants, and a sprawling playground for little ones. Construction is ongoing to revamp the area with a firepit, more accessible paths, new benches and landscaping.

A cyclist rides a hike and ski trail at the Island Lake State Recreation Area.
A cyclist rides a hike and ski trail at the Island Lake State Recreation Area.

Impressive Parks

There's more nature to explore beyond the Mill Pond, with the Brighton Recreation Area, Huron Meadows Metropark and Island Lake Recreation Area to explore. Huron Meadows covers 1,576 acres of land along the Huron River, with hiking and biking trails and ice fishing in the wintertime. Island Lake is a 4,000-acre park on the Huron River and Kent Lake, connected to the Kensington Metropark by a bike trail. The Brighton Recreation Area provides another 4,947 acres near Mt. Brighton, with 39 miles of trails for hiking, biking and horse riding.

Mt. Brighton is one of the best reasons to visit Livingston County in the wintertime.
Mt. Brighton is one of the best reasons to visit Livingston County in the wintertime.

Mt. Brighton

Speaking of Mt. Brighton, the seasonal ski resort is one of the main reasons to visit Livingston County in the wintertime. The resort has been a destination since 1960, and brings in skiers from across the state and beyond, with 25 trails and five lifts across 130 acres, according to its website.

Toma Vulaj serves up a beef brisket slider to guest Diane Fowkes during the annual Taste of Brighton event.
Toma Vulaj serves up a beef brisket slider to guest Diane Fowkes during the annual Taste of Brighton event.

Great Food

It's impossible to provide a comprehensive list of all the great places to eat in Brighton, but La Marsa, Stillwater Grill, Ciao Amici's and The Pound are just a few. You'll also find national favorites, from Chili's to Red Robin to Olive Garden — and local franchisees like Mancino's Pizza and Grinders and Leo's Coney Island.

MJR Brighton Town Square Digital Cinema saw major upgrades in 2022, including VIP seats.
MJR Brighton Town Square Digital Cinema saw major upgrades in 2022, including VIP seats.

Family Entertainment

Brighton is a great place to visit for family fun, with local favorite MJR Digital Cinemas (it's more fun at MJR), The Arcade on Grand River, the Brighton Bowl and Airborne Adventure Park. From trampolines and dodgeball to arcade games to bowling, there's plenty of indoor activities to enjoy.

— Contact editor Cassandra Lybrink at clybrink@hollandsentinel.com. Follow her on Twitter @CassLybrink.

This article originally appeared on Livingston Daily: Five things to love about Brighton, Michigan