5. Colorado Renaissance Festival

The Buzz -- Jousting knights, damsels in distress, hordes of hilarious entertainers, and a bevy of food and beverage makes this one of Colorado's most popular annual events. For eight summer weekends, you and the kids can travel back in time, just by driving about a half hour south of Denver. Vendors offer crafts and souvenirs, and there are demonstrations of everything from glass blowing to old-fashioned spinning and weaving. Traditional music and food round out the offerings, and special themes each weekend celebrate topics such as wine, international music and dance, beer and ale, and romance.