Colorado is a changing landscape, home to an influx of people from neighboring and not-so neighboring states (ahem, California). As the population booms, previously underdeveloped areas of Denver have risen to prominence. Breweries have popped up on previously empty lots, urban wineries and restaurants in old factories, retail shops in dilapidated industrial complexes, and grow houses have replaced abandoned warehouses.

One of the “new” neighborhoods of Denver is RiNo (or River North to the less hip crowd). RiNo was previously devoted to the industrial, its pavement filled with factories and mechanic shops. In 2005, the metamorphosis began when artists found themselves drawn to the rawness of the region. They established the River North Art District which ultimately transformed into the RiNo we know and love today.

What Can I Find in RiNo?

Gone is the primarily industrial landscape, and in its place the ingenious – pour-your-own-beer breweries, boutiques, trendy restaurants, a scorching housing market, and ever growing co-working spaces. It stays true to its artistic renaissance as well with graffiti-art wallscapes and street art paintings, and independent artisan galleries around what seems like every corner.

The area recently got its first hotel with the opening of The Ramble, a 50-room boutique hotel that opened its doors this spring. In a district with so many creative and stimulating things to do, it won’t remain the only hotel for long.

Where is RiNo?

If you’re looking for RiNo, the term “River North” can be misleading – to find a true river, head east on I-76 and leave Colorado completely; we aren’t known for our waterways! (no offense, South Platte)

The boundaries of RiNo are as follows: I-70 to the north, I-25 to the west, Park Avenue West to the south, and Arapahoe Street to the east.

The RiNo Name

Sure, RiNo is short for River North, but it also draws out the image of a rhinoceros, perhaps one sipping on a craft beer so all the local animals at the Denver Zoo know that he’s one cool cat (or, rather, one cool odd-toed ungulate).

The image wasn’t wasted on those who helped establish RiNo in its infancy. The logo? Yep, it’s a rhinoceros! That helped the name soar with recognition, taking the alternative of “River North” off the table. Besides, there is already a River North in Chicago. And Denver didn’t want to ruffle feathers, especially not after we stuck the Bears with Jay Cutler.

RiNo isn’t only fertile ground for crowds looking to dine, drink, and explore the arts; it’s also fertile ground for advertisers! If you’re in the market for outdoor advertising, we can help! Contact us today!