Top Shopping In Denver's RiNo Neighborhood

(credit: Topo Designs)

Denver's River North (RiNo) area has been transforming from a primarily industrial area to a new and flourishing neighborhood over the past few years. With an upcoming arts scene and many restaurants and bars, it is quickly becoming a popular hangout for Denver residents. Whether you're new to the RiNo neighborhood or have known about it since its inception, there are many shops that will help introduce you to the neighborhood. Spend a day checking them out.

The Source
3350 Brighton Blvd.
Denver, CO 80216
(720) 443-1135
www.thesourcedenver.com

This transformed warehouse now offers a destination shopping experience right near Downtown Denver. With many bars, restaurants, food vendors including an artisan bread shop and a coffee shop, and more, The Source makes for a fun day of shopping and eating. For residents and tourists alike, this is a place in which to discover fine food, local artists and much more. There are also events that occur regularly, so check out the website and find a lecture or other event and spend the rest of the day shopping. The Source is unique to the Downtown Denver area, and it has a similar vibe to The Embarcadero Center in San Francisco (though it's still a young venue). It's definitely worth a look if you enjoy fine food and artistry.

Proof Wine and Spirits
3360 Larimer St.
Denver, CO 80205
(720) 425-2959
www.facebook.com/proofdenver

This neighborhood store offers wine and spirits from many unique and hard-to-find brands. The staff knows its stuff and will point you in the right direction whether you're hosting a party, or simply want to try new pairings. As RiNo is known for its arts scene, the store also features works from local artists, so you can browse while looking for your next favorite vintage. The store also sells "kits" for cocktails like Bloody Marys, so if you don't feel like making them from scratch, you can buy pre-mixed ingredients that are still fresh.

Smirk
3120 Blake St., Suite B
Denver, CO 80205
(303) 747-3884
www.smirkwith.us

Smirk is a locally owned and operated business that offers apparel to showcase all things Colorado. Show your state pride by stopping in and picking up a shirt, paper goods, local sports-themed merchandise and more. The owners of Smirk are Colorado natives who are dedicated to bettering our state, so 50 percent of all net profits are donated to various local charities. A graphic design studio as well, Smirk can also make you a custom tee, so you can show your hometown spirit in a manner that showcases your personality.

Related: Top Denver-Based Designers

Topo Designs
2500 Larimer St., Suite 102
Denver, CO 80205
(303) 954-8420
www.topodesigns.com

Colorado-based Topo Designs makes clothing, bags, backpacks and more items that are perfectly suited to the Colorado lifestyle. The bags are versatile and can be taken to work or hiking on the weekends. The design studio and flagship store are located in the RiNo neighborhood so you can easily visit the source of the company's creativity. All of the apparel, accessories and other gear is inspired by popular activities in our state like camping, hiking and fishing. It's designed to be stylish and functional, while staying true to the outdoorsy identity that is synonymous with the Denver area.

Oh Wheelie?
3660 Downing St., Unit B
Denver, CO 80205
(303) 587-8389
www.ohwheelie.com

Founded in 2012, Oh Wheelie? is a bike shop that is dedicated to encouraging biking as an alternate form of transportation. Selling many new and second-hand cycles, this shop is a great place to find a bike that will allow you to take advantage of the many trails in the Denver metro area and commute to work on your bike. With a staff that is passionate about cycling, you can be certain that you will leave with a bike that meets all of your needs, and you may even pick up some new tips on where to go bicycling in the metro area. Oh Wheelie? also offers tune up and repair services, so if your bike needs an adjustment, stop by the shop.

Related: Top Bike Shops In Denver

Alaina Brandenburger is a freelance writer living in Denver. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.