Whether you’re arriving in Aspen via Denver or escaping town over Independence Pass to catch a Rockies game or museum exhibit this summer, here are our recommendations for getting your city fix in Denver’s hottest up-and-coming neighborhood, River North.

The lobby at The Ramble Hotel is a local gathering space. Photo by Joshua Perez courtesy of The Ramble Hotel

STAY

The Ramble Hotel in the Rino district looks like a stately old red brick building that could have been there since the 19th century, when in fact it’s brand spanking new. The style of the locally owned and operated boutique hotel was inspired by Madame Rambouillet, a 17th-century French salon hostess known for her egalitarian community gatherings. Interior design firm Avenue ID made the rooms and lobby feel residential and personal with rich color palettes, salon-style art, chandeliers and oriental rugs. The hotel’s partner cafe, bars, event spaces and restaurant, Super Mega Bien, were all curated to complement the aesthetic and independent spirit of the Ramble—très jolie. Suites from $419, presidential suites from $995, 1280 25th St.

A guest room in deep blue at The Ramble Hotel; photo by Adam Ripplinger/AMP Imagery courtesy of The Ramble Hotel

DRINK

Inside the lobby of the Ramble Hotel is the first outpost outside of New York City for Death & Co. After 12 years and one hit book (Death & Co is considered the modern cocktail bible), the influential bar chose Denver to be the site of its careful expansion. However, the big, elegant space, gently lit by chandeliers, is distinctly not New York. The wait staff is friendly and the crowd good-looking. The drinks menu is divided into categories with monikers like “playful and light” or “boozy and honest.” The nibbles will keep you fortified against the latter, with shared small dishes such as three-potato gnocchi (our server called it “potato heaven”) and red bean hummus with fried bread. 1280 25th St.

A mixologist smiles at Deathe & Co; photo courtesy of Death & Co.

EAT

Late 2018 saw the highly anticipated opening of Uchi Denver, located just one block from the Ramble Hotel. The original Uchi and sister restaurant Uchiko are in Austin, Texas, helmed by James Beard Award-winning chef-owner Tyson Cole. Cole’s menu focuses on sustainably sourced fish flown in daily from Japan. However, the traditional Japanese is creatively transformed in dishes like the hama chile yellowtail and the Texas roll, which includes ham and eggs, naturally. Pro tip: Save room for dessert—the fried milk is divine. 2500 Lawrence St.

Fried milk at Uchi Denver; photo by Shawn Campbell courtesy of Uchi Denver