What is it about Hudson that makes it so special? For me, there was nothing like coming home, crossing the river and seeing the bluffs. That's how I always knew I was home. One of the most spectacular things about Hudson is you can go atop the bluffs and sit in peace and quiet and admire the views of the St Croix River in Birkmose Park.
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| St Croix River - Looking towards MN |
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| St Croix River - Looking South |
Another thing that makes Hudson so special is all the wonderful shops and restaurants. And it's not just that they have great food or an incredible location, the people who own these shops go out of their way to support the community.
Some of these are simply my favorite places to visit, some have special meaning.
The Subhouse. Always my first stop after coming home. They have some of the best sandwiches in town! Fresh baked bread daily, managers specials, eat in or take it to go for a picnic in Lakefront park.
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| A Northern View of some of the shops of Main Street (Viva Voce, Sirona Spring, La Rue Marche) |
Let the talented (and gorgeous) ladies at Viva Voce Salon pamper you. My favorite salon in town! I usually walk in looking slightly homeless and walk out with hair that belongs in a magazine. Jayme Mees, the owner, is one of the most wonderful people you will meet in town!
Agave Kitchen. Not only do they have AMAZING food, but they have one of the most giving and humble owners in town. Paul Rode is a class act. He heads up truck drives to bring food, clothes, etc to those in need during disasters, organizes flag waving across the bridge on 9/11, as well as many other community fundraisers. And my favorite, the sign. Promoting the awesome food, other local businesses or saying something clever. Simply put: Eat here.
Ellies on Main. While I haven't been here since 2010, it is where Adam and I met, so has a little sentimental value.
Knoke's Chocolate. Knoke's is a sweet little candy shop tucked on a side street in Downtown Hudson. While it is possible to spot a celebrity in Knoke's on occasion (Martha Stewart and John Boehner have been here to name a few) the real reason to come here is the chocolate or the ice cream, or the taffy or the.... I could go on. Simply delicious!
The 715. One of the newer shops in town that features home decor (Industrial/Rustic), clothing and more. The 715 is named after the local area code. One of my favorite pieces in the shop is a solid piece of redwood that was made into a table top. It is absolutely stunning!
Just one shop down from the 715 is Urban Olive and Vine. Last fall, I bought a Groupon to do a olive oil tasting with a bottle of wine and I am so glad I did! The different flavors of olive oils combined with vinegars is endless. They also serve food - try the Caesar Salad (topped with truffle oil) and one of the homemade soups!
Another pic for sentimental value. I worked at Dick's Bar and Grill in high school/college. It's the bar where you'll find popcorn on the ground and the same folks sitting around the horseshoe bar that were there when I was there in 1998. (Slightly joking). However, they do have EXCELLENT food and a great drink special on the weekends! ($1.75 bloody Marys and mimosas - just get a double mimosa, you'll thank me later).
Also serving up great food and drinks is Pier 500. One of the best places in town to sit out and enjoy the St Croix River Views.
And last... take a walk along the River Dike and check out the boats along the river.
Hudson truly is an incredible little city! The downtown area has several bars, restaurants and shops. I couldn't even begin to photograph and write about them all. (Barkers, San Pedros, Mallory's (the newest in town), Smilin Moose, The Postmark Grille (in the old Post Office), Brick's, Dragon Pearl just to name a few restaurants).
I hope you fall in love with my hometown and love it as much as I do!
XOXO
Kristen
You're doing a wonderful job Kristen with your posts! Downtown Hudson has changed a lot since I've lived there! I haven't been downtown for a very long time so I enjoyed all the great pictures you took!
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