There are so many ways to describe Hudson: beautiful, exciting, trendy. Despite being just a half hour from the Twin Cities, Hudson can certainly stand on its own, and in this episode, hosts Mariah Haberman and Collin Geraghty discover just what makes this city on the St. Croix River tick.
As a native of Hudson, Collin has seen the city grow and evolve throughout the years, but one thing that he can always count on when he goes home is the gorgeous St. Croix River. Collin hops aboard an Afton*Hudson River Cruise for some fajitas and margaritas, and of course, to take in a stunning sunset on the water. It’s not just the St. Croix River that draws outdoor enthusiasts to Hudson. Collin catches up with an old family friend for a bike trip along the area’s rustic roads before making a stop at Willow River State Park. With its miles of trails and dramatic waterfall, Willow River State Park is the perfect subject for artists during Hudson’s Plein Air event held every year.
There’s always something going on in downtown Hudson, and Mariah browses through the eclectic shops of Second Street before stopping at Grand Fête, a kitchen store where she learns how to make a few delectable appetizers. Hudson doesn’t slow down in the winter. Instead, the community puts on a number of events including the dazzling Christmas Tour of Homes, and of course, the Hot Air Affair, where Mariah learns some of the science behind hot air ballooning.
Hudson is home to one of Wisconsin’s most impressive food scenes with dozens of restaurants serving everything from classic comfort food to German, Mediterranean and even Caribbean-inspired cuisine! And Mariah takes in Hudson’s bustling wine scene at a number of area wineries each with their own distinct style, before wrapping up her Hudson visit at Wine Cave Fest, a festival in the Prohibition-era caves of Historic Casanova Liquor. Teeming with natural beauty, a bustling downtown and plenty of interesting people, there are so many stories waiting to be discovered in Hudson.