Embark on a wintery adventure in beautiful Hudson, Wisconsin, where you’ll find the perfect mix of outdoor activities, shopping, amazing food, family fun, and relaxation.
Start your day with a warm cup of coffee at a local favorite, Ember and Bean Roasting Co., then wander through the array of specialty boutiques filled with terrific wares, unique gifts, and home goods. For a mid-day break, grab a glass of wine and some tasty bites at Urban Olive & Vine. In fact, Hudson is home to great wineries, breweries, and distilleries, which are a perfect place to raise a glass with family and friends. For dessert, make sure to visit St. Croix Baking Company or Knoke’s Chocolates and Nuts, with their handcrafted chocolates and delicious ice cream.
Photo Courtesy of Erik Mickelsen
Hudson is also home to several award-winning restaurants, including a few with patios open all year-round. One such place is Pier Five Hundred, where, for a few months in the winter, you can dine inside an igloo. Just make sure to book this one-of-a-kind experience ahead of time, as they fill up fast. Another “cool” outdoor dining option can be found at Pedro’s del Este where they have a pergola that’s got you covered all year round while you enjoy Spanish, Cuban, and Latin influenced cuisine, dessert, and craft cocktails.
For all you animal lovers, if you haven’t yet made it to the enchanting and memorable Eagle Eye Farm, now’s the time. Located just outside of Hudson, this joyful farm is great for the whole family. Meet their award-winning alpacas, sheep, llamas, pigs, miniature highland cattle and chickens. Perfect for people of all ages!
Another great family outing is attending a performance at the Phipps Center for the Arts. This landmark center offers a mix of art, dance, and theater. Exhibits and shows rotate often, so make sure to check their calendar and order tickets in advance.
For a truly magical experience, check out The Real Magic House. It’s one of the most notable historic landmark homes in the area. Built in 1885, it has an extensive amount of history, detail, and character. It’s been transformed into a premier vacation rental and special event venue, making it one of the great places to stay and unwind when visiting Hudson.
Photo Courtesy of ajsborderland_photos
Venture outside and embrace winter at one of Hudson’s many fantastic parks. Willow River State Park has miles of hard-packed trails for snowshoeing, dog sledding, winter hiking, and more. There’s also nine miles of cross-country ski trails on the south side of the river. Or visit Homestead Parklands for opportunities to ice fish and skate on beautiful Perch Lake.
Located just outside of the Twin Cities, Hudson is the perfect place to spend a winter weekend away. The festive holiday lights stay up through mid-February, so bundle up, grab some hot cocoa, explore, shop, stay, and start the new year in beautiful Hudson.
