10 Things To Love About Hudson
The key elements behind Hudson, New York’s success as a distinct, character-rich destination are no secret, but they’re not reproducible, either. Hudson’s a cocktail of classy and lecherous history, gritty architectural and natural beauty, and a fiercely independent, artistic community. Decades of hard work and creative momentum transformed a former industrial town on the verge of ruin into one of the most vibrant small-business driven communities in the Hudson Valley. The city survived because it was willing to change; it thrives because it continues to do so. Here are 10 things, old and new, that we love about Hudson.
1. Hudson Hall The Historic Hudson Opera House is an apt representation of the little city as a whole. Once the elegant artistic and civic center of town, it wasted away and sat abandoned for many years until the '90s, when a group of ambitious citizens began the long, hard work of restoration. Looking back now from the fully restored building, rededicated Hudson Hall, the amount of work it took to get from there to here is astonishing. Though it lives in a historic shell, the heart of Hudson Hall’s performance calendar, community programming and curatorial spirit are fresh and progressive. Hudson Hall is the city’s center once more.
2. Hip Boutique Hotels It’s hard to believe, but little more than five years ago there weren’t any proper hotels in Hudson. Now, there’s a handful of exceptional, quirky boutique hotels like Rivertown Lodge, The Maker and Wm. Farmer and Sons, which also have their own restaurants and bars. There’s also The Wick and The Barlow, and many of the older bed and breakfasts have stepped up their games to essentially provide a hotel experience. These modern hotels give a more traditional lodging experience than the ubiquitous Airbnbs while maintaining a strong sense of style that reminds you you’re still in Hudson.
3. TSL Making Hudson cool before Hudson was cool, Time and Space, Limited has been a cauldron of alternative artistic energy for more than 40 years. The performance and art space’s legendary founders, Claudia Bruce and Linda Mussman, have built a community around their bold vision of progressive and challenging artistic expression. Whether you’re looking for a place to watch independent movies and live broadcasts of the MET Opera or you’re in the market to start a revolution, TSL’s your place.
4. Lil’ Deb’s Oasis With its playful but expertly executed tropical menu and decor, Lil' Deb's captures the imagination of everyone who enters. It’s not a restaurant full of art — the restaurant is the art, from what’s on the walls and what’s on the plate to what the chef-owners Carla Perez-Gallardo and Hannah Black happen to be wearing that day. The idea that every moment of your life can be an expression of artistic positivity is inspiring and, as a side effect, also creates a pretty swell place to grab lunch or dinner.
5. Sideshow and 5 and Diamond Vintage Clothing Stores The world-class antique stores that were the backbone of Hudson’s economic resurgence are a great place to find vintage furnishings, but Hudson’s also got great places to find high-quality vintage clothing. Sideshow and 5 and Diamond aren’t selling old rags, these are classic styles stocked with intentionality to support your modern wardrobe.
6. John Doe Records Part of Hudson’s charm is that it’s always been a little wild and rough around the edges. While one of the side effects of success is that Hudson has become a little more polished (especially on tourist-facing Warren Street), the city still has enough grit and grime to make it feel real. Dan Seward, the proprietor of John Doe Records, for many years and in many locations, is one of the last ambassadors of Hudson's dirtier days. The Bunny Brains frontman has stocked the store with a little bit of everything and a lot of great records. It's actually a really welcoming place in its own kind of way.
7. Spotty Dog Books & Ale Putting a bar in a bookstore isn’t a new idea but it was when The Spotty Dog opened up in a historic firehouse on Warren Street back in 2006. This fun idea is now serious business and the success of the store/bar is due to how well its owners have curated their book and beer selection, not to mention their big back section of art supplies and children’s toys. They also feature an active and eclectic schedule of performances and events.
8. Back Bar At this popular high-end dive, tucked behind the 3FourtySeven international antique shop, star chef Zak Pelaccio was firing on all cylinders when he created an overachieving menu of amazing south-Asian cuisine in a casual atmosphere. The drinks are just as well thought out and delicious.
9. Grazin’ Diner The edible extension of the Grazin’ Acres Angus Farm in Ghent, this burger joint is all about the quality of the ingredients sourced directly from the family farm. The classic diner atmosphere heightened by excellent food and friendly staff makes Grazin’ a relaxing breakfast and lunch joint just off the 7th Street park.
10. Basilica Hudson The city of Hudson would be nothing without its namesake waterway. After the industrial revolution turned the river into little more than the city dump, Hudson has finally begun to reclaim its riverfront in earnest. One of the main reasons to venture down to the riverfront is to take in an event at Basilica Hudson. Formerly a glue factory, the massive brick structure makes for a stunning venue whether it's for a 24-hour drone performance put on by a community of avant-garde musicians or the Farm & Flea showcasing the craftsmanship and originality of small-scale local vendors. Behind the Basilica are noted artists Melissa Auf der Maur and Tony Stone. Their commitment to revitalizing this once-forgotten district of the city is as strong at their drive to put on unique performances. The Basilica is more proof that you don't have to leave behind what's old to blaze ahead. In Hudson, as always, it's progress through preservation.
Please Support Rural Intelligence
We want to continue delivering the entertaining, informative and upbeat stories in the inimitable Rural Intelligence style, despite a pandemic. But we need your support to keep us going. Please consider making a donation; even a small amount helps secure our future. Support us now.
(If you prefer, mail a check to: 45 Pine Grove Ave., Suite 303, Kingston, NY 12401.)
Support Now