This Is The Most Welcoming Town In Massachusetts

In this day and age, finding a community that truly welcomes you with open arms can feel like a rarity. Drive about 45 minutes outside of Boston, however, and you will find such a place in the small town of Hudson. This Massachusetts community of about 20,000 residents knows how to throw incredible events throughout the year, including art festivals and townwide celebrations. There is a special feel to the town’s Main Street, as well, where shops focus on locally made and ethical goods to support the community's growth. And these highlights are just the tip of the iceberg! It is time to dive into exactly what makes Hudson such a warm and welcoming place.

Community Events And Festivals

There is no better way to get involved with a community than by attending its festivals, and Hudson hosts plenty of them throughout the year. One of its largest events is Celebrate Hudson, an annual festival that takes place downtown in September. This family-friendly celebration features all kinds of activities, including evening concerts, local art, outdoor games, food trucks, and more. As a cherry on top, the admission is free!

The town also knows how to support its local art community. Each year, around May, it throws ArtsFest, which brings in over 60 local artists to display and sell their works, ranging from jewelry and pottery to home decor and fine art. You also might consider making holiday plans in Hudson this coming year, as the town rings in the holiday season with the Hudson Holiday Stroll. Attendees can enjoy all sorts of festive activities during this event, such as horse-drawn carriage rides, free photos with Santa, live music, food trucks, and vendors.

An Inviting Culinary Scene

In Hudson, you will be greeted by warm food and warm smiles at the various cafes and restaurants. You can kickstart your morning at lovely cafes like Wild Hare, which is a comforting joint for brewed coffee, espresso, freshly baked bread, and pastries. This spot also transforms into a restaurant and brewery in the afternoon, perfect for those craving a craft beer.

For a more nostalgic bite, you might enjoy lunch at Victor's 50s Diner, which is situated in the heart of town, renowned for its 1950s style and diner food. You are also in for a unique experience at Kith and Kin, a local restaurant that serves brunch, lunch, and dinner. Throughout the year, it hosts special culinary events like Tequila Dinners, Mocktails & Cheese Tastings, and Galentine's Day gatherings, giving you the chance to experience Hudson’s community spirit once again.

Shops And Boutiques On Main

Even the shops and boutiques in downtown Hudson have a particularly friendly atmosphere about them. Right on Main Street, you will find gems like The Haberdash, a boutique that specializes in ethically sourced gifts, stationery, beauty products, women’s clothing, and home decor. Islay’s Terrace is another wonderful spot on Main to find a gift or craft, a curated gift shop that sells a variety of artisan goods, diverse books, stationery, fiber arts, and yarn. Sarah Bertochi - Handmade is right down the street from The Haberdash and Islay’s Terrace, offering sustainable and USA-made products. This woman-owned store sells everything from puzzles and games to bags, candles, jewelry, and other cute gifts.

Community Spaces

Hudson offers plenty of places to gather, some of which have served the community for more than a hundred years! The Hudson Public Library is the perfect example. This local institution has been part of the town since 1867, and its historic current building dates back to 1905, when it opened with the help of funds donated by Andrew Carnegie.

You also might spot neighbors and friends gathering at Wood Park, which is situated next to the Assabet River, famous for hosting events like the Summer Concert Series each year. If you are looking to get a bit of exercise while in town, don’t miss out on the chance to explore the Assabet River Rail Trail. Currently consisting of two completed sections, one of the parts runs nearly six miles from Marlborough to Hudson and is a great place to enjoy a walk, run, or hike.

Extending Your Adventure

After such a spirit-lifting trip, you might find yourself reluctant to return home. Fortunately, there are several towns near Hudson if you want to keep your travels going a bit longer! Sudbury is just a 15-minute drive east of Hudson and is filled with historic and hospitable attractions. Travelers, for example, can spend the night at the town’s Wayside Inn, which has been welcoming guests since 1716, making it one of the oldest operating inns in the country. The Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge is also in the area, which features oak pine forest, freshwater wetlands, and shrubland to explore. For more history, you can plan a day or two at Concord, which is half an hour from Hudson and 20 minutes from Sudbury. Here, you will find all kinds of Revolutionary War sites like the Old North Bridge and the Concord Museum.

A Place To Quickly Feel At Home

Don’t be surprised if you quickly feel at home in Hudson, whether you are visiting for a weekend or searching for a longer-term change of pace. Attending one of its festivals or community events is a great way to get a sense for the town’s community spirit, while its restaurants and community spaces offer a great place to gather year-round. Get out there and get ready to see for yourself what makes this community so special!