Ranked by Money Magazine as one of the “Best Places to Live in America”, Hudson, Ohio, has plenty to offer regardless of whether you’re looking for a vacation spot or a full-time home. Conveniently located halfway between Akron and Cleveland in the Western Reserve of Ohio, you’ll find that Hudson has great events, ample activities and plenty of classic midwestern charm.
Without leaving Hudson you’ll find ample things to do. The city is home to a wonderful collection of parks and public areas scattered throughout town, each offering its own charm. The Cuyahoga Valley National Park is also just west of the city and gives you the opportunity to experience dense forests, flowing rivers, diverse wildlife and beautiful scenery. If shopping is your game, you’ll love it here. From gourmet chocolate to antiques and beyond, you’ll find just about anything you can imagine at local shops, malls and outlet centers. When you're ready to eat, Hudson has many options including: Flip Side, Rosewood Grill, Downtown 140 and many more. A perfect time for you to fully experience this community and its friendly residents is during one of the big summer events like the Hudson Wine Festival.
Returning for its ninth year, the Hudson Wine Festival is one of the top wine events in the entire region. The celebration welcomes any and all who are interested, as long as you're 21 years of age or older. Event organizers are expecting over 7,500 people in attendance this year. The selection of wines and wineries is impressive with over 150 vintages coming from all over the world. Aside from the wines, you’ll encounter great live music, delicious food from local restaurants and the numerous opportunities to interact with representatives from local businesses. This event is a great way to meet new folks, find out about Hudson and taste some of the best wines on the planet. Take your summer vacation to an entirely new level of fun and make your way to the Hudson Wine Festival. We got the opportunity to interview Debra Sherman, representative for the Hudson Wine Festival, to talk about this fun celebration.
RAL: Tell me a little bit about the event.
DS: The Hudson Wine Festival is celebrating its 9th year and draws over 7,500 guests annually. It has become one of the staples in the Northeast Ohio event landscape, attracting adults of all ages, from all over the state and beyond. The event gives them an opportunity to sample more than 150 wines from local, national and international producers as well as over 30 craft beers and dozens of spirits. Hosted on the beautiful grounds of First & Main Hudson, the event operates in conjunction with the local Merchants of Hudson Sidewalk Sale, attracting guests to town to shop, dine and play throughout the weekend. Additionally, guests can enjoy a free viewing of the movie Jurassic World on Friday at dusk on the First & Main green, courtesy of the Screen on the Green Committee.
RAL: Take me through a day at the event.
DS: Guests can enjoy live music from the top bands in the area including Funkology, a 10-piece horn band playing everything from Motown and Oldies to Disco and today's covers. They also will have the opportunity to visit with more than 30 local exhibitors representing a variety of businesses and interact with our beneficiaries who will be on site with adoptable animals, collection bins for pet food and toys, and services educating the public on their causes. Scott's Fire & Ice will be featuring wood fired pizzas and gelato. Rosewood Grill offers short rib sliders, lobster mac and cheese, and strawberry shortcake. Adams Reserve New York Extra Sharp Cheddar will be serving cheese trays accompanied by fruit, meat and crackers.
RAL: What can an attendee expect to find for local lodging?
DS: Hudson is home to several charming bed & breakfasts and guests houses. There are also popular chain hotels in the adjacent communities of Stow, Streetsboro and Twinsburg. We recommend visiting www.destinationhudson.com for a complete list of lodging opportunities as well as a full list of shopping, dining and service providers. Hudson is a quaint New England-style town with an abundant history and architecture, especially in the downtown core where the festival is located.
RAL: What does the event mean to the community?
DS: The Hudson Wine Festival marks the midpoint of summer and offers an opportunity for guests to mix and mingle, while supporting animal welfare and military support organizations. Our four beneficiaries include the People Care Pet Pantry, Rescue Ohio English Bulldogs, Spay Neuter Ohio and NEOPAT (Northeast Ohio Foundation for Patriotism). Each benefactor plays a role in the festival and guests have the opportunity to learn more about the organizations and how they support our communities year round.
RAL: Why should people come to your event?
DS: In addition to the festival and sidewalk sale, there are many other activities during the Hudson Wine Festival weekend. From the Saturday morning Farmers Markets on the historic clock tower green, to the walking tours full of architecture and history, there is something for all ages in downtown Hudson. We invite you to join us for a few hours, the afternoon or the weekend and see what historic, charming Hudson is all about… It's a destination that is sure to please!
For more information about the Hudson Wine Festival, please visit their website.