Hudson, Wisconsin

Stop + Shop
With an array of romantic dresses, ornate jewelry, delicate heels, and supple knits, La Rue Marché itself is worth the trip to Hudson. The shop is packed with trend-conscious clothing and accessories inspired by the fashions of Paris, New York, and LA. La Rue Marché also offers in-home wardrobe consulting and private in-store parties. 513 2nd St., 715-386-1969

If you are drawn to eclectic design, you’ll love what you see at CocoBello. This small-town store is big on design, with whimsical collectibles, oversized glass pieces, artwork, furniture, flooring, lighting, countertops, and more than 2,000 fabric books. Owner Marianne Buckman is also an interior designer and usually in the store to offer her designer’s perspective. 509 2nd St., 715-381-3433

On-trend clothing now occupies a larger area in Lavender Thymes, but this shop is still one of the best places in Hudson to find all types of gifts, including handmade jewelry, gourmet foods, and apothecary from Crabtree & Evelyn and Thymes. Owner Jean Iverson’s fashion-conscious daughter is the clothing buyer, and her updates to the selection include flirty tops, knits by Velvet, and designer jeans. 512 2nd St., 715-386-3866

Moppets on Main, in the former Alley Jax spot, is a local favorite, with apparel for boys (newborn to twenty-four months) and girls (newborn to size 10), as well as an assortment of children’s gifts, classic toys, and crafts. Owner Cheri Rosenberger relocated her store to downtown Hudson and tweaked the concept to include private parties for children in addition to children’s clothing and gifts. 516 2nd St., 715-386-0878

Food + Drink
With vaulted ceilings, a four-sided fireplace, and a patio overlooking Hudson’s Lakefront Park and the St. Croix, Pier 500 attracts diners from all over the metro area. Enjoy homemade chicken–wild rice soup, beer-battered walleye, and bubbling apple crisp served with vanilla bean ice cream. After dinner, stroll along the river or relax and watch the sunset. 500 1st St., 715-386-5504

Find seafood, sandwiches, wood-fired pizzas, salads, and desserts, all with a Caribbean twist, at San Pedro Cafe. The brunch here is Hudson’s most vibrant, with items ranging from huevos rancheros to French toast made from thick-cut ciabatta bread dipped in a vanilla-and-cinnamon egg batter to Caribbean eggs Benedict—two poach-ed eggs served on sliced pineapple and a crab cake and topped with fresh hollandaise sauce. 426 2nd St., 715-386-4003

Located in part of the historic Casanova Liquor Store Building, The Nova Wine Bar and Restaurant of Hudson is filled with comfortable seating, a fireplace, and baby grand piano. More than 200 varieties of wine are available by the bottle and nearly thirty by the glass, as well as plates of Wisconsin cheeses, light appetizers, and entrées, including peppered filet mignon in a brandy-cream sauce. 236 Coulee Rd., 715-386-2545