Lisa Green reports from Hudson. Is Hudson’s Winter Walk as delightful as billed? For this newbie, the answer would have to be yes, yes it is. On Saturday, December 3, parking was, as expected, a challenge, but once past that, the stroll on Warren Street (closed off to traffic) was a convivial mix of shopping, snacking, dining and greeting. Many of the shops sponsored festive activities — live music, dancing, art projects for the kids, not to mention food and drink; there was a petting zoo and an appearance by Santa’s reindeer (sporting some rather alarming antlers). This year’s event, presented by the Hudson Opera House on Saturday, Dec. 3, may have been additionally lively in honor of its 20th anniversary. “We love how creative Winter Walk is, and what it means for Hudson and the surrounding communities,” said Xrystya Szyjka (above, left) of Chatham, who attends every year with her sister, Olya Szyjka (right), from Amsterdam, New York. “Be sure to put in how inclusive it is,” she added. “That’s so important right now.”
Three generations of a family at Hudson Wine Merchants: Laurie Kaplan, Judy Kaplan and Rebeccah Bortz, hailing from Westchester, New Mexico and Manhattan, with a place in Taghkanic; Katie Kappes, Molly Darher and Isabel Newlin (wo)man the bar at Hudson Wine Merchants.
Lilly Becker and Samuel David check out the oils and vinegars at Savor the Taste.
The ladies of Lili and Lou: Proprietor Melinda Slover with Betty Lou Towart, Christina Saxton and Fetayo Cobbins; Jeremy Brunaccioni, Tim Grader and Gordon Alexander, all Massachusetts residents, at Talbott & Arding Cheese and Provisions.
Leslie Hughes and Brian Hughes, who have a home in Chatham, visit Casa Urbana.
The Etsy building and exterior emit an arts and craftsy glow; FINCH Hudson owners Michael Hofemann and Andrew Arrick.
Like many of the shops, 2 Note Botanical Perfumery offered live music among the merriment.