A pile of clean laundry occupying half the couch in our family room was waiting to be folded. Our 2-year-old had learned to climb the drawer pulls on our cabinets. We have a 5-year-old who listens to the “Frozen” soundtrack on repeat. I believe a date night was in order. Stat.
When I booked the babysitter for that Saturday night, I felt a million pounds lighter, more patient, happier. My husband and I could slip away for four hours of uninterrupted date-night bliss as someone else plays parent. I hoped by the time it was over, one of us would be ready to fold that pile of laundry. Or, at least, shove it back in the dryer for another cycle.
To find some new places to go for our big night out, I visited Hudson’s Welcome Center at 89 First St. (Suite 205). My 2-year-old, who came with me, eyed the fire extinguisher; I’m on the clock. Luckily, there were tons of pamphlets for inspiration. I stared longingly at the walking tour guides, Farmer’s Market brochure and summer schedules. In the warmer months, Hudson is alive with festivals, social happenings, shopping and live music.
However, as I write this, we’re in the midst of Polar Vortex season, so it was safer sticking with dinner and drinks. And, perhaps ice skating at the free rink at the center of First and Main if we’re feeling particularly adventurous.
When date night arrives, we bid farewell to the children, wished our babysitter good luck and smiled foolishly on the drive to The Blue Rock Café at 5827 Darrow Road. The bar/restaurant is a newer addition to Hudson and brings in a wide variety of local musicians. Tequila Mockingbird was playing and we enjoyed a cold beer and eclectic music. My Corona and a Jimmy Buffet cover song was the perfect combination, and I could almost pretend it wasn’t snowing.
The Blue Rock Café is inviting for all. The music isn’t too loud, there’s a family with kids in the back, many couples and a large group of friends up front. While we’re happy to be kid-less, we know ours would enjoy the music and food, and we promise to bring them back. However, the band’s musical instruments might be a little too tempting for our littlest monkey.
The Rosewood Grill at 36 E. Streetsboro St. in the Turner’s Mill building is the next stop on our Hudson adventure. Rosewood is a Hudson favorite. There’s a large fire
pit outside with surrounding tables and couches, rustic décor and delicious food and drinks. The menu varies in price for the budget-conscious and many plates are large enough to share. As the snow blows outside, Rosewood offered a perfect backdrop with its lodge-like feel. By the time our food arrived, every diaper-change, tantrum and middle-of-the-night-waking from the past week has evaporated. Even that pile of laundry is worlds away. We toast to date night and Hudson and our kids, who we remember as more amazing with every bite.
That night, especially, we needed a little taste of the south, so we visited a new restaurant we’ve wanted to try called Peachtree Southern Kitchen and Cocktails at 200 N. Main St. We decided quickly on the beignets, a deep-fried, homemade dough with powdered sugar on top. The New Orleans classic melted in our mouths and the coffee warmed us all the way through. And, what do you know? By the time the bill landed at our table, we’re ready to return to our regular lives. Being a tourist is fun, but we had sleeping babies to check on back home. And everyone knows kids are cutest when they’re dreaming.
Other favorites to try:
Otani Restaurant and Pub at 180 W. Streetsboro St. and Marcelita’s at 7774 Darrow Road, which also bring in live music. Downtown 140 at 140 N. Main St. is a decadent alternative, as well as 3 Palms Pizzeria at 60 Village Way, which has homemade gelato and other Italian specialties. North End Wine Bar/Restaurant at 7542 Darrow Road is another fan favorite. Tuesday Burgers and Beers, Wino Wednesday, Friday happy hours and frequent special events make this restaurant a Hudson staple.
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