Easter is just a couple weeks away and folks are getting busy deciding what to put in Easter baskets, what would make a nice hostess gift for whomever is cooking Easter dinner, and maybe even thinking about reservations for Easter Brunch or Dinner at a restaurant so no one needs to cook! It’s a busy time. Let me make it easy on you by suggesting that you head over to downtown Hudson for a one-stop, bunny-hop shopping spree!
Wonderful Stores, Great Variety – All Within Walking Distance of One Another
One of my least favorite things to do is race from one strip mall to another trying to get everything I need for our holiday celebrations. This year, I’m doing things differently. While shopping in Hudson, you can do the same. Park in the garage connecting Main Street and First and Main, and you’re smack dab in the center of all the action! All the stores we are featuring in this piece are within walking distance of one another. So you can save time, enjoy the picturesque New England-style surroundings, and find something for everyone in no time at all.
Why Shop Local?
Number one, these stores have items you won’t find elsewhere. Locally-owned stores have access to different vendors than some of the “big box” stores. Personally, I like to give gifts that have a little “flavor” to them, something that makes them special. And, I like to be able to do that without breaking the bank. Our featured Hudson stores have done just that–come up with some great ideas for gift giving that will set your gift apart from the rest, without requiring you to sign over your most recent paycheck. 🙂
Number two, buying local supports the local economy. Let’s face it – our local and national economies are still sputtering. You can help by simply opting to purchase items at stores close to home. Small town stores are a colorful, important part of our retail landscape.
Oh, Did I Mention Fantastic Giveaways?
Each of our featured retailers has generously offered a giveaway to lucky AkronOhioMoms.com readers! SO…read on! Learn a little about why Hudson stores have so much to offer, and Hop Over to Hudson for all your Easter needs!
Hattie’s Cafe and Gifts
Hattie’s Cafe and Gifts works in conjunction with Hattie Larlham vocational program for area adults with disabilities. These talented, hard working folks learn valuable career skills while creating products, packaging them, and serving customers in the cafe itself. Baskets range in price from $10.99 – $24.99, and are stuffed full of high-quality varied chocolates. With affordable prices like these, you can buy Easter Baskets at Hattie’s for family, kids, hostesses, and more.
WIN! Hattie’s Cafe & Gifts is offering 3 Easter Baskets to 3 winners to be shipped in time for Easter! (1 basket is $12.99, 1 basket is $15.99, 1 basket is $24.99) ENDS April 18, 2011
Cold Stone Creamery
Inside Cold Stone Creamery, you can now purchase the most amazing Caramel Apples from Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory. The Hudson store is the ONLY Cold Stone Creamery in Northeastern Ohio that carries the Rocky Mountain caramel apples, chocolates and truffles! The new Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory Caramel Apples make wonderfully unique Easter basket goodies, gifts for hostesses, or a treat for parents!
WIN! Cold Stone Creamery 4 pack of Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory Caramel Apples of your choice up to a $28 value! Ends April 28, 2011
Hudson’s Restaurant
Hudson’s Restaurant appeals to all sorts of patrons. It is comfortable enough for a family breakfast, lunch or dinner out, yet classy enough for a GNO (Girls/Guys Night Out) or date night. Nightly entree and drink specials make a nice evening out possible without breaking the bank. That’s why a Hudson’s Restaurant Gift Card makes the perfect Easter gift (or any other occasion!)
WIN! Hudson’s Restaurant is offering a $50 Hudson’s Gift Card, valid at Hudson or Fairlawn, OH locations! Ends April 29, 2011
Fannie May Chocolates
Fannie May Chocolates offer a selection of chocolates, candy, and cakes that is amazing! It’s a sweet-lovers nirvana both in store and online! Fannie May’s selection of Easter candy really can’t be beat. They’ve been around since 1920, and are known for their high quality gourmet chocolates with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. And how can you not have at least a few spring-looking sweets in those Easter baskets?!
WIN! Fannie May Chocolates is offering a $25 Fannie May Gift Card for online or in store! Ends April 30, 2011
Hawaiian Coffee and Smoothies
Maui Wowi Hawaiian Coffee and Smoothies in Hudson offers 100% Kona coffee, known for its smooth, rich taste and less acidic nature. Order a simple cup of Hawaiian coffee or add one of over a dozen flavored syrups, or go whole hog, as I did, and order an espresso, cappuccino, or latte. Enjoy their complete line of all natural fruit smoothies and gourmet hot “koko.” Surprise someone with a Hawaiian Coffee and Goodies Gift Baskets–Great for Easter or Anytime!
Maui Wowi is offering a $20 Maui Wowi Gift Card for online or in store use! Ends May 1, 2011
Nicky Nicole A Cool Store for Girls
Nicky Nicole store in Hudson in one sentence: Every girl’s dream store come true! From all of the latest ”must have” toys, hip room decor and accessories, to up-to-the-minute fashion, Nicky Nicole has it all! Do you like giving your girls something special for Easter that they can use all year long? Try the MOGO Interchangeable Magnetic Charm Bracelet or the High Intensity Charm It! Bracelet.
WIN! Nicky Nicole is offering a MOGO Interchangeable Magnetic Charm Bracelet ($27.98) or a High Intensity bracelet ($28.95), they are giving away one of each to 2 Winners! Ends May 2, 2011
Bear on the Square
Bear on the Square has been known for its ever-popular “Build-a-Buddy” program. A recent remodel has allowed the store to expand its product lines and increase their focus on interactive toys and activities for boys and girls of all ages, and themed kids birthday parties. With unique, affordable toys like the Candy Buddy or the Create Your Own Amazing Ooze, you can surprise your kids this Easter with creative fun.
Win! Bear on the Square is offering a $20 Gift Card. Ends May 3, 2011
We visit Hudson every summer. Beautiful place!
Hudson is beautiful. I love to visit and shop!
What a neat place! Thanks for the post!
I grew up in Hudson. So many more great stores these days. Such a neat place to spend a day strolling along.
So many great stores in Hudson–Thanks for the article, Beth!
I would use the gift card to take my son to buy a bear/animal he builds. My daughter has built one before, and he really wants a turn too! He wants to be like is 5 year old sister!
Sally, you can still enter, even if you don’t live there. 🙂
Wow…I wish I lived there! 🙂
I definitely need to hit up Nicky Nicole for my lil’ diva! (And then a stop @ ColdStone, of course!) Thanks for the blog!
Wow sounds really nice!!
Very cool, kind of like Columbus’ Easton Mall except our Easton isnt full of locally owned businesses. I love that aspect of Hudsons.
That is so cool that all the local places are doing giveaways!
Thanks for your comments, Kolpin and Patricia–we think these are businesses worth supporting too!
always nice to support local businesses
it’s great to see that those stores have an online presence for those of us who don’t live in the area!