Inspired by others before me, I thought my first blog should be about where I live... Hudson, NY. We looked for nearly a year and a half for our first home. Living in California at the time, 80% of our looking was from a distance via MLS and various local realtor's websites. When a house really struck our fancy we usually ended up contacting the listing agent signified in the ad. We would ask endless questions and request MORE PHOTOS! When the photos didn't suffice, or we couldn't piece the layout of the home together based on which way the shadows fell on the floor, we would enlist the help of my wife's mother and sister to tour for us. Needless to say, that didn't last too long. We stopped the madness and picked up the search once we trekked across the country ourselves.
We had in mind the quintessential Eastern U.S., upstate NY colonial home, preferably built pre-1900 with creaky wood floors, native stone fireplace with a hearth and cool story to boot. After all, a home speaks volumes about who you are, right? Well, apparently we are a 10 year old cape cod with a great view, a drive under garage and a play structure for the kids in the back yard! Who knew!!
Hudson, NY was not our first choice, in fact it wasn't even on our radar until we found what is now our home. Now that we are here, there isn't a single day that passes that I don't discover something new in this town. Hudson is a great destination from NYC as Amtrak shoots up here from Penn Station in a little less than 2 hours time. The influence from the city can be clearly seen as you walk down Warren Street. Antique shops line the sidewalks as well as boutique clothing stores and outstanding restaurants. The architecture and renovated brownstones are impressive in their own right.
One of the most anticipated and arguably most popular Hudson event is coming to town this weekend. It is Winter Walk and it is fantastic! The main street going through the old part of town is closed off to cars allowing free access to local antique shops and businesses. The event is sponsored mainly by the Hudson Opera House. I was horribly ill during this last year so didn't make or enjoy the entire event, but have been told how great it was. This year I'm healthy and am very much looking forward to it. If you're in the area, join me! I'll answer all of your burning mortgage questions over a cup of mulled cider!
Jesse C. Turnquist CMPS
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Jessie - Great first post. I am sure your family is glad you finally bought a house even though it was not the old home you had hoped for.
Hudson is truly a fascinating town. For a student of architecture it is a great place to see homes from the various periods. Yes the NYC influence is very noticeable and having an Amtrak stop is a great asset. Besides the architecture it is now also kind of an antique Mecca with people owning stores both in Hudson and Manhattan.
I hope you make it to the Winter Walk I am sure the boys will have a good time.
Thanks Jennifer. I appreciate your encouragement and look forward to writing my next post.
Hi Jesse,
Congrats on writing your first post! I just clicked on the link for the Winter Walk and now I'm trying to figure out how to re-arrange my schedule to go. I love going to Hudson. It's only a half hour from Rhinebeck. The restaurants are great and going in and out of the antique shops and other stores is an event all it's own. Have fun at Winter Walk.
Suzanne--We will look for you there. Bundle up, it's cold!