to
Update
is a town in Caldwell County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 3,078 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Hickory–Lenoir–Morganton Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Hudson is a one-time booming furniture production town that was hard hit by the transition of furniture production from other countries in the last decade. However, things are looking up for the small town as new businesses continue to relocate into the area as well as retirees who like the close proximation to the mountains and the low cost of living. Main street Hudson has an All-American feel. Hudson's landmarks are the "HUB" (the Hudson Uptown Building, the former Hudson Elementary school where locals can gather for special events), The Yellow Submarine, The Gold Mine Fine Jewelry & Gifts, Inc., the Hudson Library, the Hudson Volunteer Fire Department, The Hudson Bench Gang and the Bench Gang Bus behind the old town hall building (the Hudson Bench Gang might stimulate fear in some, but there retired locals began gathering in the 1980s to discuss everything from politics to weather to their earlier years. This friendly group of guys offered a warm welcome to nearly every passer by), the Hudson Post Office, the Hudson Optimist Club (where many young local boys and girls can enjoy America's greatest pastime), and Hudson Primary Care. The town recently constructed a new recreation & fitness center known as the McCreary Family Recreation and Fitness Center which has been well received by town residents, especially the children. The town boasts two parks - Redwood Park features a beautiful playground with children's slides/activities, a swimming pool and several ballfields. The Hickman Windmill & Depot Museum Park features the Historic Hudson Depot and Red Caboose as well as a 100 year old windmill. Music is often performed in the park, most notably Pickin' In the Park during summer months. On clear days, Hudson offers wonderful views of the Blue Ridge Mountains highest peaks at Grandfather Mountain. These views can be seen picturesquely over Hudson Middle School directly off the Hudson HWY 321 exit.
bestselling author Jan Karon attended first through eighth grades at Hudson School in the historic building now known as the HUB. Activities of note in Hudson include the annual Butterfly Festival which is held in May, Pickin' In The Park and the Fourth of July Kiddie Car Parade.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 3.7 square miles (9.5 km²), all of it land.