Up, Up, and Away: Your Guide to the Hudson Hot Air Affair

If you are planning a road trip to the Hudson Hot Air Affair (Feb 6–8), you are in for a treat. This annual winter festival is one of the premier events in western Wisconsin, featuring hot air balloon launches, torchlight parades, and the famous "Moon Glow."

But navigating a winter festival with a family requires a game plan—especially when it comes to keeping everyone fed and entertained without breaking the bank. Based on local recommendations, here is your guide to eating, staying, and playing in Hudson during the festival.

The Lay of the Land

First, it helps to know the geography. As locals point out, the festival is split:

• "Up on the Hill": This is usually where the launches happen (often near the school grounds).

• Downtown: Located along the St. Croix River, this is where you’ll find the shops, restaurants, and the torchlight parade.

Where to Eat: From Picky Eaters to Foodies

Hudson has a surprising density of great restaurants. Here are the top local picks, broken down by vibe:

1. For Pizza Night (Kid-Approved)

• Bricks Neapolitan Pizza: If you want to move beyond the standard delivery chains, this is the spot. They serve amazing, unique Neapolitan pizza. It’s a crowd-pleaser that feels upscale but keeps the kids happy.

2. For Comfort & Soups (Great for Texture Preferences)

• Urban Olive and Vine: This is a fantastic stop for lunch. They are known for their soups, quiches, and sandwiches. If anyone in your group prefers softer foods or lighter fare rather than a heavy burger, their daily soups are a safe and delicious bet.

3. For a River View with Variety

• Pier 500: Located right downtown, this spot offers a little bit of everything—salads, appetizers, and entrees—with a view of the river. It’s a great "compromise" restaurant where everyone can find something they like.

4. For the "Meat and Potatoes" Crew

• Barkers: A solid choice for classic burgers.

• Post: Known for American food comfort classics.

5. Something Different

• San Pedro: Excellent Caribbean food if you want to spice things up.

• Ball Rooster Bistro: A smaller spot with a seasonal, chef-created menu.

Where to Stay

Since the festival is in February, you want a warm base of operations.

• On the Hill (Budget & Convenience): Look for hotels like the Holiday Inn Express or Hampton Inn near the interstate. These often have pools (essential for burning off kid energy in the winter) and include breakfast, which helps with the travel budget.

• Downtown (Atmosphere): If you want to be walking distance to the shops and the river, look for Bed & Breakfasts, though these book up fast for the festival.

Activities & Tips for the Weekend

• Catch the "Moon Glow": If the morning launches are too early for your crew, the evening Moon Glow (where tethered balloons light up like giant lanterns) is magical and free to watch.

• Get Active: Bring your layers! The area along the St. Croix River is beautiful for a brisk family walk or a run if the paths are clear. It’s a great way to see the town without spending money.

• Shop Downtown: The local shops host events and offer deals during the festival, making it a fun place to warm up between balloon sightings.

Pro-Tip: Balloon launches are highly weather-dependent (wind and visibility matter). Download the event schedule and keep an eye on their Facebook page for real-time "Green Flag" (go) or "Red Flag" (no go) updates.

Enjoy the view!