Hudson, NC

united states

Hudson is a small foothills city about 15 miles north of Hickory via US 321, sitting where the Piedmont starts climbing toward the Blue Ridge. Most visitors arrive from I-40 at Exit 123, then take NC 16 north. The town of 3,800 transforms into North Carolina's self-proclaimed "Christmas Town" each December, covering downtown in elaborate holiday lights that attract thousands of visitors.