The Hudsons
The Hudsons operated their nationally acclaimed restaurant, The Country Kitchen, in what is now
The Inn at Hudson Gardens from 1942 until 1962. During those years, the Hudsons added to their property and cared for the riverbank land, exhibiting an environmental consciousness long before it became fashionable. Retiring in 1962, the Hudsons leased the restaurant operation to The North Woods Inn, a prominent Littleton restaurant, until the lease expired in 1997. After retirement, King intensified his tree planting efforts while Evelyn became an activist in the community, dedicating her life to making Littleton the most beautiful city possible.
A Foundation to Promote Beauty and Ecology
King Hudson died at age 90 in 1984, and Evelyn set up a foundation in 1986 to ensure that her dream lived on. Before her death in 1988, she served as foundation president and left general instructions to use her assets to "promote the cause of beautification and attendant ecological benefits".
Colorado's Premier Outdoor Regional Display Garden
The legacy of Evelyn Hudson continues today in the form of The Hudson Gardens & Event Center, Colorado's premier outdoor regional display garden and event venue. The Gardens reflect the multitude of plants, flowers and trees and thrive in the dry Colorado climate, and include land that varies from high, dry prairie to wetlands near the river.
Thirty acres of gardens are arranged in a continuous flow featuring ponds, wildlife, sculpture, a garden railroad, adventure hideaways and spectacular natural displays along a mile-and-a-quarter walking path. Quite simply, The Gardens are an oasis of serenity in the midst of the City that allow visitors to simply enjoy their distinct beauty or learn how to beautify their own yards and businesses.
And So Much More
Today, The Hudson Gardens & Event Center is multi-faceted. It is first and foremost a classic regional display garden, drawing visitors mainly from the Denver metropolitan area. Opened to the public in June of 1996, The Hudson Gardens is a private non-profit organization, as well as a Tier II Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD) organization. Hudson Gardens has endeavored to branch out and capture new market segments by introducing a summer concert series, offering educational programs, hosting special community
events, operating a gift shop, and renting its facilities for corporate and private events, including weddings, receptions, seminars, business meetings, and presentations.
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