Bill's Gun Shop & Range to Open in Hudson, WI! Bill's Gun Shop & Range will be opening in Hudson, WI on December 1, 2012. They will have a 24 lane range in what was once the Hudson Cinema 9 space. Owner John Monson makes it his personal objective to have his staff focused on education including teaching both kids and adults firearm safety. His facilities include: Training: Highly trained and experienced instructors with over 120 years of combined firearms experience. Range: 24 lanes, automatic pulley system, and a variety of target options. Store: Expert sales staff, thousands of products. Register to be one of the first 24 shooters at their new range in Hudson. Receive a free range pass, gun rental, and ammo to shoot at their Grand Opening on December 1. Free registration enters you ... 10/08/2012

  FreeStyle Yogurt Shop to Open in Hudson Soon!  Congratulations Hudson, WI!... Your getting hipper and hipper. The west coast craze of a more healthy dessert shop is coming to a store near you. WHERE: 529 Second Street, Hudson,WI to be exact. For those of you who haven't experienced a self-serve frozen yogurt shop, your missing out. THE STORY: Owner Dave Brandner was introduced to soft serve through a health conscious girlfriend. She dumped him (total bummer), but his love affair with frozen yogurt continued. Hence...FreeStyle Yogurt. (hello silver lining). He apparently Googled "business plan", came up with one, and opened his first FreeStyle Yogurt Shop in St. Paul. Now he's expanding and the next stop is Hudson, WI! HOW IT WORKS: FreeStyle Yogurt lets you decide in a self-serve form... 10/02/2012

FREE One Hour Massage Massage Envy Hudson, WI Fall is in the air, and we all know what comes next. I don't know about you but my shoulders, neck, and back are perpetually tense during the colder months. If the cold weather or Holiday bustle gets you stressed, relieve it with  a ONE HOUR FREE MASSAGE with a 3 month membership purchase at Massage Envy Hudson, WI. It's a 40% savings!If you purchase this now you'll have your membership until the New Year. So finish up 2012 relaxed with this great deal from GO BUY LOCAL. Learn more about Massage Envy Hudson, WI here   09/28/2012

    The Federal Housing Administration published revised rules that could convince condo associations across the country to get certified or re-certified for financing, thereby opening individual unit owners and sellers to low down payment, FHA-insured mortgages once again. For condo boards, real estate agents and property managers, the long-awaited rule changes should prove to be "excellent news," that will "help spark home sales and help tens of thousands of condominium associations recover from the housing slump," according to the Community Associations Institute, the largest U.S. trade group in the field. Among other changes, the rules eliminate some of the legal liability headaches that caused many condo boards to balk at FHA certifications; raise the permissible investor-ownership... 09/26/2012

Price reduced on this gorgeous rambler! This great buy is a must see! Open House: 848 Hillside Trl, Hudson, WI 54016 Sunday, September 23rd  1 - 3 pm Click here for complete listing details on 848 HIllside Trl See the virtual tour here 09/22/2012

$5 OFF COUPON: Fiesta Loca Mexican Restaurant Hudson, WI Fiesta Loca opened less than a year ago in December of 2011. If you haven't had a chance to get over there yet, it's time to use this great deal and get a discount on some delicious, already reasonably priced food ranging from authentic Mexican cuisine to Tex-Mex style recipes. Owner German Duran, wife Jill, and head chef Santiago Alcala bring the best of their family recipes to Hudson,WI. So head on over to Fiesta Loca to support this local business in it's first year and give Chipotle a break. (no offense Chipotle, we still love you)  Redeem your coupon here @ Go Buy Local Fiesta Loca directions, hours, and more here! ¡Buen provecho! 09/18/2012

  Dunn Bros Delicious New Fall Drinks!: Honestly, is there anyone out there who doesn't actually like fall? I understand it means winter's coming, but please, let's stop blaming Fall for Winter's crimes. What's not to love about the intensely beautiful colors, football, Thanksgiving, jumping in piles of leaves (you're never too old), and the crisp clean air? Most importantly I love the fall flavors, especially Dunn Bros Coffee Fall Drink line. Seriously, Dunn Bros Coffee nailed it this year folks. If you had to describe fall with flavors, Dunn Bros Fall drink line sums it up. I've tried them all and they are so, so good. Here's the starting lineup: Pumpkin Pie Latte: pumpkin pie in a cup = enough said Sea Salt Caramel Latte: Rich creamy caramel and savory Hawaiian Pink Sea Salt in the n... 09/12/2012

Afton Hudson Cruise Lines Presents:  Blues Cruise: Live Music by Elijah Blue & Shakey Jake Neuman  Date: Saturday, September 22, 2012 Time: 6:30 - 9:30 pm Chicken & BBQ Dinner Buffet with Complimentary Liquor Tasting We  recently posted about the Vineyard's Cruise as a great date night option. Here's yet another great unique night out option with friends, dates etc. on the Blues Cruise with Afton Hudson Cruise Lines! Jam to some music and feast on BBQ ribs, herb baked chicken, buttered parsley potatoes, veggies, corn bread, cold salads, rolls, dessert & coffee! It will be hard to have the "blues" with this fun cruise! For more information on the Blues Cruise click here Happy cruising, 09/06/2012

Spirit of the St. Croix Art Festival 2012 September 22 & 23 Sat: 10am - 5 pm Sun: 11am - 4pm   Lakefront Park Hudson, WI         The Hudson Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau and The Phipps Center for the Arts invites you to Spirit of the St. Croix Art Festival 2012! Downtown Hudson's Lakefront Park will be a beautiful sight, not only because of the vibrant fall colors beginning to emerge, but because of the stunning works of art from 80+  juried artists from different mediums that will be staged across the park. This year's event includes an artists village, live entertainment, food and drink vendors, family activities and more. The event is FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC! For more info on the festival and showcased artists click here. 09/04/2012

  The Perfect Date Night!: 12th Annual Vineyards of the Croix Cruise -  Date: Thursday, September 13th, 2012 6:30 to 9:30 pm Bring your honey for a one a kind "wine and dine" date night with Afton/Hudson Cruise Lines for their Annual Gourmet Dinner & Wine Tasting Cruise. Hop aboard none other than the beautiful Grand Duchess. This is a 21 and above cruise as there will be more than "ahem"...60 wines to taste. This classy event has an incredible menu to boot including hors doevres, dinner, and dessert. It's so swanky I'm not sure I can properly type or pronounce what's on the menu. Check out the fabulous delicatessen for the night here! Reserve your spot here! Here's a sneak peak of Vineyard of the Croix Cruise:   ♥ adieu! ♥ 08/29/2012

 Attention Golfers: Early Twilight Discount at Troy Burne Golf Club!    It's not often you get discounts to play on nice golf courses...especially like professional golfer Tom Lehman's first signature designed course Troy Burne in Hudson, WI. This discount is no "par for the course", so take advantage of another great discount from Go Buy Local and head out to the preferred golf course of the Minnesota Wild. Maybe you'll even see one of them off the ice and on the green! For more information on Troy Burne Golf Club click here 08/28/2012

Coupon: $5 OFF $25 purchase at Keys Cafe and Bakery Print your Keys Cafe coupon here 840 Carmichael Rd | Hudson, WI 54016 715-377-0004  Directions to Keys Cafe Hudson Keys Cafe has been open for nearly 40 years in the Twin Cities. They have 9 locations, including Hudson WI and have been awarded locally and nationally for their delicious food. If you ask anyone who's lived in the area, chances are they've been to Keys Cafe. Their slogan, from scratch recipes "you grew up with" is what they are all about. There's just nothing like a from scratch breakfast or pie, and they truly offer something for everyone: This Location Offers     BAKERY   CATERING   BOX LUNCHES   BEER / WINE   WEDDING CAKES   FREE WI-FI   PATIO   DINE IN   TAKE OUT Check out Keys Cafe full menu and offerings here   Com... 08/23/2012

Take Me to the River 2012 September 15-23 It's a "festival of festivals", with a different event at every twist of the river. Pick from over 50 events hosted by rivertowns along the beautiful St. Croix from art fairs, concerts, story slams, to theater and poetry... whatever tickles your fancy, you can find it at the "Take Me to the River 2012". Check out the event schedule at Art Reach St. Croix. support local talent, and take yourself to the river! 08/21/2012

Hudson Lions Club Community Garage Sale September 7-8th 8am - 4 pm I know we've posted on garage sales before, but the Lions Garage Sale is kind of a big deal. It needs it's own blog. I never used to be the garage sale type, but I must say, there are some unbelievable steals out there if you know what you're looking for...and now, more than ever you can find exactly what you are looking for so you don't waste time going from house to house. (Unless you're one of THOSE people) Sale Location Directories will be published and distributed in the Hudson Star Observer in the September 6th edition. It will include maps and sale items.  Additional directories will be sold for $1 at Hudson County Market,  Family Fresh Market, Hudson Holiday Stations, Micklesen Drug Store, Hudson/North Hudson Fr... 08/16/2012

Annual Girls Just Want 2 Have Fun Bike Ride 2012! Friday-Saturday, September 7-8 REGISTER HERE or call Hudson Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau @ 715-386-8411: ONLY 75 SPOTS AVAILABLE! Choose from: 15 mile Leisure Group City ride 30 mile Country Group Challenge ride 45 mile Miles R Fun Group ride If you read this blog title, I'm sure Cyndi Lauper's 1980's chick anthem is skipping around in your head...good luck getting it out. Hopefully it will inspire you to register for a great day out with the girls. Participants will start Friday night out with a cocktail reception and "cycle chatter". Since cocktail receptions and biking across the city don't mix, take the night to recoup and grab a light breakfast, get your bike fitted and hit the road on Saturday morning. After the bike ... 08/14/2012

Troy Burne WI Real Estate             Looking for knowledgeable real estate agents who specialize in Troy Burne Golf Community? John and Becky Durham of the Durham Executive Group intimately know properties both for sale, as well as properties that are not currently for sale but may in the near future. We know the Troy Burne builders, the dimensions and prices regarding lots for sale, the Troy Burne Association board members and the Association covenants. How? Because we live in Troy Burne Golf Community and are very active within the tight knit Troy Burne community. How can you expect agents who do not live in Troy Burne to be familiar with proper home values, the golf leagues, couples golf outings, the golf pro, club house employees and activities, the lighted walking trails, the Troy... 08/13/2012

North Hudson Pepper Fest! North Hudson Pepper Fest August 17 - 19 Friday-Sunday Directions: 400 7th St North Hudson, WI 54016 The North Hudson Pepper Fest is kind of a big deal in the St. Croix Valley. With a population of only 3,793, North Hudson puts on quite the festival for the surrounding areas. It's no small feat, but it's "the little village that could" right? So of course they put on a good show! ... delicious food, carnival rides, royalty coronation, a parade, live music, cooking contests, tractor pulls, races, a Beer Garden and more! Get your friends and family together and make it out to the Pepper Fest this year! Proceeds from the volunteer-run, non-profit festival are donated to local youth, school, community and service organizations!  Click here for schedule of events & ... 08/06/2012

The median price of an existing single family home rose in June to the highest level in almost four years, the fifth straight month-to-month gain, NAR reported recently. The median price was up 7.9 percent from June 2011. Existing home sales dropped to 4.37 million in June to the lowest level since last October, NAR said. It was the fourth drop in the last five months. Economists had expected the sales pace to increase to 4.65 million from 4.62 million in May.   Distressed homes accounted for 25% of all June sales, unchanged from May but 30% below June 2011 levels.   For more information visit:  http://www.housingwire.com/news/home-prices-rise-sales-fall-limited-inventory 08/03/2012

The U.S. Federal Housing Administration said recently that it would start taking bids from investors for a program intended to sell off thousands of delinquent home loans, as it is almost doubling an offering first announced last month.   The FHA, which protects lenders against borrower defaults, said it would take applications for 9,000 mortgages that are scheduled for bulk sale as early as September, up from the original goal of selling 5,000. A majority of the loans are located in four metropolitan areas hit particularly hard by the housing boom and bust: Chicago, Phoenix, Tampa and Newark.  More than 710,000 FHA-backed mortgages are in default, or about 9 percent of the loans the agency insures. In all, it backs an estimated $1.1 trillion in mortgages. 08/01/2012

In the first half of this year, over 1 million U.S. properties received a foreclosure filing, according to a midyear foreclosure report released by RealtyTrac. The exact figure, 1,045,801, marks a 2 percent increase from the previous 6-month period and an 11 percent decrease from the first half of 2011. Foreclosure filings include default notices, auction sale notices and bank repossessions. Second quarter foreclosure starts totaled 311,010 -- a 9 percent increase from the previous quarter and a 6 percent increase from a year ago. The increase is the first yearly rise in quarterly foreclosure starts since the fourth quarter of 2009.   To read more visti:  http://www.dsnews.com/articles/-2012-07-11 07/27/2012