For four decades, Hudson’s Willow Inn has been the place to grab a warm meal, meet with friends, enjoy the outdoors and even stay the night.
“Hudson is Willow for us,” said Jocelyne Danis, a regular client.
“That’s why we always come here, you know, and enjoy the view, enjoy the food and the people.”
On Monday, Danis had her last meal at the inn as the establishment is set to close its doors Nov. 1.
READ MORE: Hudson landmark Willow Inn set to close
People dropped in throughout the day to bid a final farewell to a place that, to many, became a second home.
“I came in to say good-bye to the managers and let them know that I was thinking about them,” said Hudson resident Jim Norcross.
“It must be sad after all these years to be leaving this place.”
“A lot of our customers, we know by their first names,” said Willow Inn director Christine Booth.
“We know their parents, we know their children. So, there’s a lot of history involved with the Willow.”
Built in 1820, the building first housed a trading post.
It went on to have various uses over the years before becoming the landmark inn – one the community is about to lose.
“Losing a restaurant, losing an auberge, losing an institution…it’s a really big deal for them,” said Samantha Dimitraki, who has worked at the inn for the past year.
For generations of people from Hudson, Montreal and beyond, the Willow created memories some say they won’t soon forget.
“This place reminds me of my dad,” Genevieve Legaré-Blanchette told Global News.
“It was his favourite place. He actually got married here and my dad passed away two and a half years ago. So, it’s an important place for me.”
The inn’s current owner is retiring and has put the business up for sale.
“There are a lot of potential buyers that are interested in looking at the Willow,” said Booth.
“So, in my heart, I have a feeling that something will come about of the Willow.”
“I really hope somebody steps forth and puts in a bid or an offer because it would be so sad to lose it,” said Dimitraki.
“But we’ll see. Like I say to all the clients: fingers crossed.”