Upstate Idyll

Some places feel like home even if you’ve never been there before. New York’s Hudson Valley brings that spirit of embrace among its age-old orchards and bustling towns—places that have just been here for a while. A wander here weaves together field, stream, village and woodland. West of the mighty Hudson, old roads like Highway 28 and Highway 32 are routes made for exploration, conversation and navigation with the most trusted of co-pilots.  

THE TERRITORY 

The Valley hub of Kingston and the countryside all around town sit at a crossroads of throwback history and modern-day creativity. From the city’s venerable heart, an easy ride reaches plush farmland or beloved swim spots.

THE CULTURE 

By long tradition, Hudson Valley provides an exhale from the urban hustle: a life of slow-rolling conversation around abundant tables. The growers and artisans who stock larders here are among the nation’s best.

KEY INTEL 

Kingston’s lore-laden neighborhoods hold many gems and walkable finds. Stone Ridge, a hamlet just down 209, offers U-pick bounty. To the north, Little Deep lures swimmers with dappled woods and cool waters.

Wayfinding: The western bank of the Hudson is webbed with venerable highways and backroads, leading to bucolic fields and woodsy retreats. New York 28, looping around the Ashokan Reservoir, is just one noted scenic route.

Base camp town: Kingston is a deeply historic town just under 100 miles north of the biggest Apple. With a constellation of well-regarded restaurants, beloved bookstores and bountiful markets, this is a town for living well.

Field & Stream: The Rondout Valley, rolling along its namesake creek to Kingston's south, is home to Stone Ridge and a vibrant collection of other family farmers and artisanal growers. Bring a cooler.

Room to Roam: To the north, the country around storied Woodstock holds not only swimming-hole secrets but also many backroad cruises, with plenty of stops to pause and breathe deep.

THE MAZDA CX-50 is built for adventure. With a refined interior, thoughtful storage, responsive handling, and rugged capability, it’s the ultimate road trip vehicle—ready to help you discover what's around that next bend, whether it's paved or not.