You don’t have to be an off-road fanatic to appreciate the iconic Defender. Head to any corner of the globe and you can see the legacy of the world’s first successful civilian 4×4 vehicle. And though the Defender has only continued to evolve over the decades — opening up new horizons for adventure, work, and humanitarian action on every continent — you don’t need to travel to the ends of the earth to experience them.
New York is a whole lot closer. You don’t even need to be a Defender owner to enjoy one of the country’s coolest off-road events this spring. Any outdoor adventurer interested in “embracing the impossible” can join Destination Defender East, May 15–17, for an epic weekend getaway at Cedar Lakes Estate, 65 miles northwest of Manhattan.
There you can escape into the dense and dramatic pine forests of the Hudson Valley. Rally a Defender through the famed Black Dirt that defines the lush region, or simply explore the surrounding lakes and trails during an immersive, festival-style weekend that’s packed with unique programming. Here are six reasons why you should target this unmatched event.
Drive
Rugged off-road driving is the core experience at Destination Defender events. Hop behind the wheel of a Defender for hands-on guided instruction in navigating mud, rocks, and hills. Learn real off-roading skills on the purpose-built trails, plus how to take advantage of the new vehicle’s legendary Terrain Response and tackle challenging trail conditions with confidence.
Breathe
Catch your breath at two daily yoga and mindfulness breathwork classes.
The GearJunkie team will also be on hand for scenic hikes on trails throughout the 500-acre site bordered by fertile lands and rocky, forested ridges. We’ll have guides ready as part of a Destination Defender experience we’re hosting with Teton Gravity Research, which will include breathtaking debut screenings of a trio of TGR’s latest films (The Way Back, The Search for Milliseconds, and The Madness of TROLLDOM), highlighted by panel discussions and meet-and-greet moments with the films’ athletes.
Eat
Refuel with gourmet goods throughout the festival site. Start with baristas and end with bar service to bookend active days with main meals provided by master chefs. Go deeper on your culinary curiosities with mixology classes or interactive cooking sessions, plus workshops that have included outdoor cooking demos and stations where you can customize your eats.
Connect
Destination Defender is based around connection with a community of uplifting outdoor explorers: building and sharing skills with a mix of hard-core to family-friendly activities. And if you’re more interested in the relaxation and wellness elements, versus going from standup paddleboarding to racing RC cars, there’s also live music to enjoy with DJ sets throughout the weekend and performances that highlight each day. If you want to connect deeper with other drivers who love to rove the land, exclusive vehicle displays celebrate Defender throughout the years.
Camp
Often likened to a concentrated summer camp for grown-ups, the whole weekend is a retreat in nature. You can pick from campsites right out of your vehicle, or lean into the event’s Tough Luxury billing and go with one of the multiple sizes of glamping setups featuring elevated amenities — not to mention Cedar Lakes’ unique selection of cottages, cabins, and suites.
Enjoy
Visit the Destination Defender site for full event info, especially as the activity and live music schedules are finalized. But don’t wait, as ticket prices will change based on availability. Mark your calendar and reserve your spot now. GJ reader exclusive: Input Discount Code 26DDNYAGD25 at checkout for 25% off general admission.
This article is sponsored by Defender.
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