
When Forbes Travel Guide and Porsche joined forces earlier this month to create ultimate luxury road trips around the country, it was only fitting that we took the concept for a spin. Porsche’s first stop on its Destination Drives tour is in Boston, just around the corner from the famed Boston Public Garden at Five-Star Four Seasons Hotel Boston.
At each participating hotel — in addition to Four Seasons Hotel Boston, Four Seasons Hotel Chicago will host the program June 14 to July 12; The Grand Del Mar from July 26 to August 23; Mandarin Oriental, San Francisco from September 13 to October 11; and The Canyon Suites at The Phoenician in Scottsdale from November 1 to December 13 — Porsche will have various vehicles for test driving, including the plug-in Panamera S E-Hybrid, the 911 Carrera S Cabriolet sports car and the Cayenne GTS sport utility vehicle. I requested the Porsche 911, my dream car. When it arrived, I slid into the black leather seats, rolled down the windows, dropped the top and was off on my two-hour Boston joy ride.
While Forbes Travel Guide has created a few itineraries for the city, you can check with the concierge at the Four Seasons for some short road trips. Or just follow my foolproof route to some of the area’s tastiest bites and sights.
That said, there’s nothing quite like fried clams and lobster rolls in New England. To get to JT Farnham’s, a Massachusetts staple, head north out of the city toward Gloucester and hop off the Interstate at Essex, which is approximately 25 minutes from Boston. The little clam shack on Route 133 is known for having the best lobster rolls south of Maine. Everything comes made to order. In the summertime, there’s always a line, so get here early.
After you’ve put back some lobster and a box of fried clams, go south along Route 133 through Essex’s back roads. Porsches were meant to hug the roads. Driving along these narrow, curved streets through small towns really gives you a feel for the car’s handling. Continue along Route 133 toward the town of Manchester-by-the-Sea, where you can stop for some mint Oreo or grapenut-custard ice cream at Captain Dusty’s.
From there, sadly, it’s time to head back to Boston. Get on the interstate and you’ll be back at the hotel within 40 minutes. Word to the wise: Load a traffic app on your phone so you can watch for accidents or closed roads — the two-hour time limit is strictly enforced (you’ll be required to sign documents at Four Seasons Hotel Boston, agreeing to the terms before getting the keys).
If you need further incentive, the Boston hotel is offering a Porsche on the Park package that includes suite accommodations, a special welcome amenity, the two-hour unescorted drive and a special picnic basket. You can take your basket of Bavarian goodies with you on your ride or save it for later. The Porsche package is available at Four Seasons Hotel Boston through June 7.
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