Ipswich River. Photo courtesy of mit.edu

The famous Clam Box Restaurant. Photo courtesy of ipswichma.com

Here are some directions to help you get to your destination if you’re coming from the Boston area:

• Merge onto I-93 N
• Keep left at the fork, follow signs for I-93 N/Concord NH and merge onto I-93 N (2.4 miles)
• Take exit 27 on the left toward US-1 N/Tobin Bridge/Revere: Toll road (.7 miles)
• Merge onto US-1 N: Partial toll road (21.8 miles)
• Turn right at Ipswich Rd (1.8 miles)
• Continue onto Topsfield Rd (3.7 miles)
• Turn left at Depot Square (325 feet)
• Slight left at Hammatt St/Washington St (95 feet)

Click here to get custom directions from points outside Boston. If you need to fill-up before heading out, check out Plymouth Rock’s Gas Price Finder to find the most affordable prices near you!

• Begin the lesson in a quiet, non-intimidating area. We recommend heading to a deserted parking lot and starting with the basics. It will not only help build your teen’s confidence, but give you peace of mind from the get-go.
• Communicate instructions clearly in a calm tone of voice. Try to avoid words or phrases that might confuse an inexperienced driver, and try to keep your own nervousness under wraps.
• Be aware of your surroundings. You might have to guide your child around hazards or obstacles. Don’t just assume that young drivers see what you see. Comment on what you see ahead of you to help them understand which things are important to observe.
• Do not take your child onto a high speed road or highway until both of you are comfortable. You should be confident in their abilities to drive safely and correct their errors; and they should be sure of themselves behind the wheel.

As difficult as it might be, keep your thoughts calm and collected and provide a structured, yet encouraging environment in the car while you are instructing your teen. This will help you build a strong and safe foundation from which your child can learn to safely navigate the road now and long into the future.

Edith Wharton’s Mount Estate and Gardens. Photo courtesy of pbs.org

This week’s Weekend Drive takes you to the picturesque mountain hamlet of Lenox, Massachusetts.

The community is nestled in the heart of the beautiful Berkshire Hills, and came to be known as home to many of America’s wealthiest families who established grand country estates here a century ago. An example of such opulence in Lenox is the Mount Estate and Gardens, an elegant mansion built in 1902, with magnificent formal gardens designed by resident Edith Wharton, a Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist and authority on architecture, interior design and gardens. Due to its legacy and spectacular mountainous landscape, Lenox has developed a reputation as a premier destination for the traveler in search of culture and outdoor recreation as well as a getaway from the everyday world.

Music lovers picnicking at Tanglewood. Photo courtesy of Nancy Palmieri, Boston Globe Staff and Boston.com

Particularly for those who appreciate orchestral music, Lenox’s famed venue, Tanglewood, is the summer home to the Boston Symphony Orchestra, a world-renowned ensemble featuring performances by celebrated conductors, soloists and musicians. This year’s line-up will feature music from Stravinsky and Mozart, Herbie Hancock’s The Imagine Project Tour, and Crosby, Stills and Nash.

If you’re from the Boston area and need to fill-up before heading out, you’ll want to take advantage of Plymouth Rock’s Gas Price Finder to find the gas stations that offer the most affordable prices near you. Once on the road, here are some directions to help you get to your destination:

• Follow signs for I-90 W/Mass Pike/Worcester and merge onto I-90 W (Partial toll road – 124 mi)
• Take exit 2 to merge onto US-20 W/Housatonic St toward Lee/Pittsfield (Partial toll road – 0.9 mi)
• Turn right at Fuller St (0.1 mile)
• Take the 1st left onto Greylock St (1.5 miles)
• Continue onto Bradley St (0.3 mile)
• Continue onto Mill St (0.6 mile)
• Turn left at Walker St (2.6 miles)

If you’re coming from somewhere other than the Boston area, click here to get custom directions.

1. Don’t share the lane. And avoid pulling up next to motorcycles at intersections. Motorcycles might not take up as much room, but they have the right to the full width of the lane.
2. Increase your following distance. Motorcyclists often slow down without using brakes, thus not activating their brake lights. Additionally, an extra 3-4 seconds between vehicles will give the motorcyclist enough time to maneuver or stop in an emergency, and allow you to do the same.
3. Use your signals. Whether you’re turning, or passing by them, the motorcyclist needs enough time to anticipate the change and find a safe lane position. Keep in mind that if you pass a motorcyclist too closely or too fast, you could cause the driver to lose control.
4. Double check your blind spots. Since motorcycles are smaller they are less likely to be seen, and can unexpectedly appear beside vehicles as a result of their reaction to changing road conditions. Be sure to do a thorough visual check before changing lanes.
5. Anticipate the unexpected. Motorcyclists may need to change lanes or adjust their speed quite quickly in order to react to road hazards from slippery surfaces to gravel and grooved pavement. While these obstacles are minor in the eyes of the driver in a car, they pose a major threat to motorcyclists, and they will need to react quickly to proceed safely.

Mayflower II, replica of the original ship in Plymouth Harbor. Courtesy of www.visit-plymouth.com

Next up we’re visiting the site of the colony established by Pilgrim settlers who sailed to the New World on the Mayflower: Plymouth, MA.

There are many recognized historic sites in Plymouth, the most popular of which include Plimoth Plantation, the Mayflower II, and Plymouth Rock. We suggest that you set aside several hours to check out Plimoth Plantation; it is a living museum dedicated to the 17th century Native Wampanoag and Pilgrim colonists, with many fascinating interactive demonstrations and exhibits. Overlooking scenic Plymouth Harbor is the Mayflower II, a replica of the ship that carried the Pilgrims to the New World; and you can’t leave without snapping a picture of Plymouth Rock, a symbol of American History (also our company’s namesake) and the reputed landing site of the Pilgrims in 1620.

Close-up of Plymouth Rock, site of the arrival of Pilgrim settlers. Courtesy of www.visit-plymouth.com

Similar to the last destination, Duxbury, historic Plymouth is also located on the scenic Atlantic coastline in Plymouth County. Since Plymouth’s coastline includes nine public beaches, avid beach-goers have more than their fair share of choices for sunny, sandy fun. The largest beach in Plymouth is Plymouth Beach, which guards Plymouth Harbor and is three-miles long. Parking is available in the Day Parking Lot right by the entrance and on Ryder Way, off Warren Avenue (Route 3).

If you’re heading to Plymouth from Boston, be sure to use Plymouth Rock’s Gas Price Finder to find the least expensive gas available near you. One suggestion is to stop off at the Shell Station at 1154 William T. Morrissey Blvd, just off I-93 at exit 11. You can fill up your car there today for just $2.76 a gallon. Once on the road, here are some directions to help you get to your destination:

• Take I-93 S toward Quincy (8.9 miles)
• Take exit 7 on the left toward Cape Cod (0.8 mile)
• Merge onto MA-3 S (26.7 miles)
• Continue onto US-44 E (0.9 mile)
• Continue onto MA-3 S (1.5 miles)
• Take exit 5 for Long Pond Rd/South St toward Plymouth Center

Click here to get custom directions to Plymouth from points outside Boston.

After an action-packed weekend getaway complete with some of our nation’s premier historic sites and stunning beaches, stop off at Gulf/Cumberland Farms located at 154 Samoset Street, Plymouth, MA. It has the lowest price in town (as of today August 13, 2010) for $2.66 per gallon.

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• Report an accident 24/7 with just one click

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• Enter plymouthrock.com into your mobile web browser
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A view of Duxbury Beach.

If you’re ready to hit the beach, we have the place for you. Duxbury, Massachusetts is located along the Atlantic coast in Plymouth County, and it’s the perfect spot for a weekend drive. Widely known for the beautiful Duxbury Beach, the town is visited by thousands each summer who come with towels in hand to take advantage of the 6-mile long barrier beach extending from the north to Gurnet Point and Saquish in the south. After a long day in the hot sun, nothing can beat a stop at Farfar’s Danish Ice Cream Shop for delicious home-made ice cream, a summer staple in Duxbury.

The downtown area.

The town is also known for its rich history, as it was founded in 1637 and settled by the Pilgrims, John Alden and Myles Standish. Just by driving around, visitors can take in historic architecture since many homes from the Pilgrim era still exist. Alden’s home, built in 1653, is one of those still standing today as a historic house and history museum. Alden’s House Museum can be visited at 105 Alden Street in Duxbury. Built much later, though certainly still worth a visit to take in its history, is The King Caesar House, a federal-style mansion built in 1808.

If you’re heading to Duxbury from Boston, be sure to use Plymouth Rock’s Gas Price Finder to find the least expensive gas available near you. One suggestion is to stop off at the Shell Station at 1154 William T. Morrissey Blvd, just off I-93 at exit 11. You can fill up your car there today for just $2.80 a gallon. Once on the road, here are some directions to help you get to your destination:

• Take I-93 S toward Quincy (9.6miles)
• Take exit 7 on the left toward Cape Cod (0.8 mile)
• Merge onto MA-3 S (19.9 miles)
• Take exit 11 for MA-14 toward Duxbury/Pembroke (0.2 mile)
• Turn right at MA-14 E/Congress St (0.2 mile)
• At the traffic circle, take the 2nd exit and stay on MA-14 E/Congress St. Continue to follow MA-14 E (1.8 mile)
• Continue onto St George St (1.1 mile)
• Turn right at Washington St (0.4 miles)

Click here to get custom directions from points outside Boston.

Once you’ve shaken the sand out of our towels and started your trip back, stop off at Osborn’s Country Store Gulf Station at 632 Summer St in Duxbury. It has the lowest price in town (as of today July 2, 2010) for $2.80 per gallon.

Provincetown Portuguese Festival Parade - Commercial Street – Provincetown, Cape Cod. Photo from Provincetownlive.com

Now to jazz things up a bit – this week’s Weekend Drive post features Provincetown, MA, the town at the tip of the Cape. Provincetown is similar to Chatham and Sandwich before it in that it is a popular seaside tourist destination, however, the atmosphere is entirely unique. As one of the most diverse communities on Cape Cod, Provincetown is known as a center of artists and intellectuals. Its shops and galleries feature original works and reproductions in media ranging from watercolor and sculpture to jewelry and wearable art.

Quaint Commercial Street, reminiscent of Provincetown’s days as a fishing and whaling village, Provincetown, MA. Photo by city-data.com

If you decide to spontaneously make the trek to Provincetown this weekend, you will be just in time for the annual Provincetown Portuguese Festival. It’s held from June 24 – 27 in honor of a culture that has brought vibrancy to the town since its early days as a fishing and whaling village. There will be a waterfront concert on Saturday where you can take in soulful Portuguese blues, and activities geared towards a younger audience will include puppets, games and fishing. Be sure to indulge in a taste of authentic Portuguese cuisine including delicacies such as kale soup or paprika-rich linguica sausages along with other specialties at the Portuguese food court.

If you’re from the Boston area and need to fill-up before heading out, you’ll want to take advantage of the low-priced gas found at the Shell station at 1154 William T. Morissey Boulevard, just off of I-93 south at exit 15. You can fill up your car there today for just $ 2.799 a gallon. Once on the road, here are some directions to help you get to your destination:

• Head northeast on Harrison Ave toward Thayer St (0.3 mile)
• Turn right at Herald St (0.1 mile)
• Slight left to merge onto I-93 S toward Quincy (8.9 miles)
• Take exit 7 on the left toward Cape Cod (0.8 mile)
• Merge onto MA-3 S (26.7 miles)
• Continue onto US-44 E (0.9 mile)
• Continue onto MA-3 S (14.6 miles)
• Continue onto US-6 E (36.2 miles)
• At the traffic circle, take the 2nd exit onto US-6 E/Mid-Cape Hwy – Continue to follow US-6 E (18.7 miles)
• Turn left at Massachusetts 6A W/Shore Rd – Continue to follow Massachusetts 6A W (6.2 miles)
• Turn right at Howland St

If you’re coming from somewhere other than the Boston area, click here to get custom directions.

Before heading back, be sure to fill up your tank at the Blues Quick Stop, located at 42 Conwell Street. It has the lowest price gas in P-town (as of today June 25, 2010) for $2.749 a gallon.

Though both the House and Senate passed different versions of the bill earlier this year, they have only now been able to come to an agreement. The compromise was announced yesterday afternoon in a news conference held at the State House, and legislators expect the bill to be passed within the next few days.

This legislation is momentous as Massachusetts joins many other states in addressing distracted driving, which, as the Boston Globe pointed out in its June 15 story on distracted driving, is a contributing factor to many fatal automobile accidents. When the bill is passed, Massachusetts will be the 29th state to ban texting for all drivers and the 29th to ban all phone use for drivers under 18, according to the Governors Highway Safety Association.

Plymouth Rock supports Massachusetts legislators on this issue by continuing to advocate for safe driving practices with the hope that the number of incidents related to distracted driving will eventually decrease to zero.

Scenic view of historic Sandwich, Mass. Photo by Flickr member "smkybear".

This week, we’d like to highlight another distinctive Cape Cod destination for a quick (or extended) getaway – Sandwich. Similar to Chatham, the bayside town of Sandwich retains a quintessentially old-world Cape charm. It may have something to do with the fact that Sandwich is the oldest town on Cape Cod, and one of the oldest towns in the United States, settled by European immigrants nearly 150 years prior to the American Revolution.

Aside from sunny beaches overlooking the Massachusetts Bay, there are many historical attractions that are worth checking out. The Sandwich Glass Museum, which is particularly beautiful on a sunny day when the glass really shines through the windows, features a glass blower who lets you watch this fascinating process.
Stop by the Heritage Museums & Gardens and you can enjoy more than 70 acres of gardens after visiting the art and history museums. For lodging, look into a weekend stay at one of Sandwich’s several charming, historic bed and breakfasts, including Annabelle Bed & Breakfast, Isaiah Jones Homestead Bed & Breakfast, and The 1750 Inn at Sandwich Center.

Glass blower at work at the Sandwich Glass Museum. Photo by Flickr member "sneakerdog".

If you’re from the Boston area and need to fill-up before heading out, be sure to take advantage of Plymouth Rock’s Gas Price Finder to find the least expensive gas available near you. One suggestion is to stop off at the Shell Station at 1154 William T. Morrissey Blvd, just off I-93 at exit 11.You can fill up your car there today for just $2.81 a gallon. Once on the road, here are some directions to help you get to your destination:

1. Take I-93 S toward Quincy (8.9 miles)
2. Take exit 7 on the left toward Cape Cod (0.8 mile)
3. Merge onto MA-3 S (26.7 miles)
4. Continue onto US-44 E (0.9 mile)
5. Continue onto MA-3 S (14.6 mile)
6. Continue onto US-6 E (0.8 mile)
7. Take exit 1C toward Massachusetts 6A/Sagamore (0.2 mile)
8. Slight right at Mid-Cape Connector (0.3 mile)
9. Turn right at Massachusetts 6A E/Sandwich Rd – Continue to follow Massachusetts 6A E (3.1 miles)
10. Turn right at Jarves St (79 feet)

If you’re coming from somewhere other than the Boston area, click here to get custom directions – just enter your starting point!

Enjoy your stay in Sandwich! Once you’ve had your fill, you can fill-up your tank before returning home at the Hess Station at 336 Route 130, Sandwich, MA 02563. It has the lowest gas price in Sandwich (as of today June 18, 2010) for $2.82 a gallon.