A Gulfstream Region PCA “Experience The Bern” Weekend ~ Photos & Story Submitted By Malcolm Gropper

“We’re not just driving—we’re experiencing the road together,” Gulfstream Region’s former president Kyle Rathbun voiced.

With that, the caravan of Porsches - 911’s, Boxsters, Caymans and a Macan -- pulled out, heading west on Florida’s state highways.

The Journey

The drive was everything a Porsche enthusiast could hope for. Long stretches of smooth asphalt allowed the cars to settle into their natural rhythm, while winding sections gave drivers the chance to feel the precise steering and balanced handling that made these machines legendary. Arriving in Tampa, we checked into our hotel, The Epicurean, and prepared for a causal dinner.

Tampa Bay Automobile Museum

The following morning, we drove to the Tampa Bay Automobile Museum. Where club members felt like kids entering a candy store. The collection was breathtaking; vintage automobiles that told the story of automotive innovation and artistry. 

We marvelled at a 1936 Audi 225 Cabriolet, its elegant lines speaking to an era when every curve was hand-crafted. Then a 1942 Tatra T-87 captured everyone’s imagination with its aerodynamic design, decades ahead of drag coefficient computations! A 1970 Mazda Cosmo and 1938 Panhard Dynamic showcased the fascinating diversity of automotive dreams across different eras.“Look at that craftsmanship,” one member whispered.

“Every era had its innovations showcased for all to admire!”

The museum reminded us of the DNA connecting these vintage masterpieces to today’s modern Porsches; the same passion for engineering excellence and belief that driving should be an emotional and inspiring experience.

Bern’s Steak House

As the sun began to set, the group made their way to the legendary Bern’s Steak House. The transition from automotive museum to culinary institution felt natural; both were temples to craftsmanship and attention to detail.

Bern’s didn’t disappoint. The wine cellar’s half-million bottles sparked conversations about collecting that resonated with our car enthusiasts. The perfectly aged steaks were prepared with the same precision that Porsche applied to their engines.

Over dinner, which started at 6:15 p.m. and ended at 11:15 p.m. in the separate “Desert Room,” stories flowed freely. Members shared their Porsche experiences, memorable drives, and modifications they’d made to personalize their cars. “Experience the Bern” journey had strengthened the bonds between us, creating new memories to add to our automotive adventures. 

The Road Home

Most of us went our separate ways on the road home. As we finally pulled into familiar driveways, engines ticking as they cooled, each member carried more than just memories of a 340-mile round trip. 

The Tampa Bay Automobile Museum had shown them automotive history, but we had shared camaraderie and an automotive passion. And that was what driving a Porsche; and being part of the Gulfstream Region, PCA was truly about.