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Your MINI dealer loves introducing you to incredible autos that offer a new take on this already-innovative brand. Without further ado, meet the amazing MINI Convertible. MINI Dealer's Basics About the 2023 MINI Convertible From England to Italy, the MINI has been an icon since the late 1950s. The two-door and four-seat car remains a classic but has evolved in style and performance over its tenure. The soft-top version of the Mini Hardtop packs plenty of exterior and interior innovation into its just-under $34,000 starting price for the base Cooper Convertible. Other available trims include the Cooper S and the John Cooper Works. A Style Upgrade That beautiful compact hatchback form that's undeniably MINI receives an even bigger infusion of cool for the convertible. Those eye-popping LED headlights put the perfect punctuation marks on a sleek new front grille, providing quite the wow-worthy sight as this ride approaches. And they'll love watching it leave just as much. The back grille also gets a makeover and a prime partner in ultra-distinct Union Jack taillights. But let's not forget the star of this show. The soft top connects you with nature either in sunroof mode or by fully letting in the fresh air. It's powered by electricity that gifts the experience you want in mere seconds. Plus, you can add even more pizazz by draping your soft top in a bold Union Jack woven design. If that's not enough, up the cool quotient with Piano Black exterior touches from front to back. Customize away with packages such as the Aero Body Kit. more Enhanced Interior Elements Hip style slips into the inside with even more redesigns and driver-pleasing features. The steering wheel, digitized dashboard, and air vents all benefit from thoughtful modernization. Ambient lighting provides just the right peaceful glow. Go Resolute and mix in some alluring bronze and green checker patterns to the high-quality interior. And back to that steering wheel: it's also become a safety sensor that vibrates to alert you of lane departures. Security-wise, the Active Driving Assistant system has you additionally covered with collision warning and mitigation and adaptive cruise control. And don't let the mini moniker fool you. Both headroom and legroom are spacious and comfy. Plus, you can enjoy your drive with the stylings of standard Apple CarPlay infotainment, easily accessible via the bigger and better 8.8-inch touchscreen. A Dynamic Drive At the end of the day, you're probably asking one question: how does it drive? Two words sum it up: fantastically fun. The TwinTurbo engines, available in either 1.5 L or 2.0 L, can deliver a nice punch of horsepower at up to 228 and equally capable torque, leveling up to 235 lb.-ft. These specs, combined with the light weight and form, serve up nimble and zippy handling that evokes MINI's race-car roots. You won't break the fuel bank while having fun either, as fuel economy stands at a solid 28 MPG combined. Are you ready for a spin in this marvelous MINI? Visit Tom Bush MINI and take a test drive today.

Local farmer's markets are wonderful places to source quality ingredients for your kitchen. Fresh vegetables, fruit, eggs, and more are just a short drive away if you live in Jacksonville, FL. You can stock up on everything you need for the week thanks to the spacious cargo area in your Mini Cooper Countryman. 5 Farmer's Markets Near Jacksonville, FL 1. Fernandina Beach Market Place Ferdinanda Beach Market can be found on Amelia Island in the historic district, about ten miles north of Jacksonville. This market is open every Saturday, no matter the weather. Aside from local produce, this seaside market also features vendors selling fresh, locally-caught seafood and grass-fed beef. You can also sample dishes from a variety of world cuisines, from West African to Vietnamese. 2. Beaches Green Market The Beaches Green Market at Jacksonville Beach is another Saturday market, and you can find this market at 321 Penman Road. Beaches Green also operates a community garden where locals can try their hand at growing their own organic vegetables. You can find a wide selection of meats at this market, such as chicken and pork. Beaches Green also has a drop-off for compost. more 3. Orange Park Market This market is located in Orange Park, on the border of southwest Jacksonville, at 2042 Park Ave. Orange Park Market offers locally grown produce and art from over 100 vendors. Ready-to-eat food is also available at the market, provided by vendors and food trucks. The market also hosts live music and dancing, so this is the perfect place to go for a family-friendly day out. 4. Jacksonville Market The Jacksonville Market, Florida's oldest currently operating local produce market, is open every day (except Thanksgiving and Christmas), so if you need some fresh veggies during the week, this is a great place to stop. This market is known for its seasonal and ethnic offerings while also providing Southern classics like boiled peanuts. You can find this market at 1810 West Beaver Street. 5. Fields Fresh Market This market combines fresh produce with a local butcher shop, so it naturally has a wide selection of meats available. Located at 3539 University Blvd. North, on the east side of the river, Fields Fresh Market is a great place to stop if you need to stock up on freshly prepared cuts of meat for your week. Everybody wants their food to be as fresh as possible, so check out some of these great markets in the Jacksonville area. You are sure to appreciate the amazing taste and quality of the locally-sourced ingredients. After you get your groceries, come visit us at Tom Bush Mini to see our new inventory.

Here in Jacksonville, FL we are fortunate to have many ways to enjoy the cultural arts, including some of the best museums around. Whether you're into art, history, or science, there is a museum nearby for everyone. Most of our local museums offer special rates and designated free entry events. To help you decide, we've put together the following list to get you on your way. 5 of the Best Museums in Driving Distance of Jacksonville, FL 1. Jacksonville Naval Museum The Jacksonville Naval Museum is housed inside a retired navy ship that served during the Korean war and is a must-see for anyone visiting the area. While visiting the Jacksonville Naval Museum, located at 114 East Coastline Dr, patrons learn about the history of the US Navy while experiencing what it is like to live and work inside a real ship. You can stop by this unique museum Wednesday through Sunday for free or with a donation. more 2. Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens was established in 1961 with the personal collection of local art patrons Arthur and Ninah Cummer. The Cummer Museum is located at 829 Riverside Ave and has now grown into thousands of works of art spanning centuries. You can visit the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens seven days a week, with special events and designated free days posted regularly on their website. 3. Museum of Science & History With three levels of interactive and award-winning exhibits, the Museum of Science & History is set up to be enjoyed by people of all ages. Located at 1025 Museum Circle, the Museum of Science & History holds daily special programs, which are updated regularly on their website's calendar of events. While you're at the museum, open Thursday through Monday, we recommend checking out a show at the museum's planetarium. 4. Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville Housed inside the historic Western Union Telegraph Building on Hemming Plaza, the Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville is dedicated to exhibiting works of art created from 1960 to the present. Located downtown at 333 N Laura St., street parking and a dedicated parking garage are available to easily park your convertible Mini Cooper. Visit downtown's premier art museum, the Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville, seven days a week. We hope this list of local Jacksonville museums will inspire you to step out and support our cultural art venues with a day of educational fun. Then, while you're out, be sure to visit us at Tom Bush MINI to check out our vast inventory of new and pre-owned vehicles. We look forward to setting you up on the perfect test drive of your dreams today!

The 2023 MINI Clubman is the perfect mix of comfortable, compact, and fun when it comes to subcompacts. The 2023 edition brings new tech features, optional ALL4 all-wheel drive, impressive cargo space, and more for compact enthusiasts. 6 Impressive Features of the 2023 MINI Clubman 1. A Version for Every Taste If you're driving around town and need a compact vehicle with excellent cargo space, the Cooper S variant has everything you need. For adventurers looking for a car to take off-road trails, the Copper S ALL4 has the all-wheel grip to take on difficult terrain. But if performance and reliability matter more to you, the Cooper Clubman John Cooper Works is a high performer. 2. Performance and Engine The TwinPower Turbo, 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder direct-injection engine comes in all versions of the Cooper S Clubman, delivering 189 horsepower. If you need even more power, the Clubman John Cooper Works version has an impressive 301 horsepower. It goes from 0 to 60 mph in only 4.6 seconds, making it quicker than most subcompacts in the same price range. more 3. Long Warranty MINI has one of the most competitive warranty programs, offering three years of scheduled maintenance, four years or 50,000 miles powertrain warranty, and the same four years or 50,000 miles for their limited warranty. The scheduled maintenance can save you a reasonable sum of money in those three years. It covers the costs of many services, including engine oil, inspection, brake fluid change, engine air filter, and more. 4. Safety Features The Cooper Clubman has a forward-collision automatic braking system, lane drifting detection and warning, a rearview camera, and front and rear airbags. In addition, it has family-friendly features, with rear door child safety locks and child seat anchors to drive the kids comfortably and safely. 5. Technology and Mobile Connectivity If you enjoy listening to your favorite songs while driving around, all versions come with a six-speaker sound system capable of AM/FM and audio streaming. You can manage your audio system using the large 8.8-inch touchscreen that controls the infotainment system. Additionally, the 2023 version added the option to use Apple CarPlay for iPhone users, so you can now control your entire sound system from your phone. Also, the Bluetooth included lets you control your phone without ever taking your hands off the wheel. 6. Design and Comfort The interior is spacious, the cabin materials are high-quality, the seats are superb, and the interior feels premium. The front-row seats feel luxurious with dual-zone air conditioning, heated front seats, driver's seat memory, and one-button ignition. This vehicle is a beautiful package, inside and out. It has elegant features, comfort, and reliability, with versions to fit any need. Visit Tom Bush MINI today and experience all this Clubman offers.

Are you planning to buy a car soon? Financing your purchase can be tricky, but it doesn't have to be. By following these tips, you'll be able to ensure that you get the best deal possible and make the most of your hard-earned money. These tips from your mini dealer will help you learn how to finance a car smartly. 4 Smart Tips from Your Mini Dealer to Help You Finance a Car 1. Have a Down Payment A down payment can lower your monthly payment and even reduce the interest rate on your loan. The more money you can put down upfront, the better off you'll be in the long run. Before making a car purchase, it's essential to have a realistic idea of how much money you can afford for a down payment. Consider using your savings, cashing out investments, or getting a loan from family and friends. more 2. Get Pre-Approved One of the most brilliant tips for financing a car purchase is to get pre-approved for a loan. Getting pre-approved for a loan can help you determine what type of car and loan you can qualify for and how much you can borrow. It can also help you shop for the best rates, as lenders may offer different rates depending on your credit score and financial situation. Once you are pre-approved, you can start shopping around for a car. 3. Know Your Credit Score Your credit score is a quantitative indicator of how successfully you have previously managed your finances. It is one of the primary factors lenders use when determining whether or not they are willing to offer you a loan. Knowing your credit score ahead of time can help you make more informed decisions about what kind of car you should buy and which loan terms you might qualify for. 4. Consider the Total Cost of Ownership When purchasing a car, the total cost of ownership (TCO) is an essential factor to consider. TCO is the sum of all costs associated with buying and owning a vehicle, including initial purchase price, fuel, insurance, repairs, maintenance, and resale value. Start by calculating the total cost of ownership for the car you are interested in. Doing this research up front can save you time and money in the long run. Financing a car purchase can be daunting, but with the proper knowledge and preparation, it can be easy. Following the tips outlined in this blog post, you can set yourself up for success when it comes time to buy your next car. Stop by Tom Bush MINI today for all your MINI needs.

An important skill every driver should know is how to jump-start a car. As your MINI dealer, we'd like to tell you the easy steps to perform this operation. You will need a set of jumper cables, and we advise you to keep cables in your car. When you choose a set of cables, check to ensure that they can transmit sufficient power. Advice From Your MINI Dealer: 5 Easy Steps To Jump-Start a Car Park Facing the Other Car It's always advisable to park as close to the other car as possible, preferably with your hoods facing each other. Once you've parked, turn off the engines and open both hoods. Depending on the position of the car and the road situation, you may have to park behind it. We advise purchasing a long set of jumper cables so you're prepared for any emergency. If you're behind the other car, long cables will stretch over the car. It's not an ideal situation, but there might not be a choice. more Connect the Red Cables The red cables are positive. Connect the first red cable to the positive battery terminal in the dead car and ensure it's securely connected. Once this is done, connect the second red cable to the positive terminal on your battery. Some car batteries have plastic covers you must remove to access the terminals. In all batteries, the positive and negative terminals are marked. Connect the Black Cables The black cables are negative. Connect the first black cable to the negative terminal on your battery. As a final step, connect the second black cable to any unpainted bolt on the inside frame of the other car's engine. You mustn't connect the black cable to the negative terminal on the dead car's battery. This could damage your battery or even start a fire. Check All Connections Ensure that all the cables are securely connected. If there's a loose connection, recharging will fail. Start Your Engine Start your engine and allow it to idle for several minutes. Electricity will flow through the cables from your battery to the dead car's battery and provide it with power. After a few minutes, try and start the other car. If its engine starts, carefully remove the battery cables. If the dead car doesn't start, repeat the process for another fifteen minutes and try and start the car again. Now you know how to start a dead battery. To ensure your MINI's battery is in good condition, visit us for a battery test today at Tom Bush MINI.

Brunch is one of the things that can unify all kinds of foodies. After all, who doesn't love a nice late-morning meal that combines the best of both breakfast and lunch foods? If you're craving brunch but are not sure where to go, here are the best brunch places in Jacksonville, FL to get you started. 5 Brunch Places Worth the Morning Drive Near Jacksonville, FL 1. The Bread and Board The Bread and Board serves a killer brunch every Saturday and Sunday. With fun twists on typical American breakfast eats like cinnamon roll breakfast sandwiches and butterscotch sticky buns, you're sure to have a lovely weekend brunch here. The Bread and Board is located at 100 W Bay St Ste 101 in Downtown Jacksonville. 2. Homespun Kitchen Homespun Kitchen's philosophy is to provide healthy and tasty fast food, even during brunch hours. With popular brunch items like breakfast burritos, açaí bowls, wraps, and salads, you can count on having a good time at Homespun Kitchen. They also offer some of the most flexible brunch hours, with all-day breakfast and lunch served after 11 a.m., so it's never too late for brunch at Homespun! Homespun Kitchen has two locations in the Jacksonville area, one at 1030 Oak Street in the Riverside neighborhood and a beachside location at 299-2 Atlantic Blvd in Atlantic Beach. more 3. The Local The Local offers one of the widest brunch menus in all of Jacksonville. From egg benedicts to burgers, salads, soups, and sandwiches, your party is guaranteed to find something for everyone. The Local also has two locations in the Jacksonville area, with a riverside eatery at 4578 San Jose Blvd and a beachside eatery at 301 Atlantic Blvd in Neptune Beach. 4. River & Post A well-known Jacksonville restaurant, River & Post serves a legendary brunch every Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. This Jacksonville eatery offers something for everyone, with traditional brunch meals like bagels and lox, avocado toast, and huevos rancheros, as well as vegan options like a vegan berry parfait and vegan burgers. River & Post is located at 1000 Riverside Ave Suite 100 in the Five Points neighborhood. 5. Biscottis Biscottis is the brunch place to be if you're an early riser. With brunch starting at 8 a.m. every Saturday and Sunday, this trendy spot serves gourmet takes on traditional brunch meals like house-made slow-braised corned beef hash, crème brulée french toast, and more. Biscottis is located at 3556 St Johns Ave in the Avondale neighborhood of Jacksonville. So, there you have it! Five brunch spots in Jacksonville that serve amazing brunch menus to catch up with friends and family over the weekend. Make sure to stop by your Tom Bush MINI dealership to check out our latest inventory.

Jacksonville, FL is known for its amazing weather and beautiful beaches. Some folks don't know it, but we have a huge range of shopping options available for every occasion and budget. Whether you're looking for a gift or want to buy something for your home, you'll find something here in our city. These are a few of our favorite places to shop. 3 Favorite Holiday Shopping Spots in Driving Distance of Jacksonville, FL Sugar Bear Antique Mall Sugar Bear is located at 3047 Julington Creek Road, Jacksonville, and hosts a large variety of different stalls. Their 10,500 square feet of space include antiques, vintage, decorative, and even zany gift ideas. Each stall sets its prices, but the owners are friendly and happy to help you find that special item. There's a large parking lot with safe parking in front of the mall, which is great as you're guaranteed to spend at least an hour or two looking through their merchandise. If you're not sure what you're looking for in a gift, Sugar Bear will give you plenty of ideas. more Sweet Pete's Candy Sweet Pete's is the brainchild of master candy maker Peter Behringer. It's been featured on CNBC's "The Profit" and when you visit you'll understand why. The building is a lovingly restored 23,000 square feet Victorian mansion, now repurposed as the ultimate candy store. It's set over three floors and contains a massive amount of candy and chocolate. The first floor has a soda shoppe and numerous types of boxed candy. The second floor contains one of the best ice cream parlors in town and bulk candy. Finally, the third floor is a party venue perfect for hosting children's birthday parties. Every guest gets a sample bag of their signature sea salt caramels. We highly recommend their chocolate-covered bacon! Be sure to pick some up when you visit. Sweet Petes is located at 400 N Hogan Street, Jacksonville. Chamblin Bookmine Chamblin is a massive bookstore. It's old, rambling, and filled floor to ceiling with books. The store is so large that they give you a map when you enter to find the book sections you want. If you're looking for a book, you're almost guaranteed to find it here. There are books on every subject, and the friendly staff will help you find the book you want. Chamblin's is located at 4551 Roosevelt Boulevard, Jacksonville, and is open from 10 am Monday to Sunday. These are just a small selection of our available shops. Take a drive in your 2023 MINI Cooper S Countryman and check them out. With its ultra-economical 2.0L Turbo Inline-4 Gas engine and 24 MPG in the city, driving has never been cheaper. Call us today at Tom Bush MINI to book your scheduled service.

If you're in Jacksonville, FL and are looking for great Thai cuisine without having to travel too far, then look no further! Whether it's lunchtime or dinnertime, there's something sure to please everyone at the city's great selection of Thai restaurants.  Whether you're craving the traditional flavors of Pad Thai or more creative dishes, we've chosen three Thai eateries, all within easy driving distance of downtown, that serve up deliciously authentic food that you won't want to miss out on. Drive On Over: 3 Thai Restaurants Near Jacksonville, FL Tuptim Thai and Sushi Restaurant Tuptim Thai and Sushi Restaurant is a great destination for those craving delicious Thai cuisine. The menu ranges from a wide selection of traditional dishes like Tom Yum Shrimp and Pad Thai to mouth-watering Massaman Curry and noodle entrees with a touch of spice. All dishes are prepared fresh daily with locally sourced produce, seafood, and meats for an unforgettable culinary experience. You'll find Tumptin Thai near the Timuquana Country Club at 5907 Roosevelt Blvd #700. more Noom Thai Bistro Located at 8642 Baymeadows Rd, Noom Thai Bistro offers authentic and delicious Thai cuisine in a cozy atmosphere complete with brick and blond wood accents. Their selection of soups, curries, and noodle dishes is crafted with care by experienced chefs using the freshest ingredients available. Many consider Noom's green curry entree to be the restaurant's signature dish. Made with green Thai chilis and served with your choice of chicken, shrimp, tofu, or beef, this dish also contains zucchini, snow peas, green beans, bell peppers, and fresh basil. Everything's cooked to perfection in a homemade coconut milk sauce based on a family recipe. Taste of Thai At Taste of Thai, you can enjoy a leisurely meal with friends and family in a cozy space at 4317 University Blvd S. Popular menu items include appetizers such as crispy spring rolls and marinated satay served with a rich peanut sauce. Guests often rave about the coconut milk and hot and sour soups for their delicious flavor. Taste of Thai also offers a selection of coconut milk-based curries that are simply amazing. You can choose from five different flavor profiles, each one served with your choice of meats, seafood, vegetables, or tofu. Finally, diners who enjoy fresh seafood, meats, or tofu on top of jasmine rice and greens will love the restaurant's authentic Thai salads. From traditional dishes to more creative entrees, each of these restaurants offers something truly special that makes them the perfect place to start If you're looking for a great Thai dining experience. Speaking of perfect, if you're still looking for that perfect ride to get around town, be sure to visit Tom Bush MINI for a wide-ranging selection of great cars. Happy eating and happy driving!

Your Mini Cooper is a finely tuned machine and needs the best parts to run at its best. That's why it's essential to know the signs of a faulty ignition coil and get it fixed as soon as possible. Here are four of the most common symptoms. Keep an eye out for them and visit your Mini dealer if you are experiencing any of these issues. 4 Common Signs of a Faulty Ignition Coil. Visit Your Mini Dealer Today Engine Misfires When an ignition system functions correctly, it supplies voltage to the spark plugs at precisely set intervals to create combustion. However, if the coil fails or begins to wear out, these intervals can become erratic or delayed, resulting in an incomplete combustion cycle that causes the engine to misfire. Engine misfires can be identified by rough idling or a shaking sensation while the vehicle is running. In addition, your car may also produce loud noises accompanied by some smoke from the exhaust pipe. If your engine is misfiring, take it to your nearest local dealer promptly. more Difficulty Starting the Engine A working ignition system will provide an electric spark to ignite the mixture within your vehicle's combustion cylinder. As part of a car's digital ignition system, this spark is essential for initiating your vehicle's two- or four-stroke combustion cycle. Starting and running your car's engine can be challenging when this process is disrupted. This stalling effect can manifest as soon as you turn your key, leave you stranded on the side of the road, or cause you to restart your engine numerous times. If you're having trouble starting your car on occasion, you should have a professional inspect your ignition system. Loss of Power The loss of power in your engine is one symptom of a problem with the ignition system. When the ignition system begins to wear down, it produces fewer of the sparks required to fire up the cylinders inside your machine. It might result in poor or sluggish driving performance and trouble climbing hills or accelerating quickly. In addition, a faulty ignition system can cause harsh engine vibrations when starting up or at idle speeds. Poor Fuel Economy Poor fuel economy occurs when the spark plugs don't fire properly, resulting in an inefficient combustion process that wastes fuel and reduces engine power. This can be caused by faulty coils breaking the electrical circuit, preventing the spark plugs from receiving enough energy to ignite the air-fuel mixture. That's why it's essential to have regular maintenance on your ignition system, especially if you notice a decrease in fuel efficiency or power output in your vehicle. If you're experiencing any of the four signs of a faulty ignition coil, contact us at Tom Bush MINI to schedule a maintenance appointment. We have a team of experts ready to help you diagnose and fix the problem.

Bowling is a great way to get some exercise and spend time with friends and family. Jacksonville, FL has several great bowling alleys that are perfect for any occasion. Here are a few great places to bowl in town. 3 Great Bowling Alleys in Driving Distance of Jacksonville, FL Jax Lanes Bowling Center If you're looking for something fun to do, grab a friend and your 2023 MINI Countryman and make the trip to Jax Lanes. You'll have a blast on the way over in this fun-to-drive SUV with its twin-turbo engine and spacious interior. And when you get to Jax Lanes, you'll have an excellent time bowling, with 32 lanes and state-of-the-art equipment. Jax Lanes Bowling Center is a locally owned spot with all the amenities of a modern bowling alley: snack bar, arcade games, pool tables, and murals on the walls that are just begging for selfies. They host numerous leagues and tournaments with a day and night schedule. And the snack bar at Jax Lanes has everything from pizza to cheesesteaks. more King Pins Bowling Center If you're looking for a family-friendly place to bowl, you should check out King Pins Bowling Center. Located on Lennox Ave, this bowling center has 20 lanes, a full snack bar, and friendly staff members who will help you get your bowling game on point. The whole family will love the atmosphere at King Pins Bowling Center—it's great for hanging out with friends or watching the little ones have some fun! Kings Pins is open Wed - Sunday. They frequently have specials and deals on the snack bar, so you should call or check their Facebook page before you go. Bart Family Fun Center Batt Family Fun Center is a modern family-friendly facility in Jacksonville. It's located at 1838 Cassat Ave and has been recognized as one of the best places to have fun with your kids. Batt Family Fun Center offers 32 bowling lanes and 8 VIP lanes for private parties and events. They also have bumper bowling lanes for kids and cosmic bowling with special effects lighting at night. Batt Family Fun Center is the place to go, even if you don't bowl. They have 18 holes of glow-in-the-dark golf, laser tag, and 40 arcade games. And if you get hungry, they have a snack bar. Jacksonville has fantastic bowling centers to fit every budget and need. Whether you're looking for a place to have some fun with your kids or need to host an event, these alleys can help make your day memorable. And if you're in the market for a new car, don't forget to stop by Tom Bush MINI and see our new lineup. You won't want to miss out on all of the great deals!

Owing to its year-round mild weather, wide variety of ecosystems, and location along a number of migratory routes, Florida's First Coast region is one of the best areas in the country for birding. Are you a resident of Jacksonville, FL and an avid birdwatcher? Do yourself a favor and plug in these prime birdwatching destinations into your Mini Cooper S Countryman's advanced navigation system! 4 Favorite Birdwatching Spots You Can Drive to From Jacksonville, FL 1. Bird Island Park As its name implies, Bird Island serves as a beautiful sanctuary for many bird species. The quiet, peaceful park features boardwalk paths, gazebos, and a maze for visitors to explore. At the park's center, there's a large pond with a lush island that's surrounded by various birds, including ducks, blue herons, egrets, and anhingas. You'll also be delighted to see the adorable otters and small turtles swimming together in the water. 2. Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park Located just north of Bird Island, Hanna Park is another great place to view anhingas and herons. Along with the blue heron, you'll be able to view herons of the green and tricolor varieties. The verdant park's many flowering plants mean that you'll also see hummingbirds fluttering about as they treat themselves to a nectar buffet. There are several hiking and biking trails that can be taken and a lake that's popular with kayakers. more 3. William F Sheffield Regional Park At 385 acres, this park is quite expansive and hosts numerous facilities, including soccer and baseball fields, a community pool, and a skate park. It's also home to some of the finest scenery and birding in Jacksonville's Northside. The grounds are deeply wooded and feature two large ponds, so it's a popular rest stop for birds on a long journey. Commonly observed species include the brown thrasher, pied-billed grebe, common yellowthroat, and cardinal. 4. Little Talbot Island State Park Little Talbot Island is one of the region's last remaining undeveloped barrier islands, so Florida's Department of Environmental Protection has made sure that it remains untouched by making it part of the state park system. The park is also notable for its white sand dunes from which you can view a large variety of ocean and migratory birds. Many birdwatchers come to see groups of northern gannets dive bombing into the sea in order to catch their prey. During the spring, red knots traveling all the way from Argentina comb the shoreline in search of surf clams before continuing north to their breeding grounds in Canada. No matter the time of year, there are always great birding opportunities when you're living in the Jacksonville area! Before you head out on your next sightseeing excursion, stop by Tom Bush MINI today and check out our showroom's new models!