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What better way is there to get out there than planning an adventure at one of the hiking trails in our area? We did some exploring all around the Jacksonville, FL area to find the best destinations for you to plan your adventure at. Pick the trail that's right for you and then get out there and seize the day. more 7 Favorite Hiking Trails Near Jacksonville, FL 1. Julington Durbin Creek Nature Preserve If you're looking to appreciate the wildlife our region has to offer on your day out, look no further than Julington Durbin Creek Nature Preserve and the more than 2,000 acres of wildlands it gives you to explore. The paths here wind through lush forests and floodplain wetlands to show you the diversity of nature that can be found right in our backyard. 2. Tillie K. Fowler Regional Park The wooded trails at Tillie K. Fowler Regional Park are one of the best places to take a walk around us. Better still, the trails are dog friendly, so this could be your destination if you're looking for somewhere to take your canine friend. Along with the trails, there's also a boardwalk here for you to get some views of the water. 3. Theodore Roosevelt Area at Timucuan Preserve Peaceful nature trails and miles of open-air exploration make the hiking at Theodore Roosevelt Area at Timucuan Preserve some of the best our area has to offer. There's also a bird observation platform to give you a different perspective on things. 4. Ortega Stream Valley Trailhead Boardwalks and bridges run through the verdant wetlands that can be found at Ortega Stream Valley Trailhead. The extensive network of different trails provides different options, with something to suit just about any hiking skill level, so you can come here whether you're a beginner, intermediate, or expert hiker. 5. University of North Florida Nature Trails The public trails here are a great destination for anyone looking for some outdoor fun that can be had right here in our area. You can even get a guided tour and learn all about the nature that can be found along the trails. 6. Castaway Island Preserve There are about two miles of trails at Castaway Island Preserve for you to explore, with scenic overlooks along the way that make for memorable hiking moments. The undeveloped wetlands here are home to some of our local creatures which you might spot on your visit, including birds, crabs, wild oysters, and a whole lot more. 7. Jacksonville Arboretum & Gardens Learn all about the plants that thrive in our area by wandering the grounds at Jacksonville Arboretum & Gardens, where the various plants are labelled to make them easy for you to identify. There are over 120 acres of rustic trails for you to wander through on your visit here. Any of these destinations make great spots to plan your next hike, and any of the quality vehicles in our inventory can get you there. Find your next ride at Tom Bush MINI!

There is nothing quite like live music. Seeing a live performance allows you to watch the music being made in real time and feel the energy and emotion of the people making it. If you're looking to experience live music in Jacksonville, FL, you're in luck. There are tons of music venues to choose from in Jacksonville, so let's take a look at the six most popular spots to get your live music fix. more 6 Popular Live Music Venues in and Around Jacksonville, FL 1. 1904 Music Hall This music hall is a great place to see local artists in a cozy, unique atmosphere. The venue itself is great for music lovers, with colorful murals painted on the brick walls, excellent lighting, and bone-shaking bass. Plus, it's one of the less expensive options to see live music in Jacksonville. 2. Jack Rabbits Live Jack Rabbits is a neighborhood favorite for many reasons. The venue is intimate yet spacious enough to feel comfortable with good lighting and sound. The acts are a mix of regional and national artists, but many aren't widely known, which can make for an exciting and surprising experience. It's also much less expensive than other, bigger venues. 3. The Arena The Arena is a family-friendly venue showing both plays and concerts. This means that even for music performances you can expect the team to set up the stage with interesting props and decorations, so you never know what surprises await you at The Arena. Locals love the exciting atmosphere The Arena, created from a mix of talented performers and an engaged audience. 4. Blue Jay Listening Room The Blue Jay is special in that it manages to have that effortlessly cool quality without coming off pretentious. The venue is intimate with excellent sound, and the staff are friendly and provide excellent service. Tuesday night jams are said to be a blast and an absolute must for music lovers. 5. Murray Hill Theatre The Murray Hill Theatre is an independent venue that primarily shows Christian music acts. They have an in-house cafe with homemade snacks in case patrons get hungry. The best part is that it's all ages, so the whole family can enjoy the tunes in a wholesome setting. The staff are helpful and kind and will go out of their way to make you feel right at home. 6. Florida Theatre The Florida Theatre has been around since 1927, making it a great option for music and history buffs alike. This historic theatre plays host to a variety of different genres and acts, including ballet, jazz, country, and comedy. Florida Theatre isn't a big venue, so it might be best to reserve your spot ahead of time to ensure you make it in, but the benefit of the small size is that you'll be right up close to the artists. As a bonus, locals say it has some of the best food in town. Now that you've gotten your live music fix, why not check out some awesome deals on a new car? Head to Tom Bush MINI for competitive prices and a great selection.

Anyone looking for a day out on the fairway has some great golf courses to choose from here in the Jacksonville, FL area. Head to any of these seven local destinations next time you're looking for a fun day out and you'll find some great courses to play. more The Top 7 Golf Courses in and Around Jacksonville, FL 1. Windsor Parke Golf Club This upscale 18-hole course provides a satisfying golfing challenge at a fair price, making it one of the top destinations for players in our area. They keep the grounds in great shape to give you the perfect surface to play on. Once you've worked up an appetite out on the course, hit the grill and snack bar to get a meal in and enjoy the fun atmosphere. 2.  Blue Sky Golf Club Between the atmosphere, the service, and the food you get at Blue Sky Golf Club, you're guaranteed to have a great time. One of the other highlights here is the driving range which gives you different targets to aim for to work on your short game, as well as a putting area with some interesting challenges of its own. 3. Blue Cypress Golf Course If you're looking for an interesting course to hit, the fun layouts and challenging small greens at Blue Cypress Golf Course are sure to provide it. The staff here is friendly and helpful too, which helped us feel right at home on our visit, and the prices to hit the course here are quite reasonable. 4. Bent Creek Golf Course The creek that gives this course its name and the other obstacles you'll face make Bent Creek Golf Course a challenge any golfer will look forward to taking on. You can get a warm-up in by hitting a few balls at their driving range before you check out the nice variety that the different holes here provide. 5. TPC Sawgrass Hit the Pro Shop at TPC Sawgrass to get all the best equipment you might need when you head out onto the course here. One thing this course is best known for is the infamous island hole 17 sits on, presenting a unique test any golfer can try out. 6. Hyde Park Golf Club Enjoy some beautiful scenery and exciting holes to play when you have an outing at Hyde Park Golf Club. You'll be kept well fed throughout your visit by the food cart that goes around providing snacks while you're hitting the tees. 7. Brentwood Golf Course Plenty of par 3 courses make Brentwood Golf Course a good place for beginner to intermediate golfers to come to work on their fundamentals. You'll also enjoy the delicious food that they cook up once you're done playing through their course. One thing that each of these courses had in common was a staff that provides excellent friendly service to every guest. Providing that kind of exceptional service is something our team does every day at our dealership. Stop on by at Tom Bush MINI today!

Get out to the parks in our region and enjoy some fun and relaxation out in the sun and fresh air. All of the outdoor destinations we highlighted below can be found right in the Jacksonville, FL area, so you can get away from it all while staying in the local area. more 7 Great Parks to Visit in and Around Jacksonville, FL 1. Riverside Park Located in one of the most historic neighborhoods in our city, Riverside Park is the second oldest park that can be found in our area. Whether you're shooting hoops on the basketball courts here or enjoying a meal with some fresh air on the picnic tables that can be found here, you're sure to have a great time when you spend your day out here. 2. Castaway Island Preserve Enjoy beautiful views of the wetlands in our area when you take a trip to Castaway Island Preserve. Raised walkways run through the undeveloped land here, creating a great place to go for a walk, a jog, or to take your dog out for a stroll. The scenic overlooks here provide some breathtaking views of the surrounding area. 3. Springfield Park Located in the historic neighborhood of Springfield, this park features a playground that has plenty of equipment for any youngsters coming along with you for your visit to play around on. Come when the flowers are in bloom to enjoy some unforgettable sights and scents. It's also a dog-friendly park, giving you a great place to bring your four-legged friend along for the fun. 4. Mandarin Park Have some fun on the playground or tennis courts at Mandarin Park, or just get some shade under the pavilions here while you enjoy the breeze and fresh air. This park has bay frontage that lets you enjoy some peaceful views of the water. There's also a boat ramp that lets you get out on the water for yourself to have some fun. 5. Tillie K. Fowler Regional Park Walk the wooded hiking trails at this local getaway location to enjoy a serene space to just get away from it all for a little while. You can also climb the observation tower here to get a bird's eye view on the amazing landscape that can be seen here. 6. Memorial Park Perfect for fishing or just getting some fresh air, this park offers nearly six acres of wide-open space for you to explore. Memorial Park earned recognition on the National Register of Historic Places in 2017, bringing nationwide acclaim to our area. 7. Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park Enjoy a day out at the beach at this oceanside park with one and a half miles of coastal land for you to walk through and enjoy. Take part in some swimming or surfing or just lay back and catch some rays on the sandy beaches you'll find at this park. Get to these local destinations in style when you cruise down in a new ride from our dealership. Visit us at Tom Bush MINI today!

Being one of the largest cities in the country allows Jacksonville, FL to provide a ton of activities. One that has been steadily growing in the area, for people of all ages, is biking. With so many outstanding biking trails around, checking one out is a worthwhile endeavor, whether you're looking to break a sweat or spend time with people you care about. more 6 of the Best Biking Trails Near Jacksonville, FL 1. Black Creek Trail Black Creek Trail is an 8-mile route just south of Jacksonville that runs parallel to U.S. Highway 17. It goes from Orange Park south to Black Creek Park and passes forests, wetlands, Fleming Island, and Doctor's Lake. It also goes by Moccasin Slough Park which is a large wildlife preserve that houses bald eagles, alligators, and a park that was made recently. 2. Palatka-to-St. Augustine State Trail This route is 18 miles and used to be known as State Road 207 Rail-Trail because it follows State Route 207. It goes through Armstrong, Elkton, and Vermont Heights but the views are mostly of farms and wooded areas. It is going to be a connection to the larger St. Johns River-to-Sea Loop which will be 260 miles and run through five counties in Northeast Florida. 3. Jacksonville-Baldwin Rail-Trail The Jacksonville-Baldwin Rail-Trail is about 14.5 miles of a paved path west of downtown Jacksonville. History buffs will love Camp Milton Historic Preserve, an old Civil War encampment that has been preserved and recreated in places to keep its original appearance. The nature in the area is also home to rabbits, gophers, coral snakes, hawks, and much more. 4. Amelia Island Trail Amelia Island Trail goes on for a little over 5.5 miles and connects Peters Point Beachfront Park to Amelia Island State Park. The parks offer many activities such as fishing, kayaking, horseback riding, and beach access. The route is well paved and has a lot of shade, making the ride a pleasant journey even on the hottest days. 5. Timucuan Trail This trail is just a bit under 5 miles and by going over the Amelia River via the George Crady Bridge it connects to the Amelia Island Trail. The sections of it now have been built in Big Talbot Island State Park and Little Talbot Island State Park but eventually it will extend into Kathryn Abbey Hannah Park and Amelia Island State Park as well. Bird-watching and campgrounds help make this an overall enjoyable experience. 6. Palatka-to-Lake Butler State Trail Palatka-to-Lake Butler State Trail itself is over 30 miles and its southern end is just a 2.5-mile ride away from Palatka-to-St. Augustine State Trail. The trail is well-known for the animals inhabiting the trail which includes alligators, snakes, turkeys, bobcats, and white-tailed deer. The trail is typically quiet, well-paved, and has excellent shade throughout. Being able to travel to trails comfortably and safely with your equipment is important. Stop by Tom Bush MINI and find the perfect MINI vehicle to get you to your destinations.

Jacksonville, FL is home to a wide variety of delicious ice cream shops. A trip to any of them is the perfect way to enjoy a tasty dessert while cooling down, but we have three special favorites. Read on to discover what we picked. more 3 of the Best Ice Cream Places in and Around Jacksonville, FL 1. Bruster's Bruster's offers a large menu, rich flavors, and quality scoops made with fresh ingredients. If you enjoy a chocolate base, try a dish filled with almond chocolate coconut, chocolate birthday cake, or chocolate mudslide filled with swirls of marshmallows. If vanilla is more your thing, a scoop of Boston cream pie, cherry vanilla, peanut butter and jelly, toffee bar, or blueberry cobbler with fresh berries and cinnamon shortbread cookies is the way to go. In addition to regular scoops, Bruster's serves frozen yogurt in flavors such as cherry, raspberry, and Dutch apple crunch as well sorbet flavors including sour apple and strawberry kiwi. Treat yourself to a sundae like the dirt sundae with Oreo cookies and gummy worms for an extra special treat. Be sure to order a frozen cake made from your choice of flavor stirred into chocolate or yellow cake and layered with a sauce such as peanut butter or butterscotch. 2. Whit's Frozen Custard Whit's Frozen Custard serves specialty flavors that vary daily, so be sure to stop by frequently to try them all. If you're a fan of fruit, check their calendar to discover when lemon raspberry cheesecake, caramel apple pie, and white chocolate raspberry scoops are being served. Additionally, our other favorites include coffee toffee crunch, fluffernutter cookie, chocolate malt fudge, caramel cookie dough, and the seasonal pumpkin roll. Add toppings such as coconut flakes, pecans, almonds, blueberries, pineapple, raspberries, strawberries, mint, sea salt caramel, hot fudge, whipped cream, and more to take your scoop to the next level. We're also big fans of the specialties that include the O'Henry George with Spanish peanuts, the Shark Bite with raspberry sauce, and the Beach Madness drizzled with peanut butter. Kids are sure to love Whit's Happy Sundae served with a sprinkle smile. 3. Rita's Rita's is our-go to spot whenever we're craving some of the freshest desserts in town. All flavors are made daily, and our personal favorites include salted caramel crunch, chocolate mint chip, birthday cake batter, and chocolate hazelnut. If you prefer fruit, it's impossible to go wrong with a scoop of black raspberry, banana split, strawberry cheesecake, orange, or black cherry white chocolate chunk. If regular scoops aren't your thing, try one of Rita's Italian flavors such as cherry limeade, Florida orange, Georgia peach, mango pineapple, raspberry lemonade, or wild berry. Combine the best of both worlds into a Gelati made from your choice of scoop layered with Italian ice. If you prefer soft serve, enjoy it in flavors ranging from butter pecan to strawberry banana and topped with your choice of mini gummy bears, pieces of pie, sprinkles, and more. A trip to any of these dessert shops is guaranteed to put a smile on your face. After you've enjoyed every bite, visit Tom Bush MINI to shop from vehicles, services, parts, and more!

Jacksonville, FL, is a great place to take your family camping on your next vacation. You'll find fantastic outdoor recreation, local attractions, and top-notch amenities for all your campout needs. more 7 Great Spots for Camping Near Jacksonville, FL 1. Hanna Park Campground You'll find one of the best family-friendly campgrounds to book your next trip. Hanna Park Campground offers a variety of accommodations and amenities for RV sites, tents, and cabins. You'll find all the facilities you need on-site, including restrooms and showers, a supply store, a splash pad for kids, and more. 2. Pecan Park RV Resort This fantastic RV resort is conveniently located in the local farmer's market and Pecan flea market. Pecan Park RV Resort offers clean and well-maintained campgrounds and outdoor spaces. If you're spending the summer or an extended stay at this resort, there are many great options for shopping, restaurants, hiking, and other activities. 3. Huguenot Campground Huguenot Campground is a wonderful place that's close to everything you'll want to explore outside. When you stay at this campground, you'll enjoy beautiful sunsets over the water, swimming, access to fishing, kayaking, and hiking. All RV sites are equipped with full hookups, and there are designated areas for tents. Huguenot Campground is pet-friendly and offers affordable rates. 4. Jennings State Forest Hammock Campground If you're in search of one of the most secluded parks in the Jacksonville area, you'll want to book your next campout at Jennings State Forest Hammock Campground. This area is beautiful and offers incredible scenery, access to a beach, well-maintained restrooms, and surrounded by tall trees. It's one of the best options for a campout if you're looking for a serene experience with your family or a few close friends. It's the perfect spot for nature enthusiasts. 5. LIttle Talbot Little Talbot is a local gem that offers spectacular fishing, amazing wildlife views, and beautiful shorelines. This wonderful outdoor space offers picnic tables, a pavilion, a bathhouse, and restrooms if you want to spend the day for a picnic or a weekend stay. It's also a great spot to capture stunning photographs. 6. Camp Chowenwaw Park Camp Chowenwaw Park is a historic space in Green Cove Springs, FL, that offers unique log cabins for rental, lakeside views, a swimming pool, and lots of trails to explore nature. You'll find the staff friendly and accommodating, and the campsites are spacious and affordable. 7. Amelia Island State Park When you visit Amelia Island State Park, you'll have lots of great access to fishing, scenic beaches, hiking, and horseback riding. You can set up your campsite near the beach and enjoy the calming waves and natural beauty of this area. One of the best features of this park is the protected land and wildlife, which offers a quiet and pleasant experience. There are many incredible parks and campgrounds to discover in and around the Jacksonville area. Come see us at Tom Bush Mini and inquire about our fantastic showroom of new and pre-owned vehicles today.

We all know how much Floridians love fishing. There are few things more relaxing than sitting by a serene body of water on a sunny day with your favorite pole in hand. You've probably been planning to get out on the water this summer but have been short of ideas. Take these six fishing spots near Jacksonville, FL as some inspiration. more 6 of the Best Fishing Spots Near Jacksonville, FL 1. Memorial Park Memorial Park is one of the most popular places to catch fish near Jacksonville. This spot offers both largemouth bass and sunfish. The park also provides boat ramps, making it easy to access fishing points where you can find bream and other types of fish. Memorial Park also offers picnic tables with barbecue grills if you want a place to eat lunch. These features make this an ideal spot for families or groups who like making memories together. 2. Mayport Boat Ramp Mayport Boat Ramp offers multiple species, including redfish, flounder, and trout. With a boat ramp available on-site and parking amenities nearby, you can't go wrong with this spot. A live bait shop will have everything you need for some successful fishing excursions. The Pier Store located nearby has everything from ice cold drinks to fresh seafood dinners after an afternoon at sea. 3. Mandarin Park This park has a wide variety of fish, such as largemouth bass and bluegill for beginners and experienced anglers. There are also plenty of picnic areas and places to barbecue while you take a break from catching some dinner. So whether it's early morning or late evening, Mandarin Park won't disappoint - just make sure you bring bug spray. 4. Bethesda Fish Management Area Bethesda Fish Management Area is a great place to reel in redfish, trout, and flounder. It's also the perfect spot for shelling enthusiasts as well - you can find conchs, whelks, and other sea creatures. In addition, the area offers boat ramps with free parking spaces, restrooms, and a fishing pier. 5. Huguenot Memorial Park Huguenot Memorial Park is one of the largest fishing places in Jacksonville. The park has many ponds and lakes stocked with fish, including largemouth bass, bluegill, and catfish. In addition, there's a boat launch for those who want to take their fishing experience on the water. Also, there are areas where you can cast your line from the shore. 6. Castaway Island Preserve Castaway Island Preserve is an excellent spot for anglers to cast out their lines. Along with the fishing, the place offers beaches and mangrove swamps. In addition, there are dense forests home to an array of sea life, including sharks, rays, dolphins, and jellyfish. So if you're looking for a place that will make your heart beat faster, Castaway Island Preserve is the spot. Fishing enthusiasts can find good fishing with beautiful scenery and plenty of other activities to enjoy. The natural beauty combined with all the outdoor amenities makes this an ideal destination for nature lovers and anglers alike. A fishing trip should be relaxing and simple. So should buying a car. Visit Tom Bush MINI for a seamless experience.

There's no better way to kickstart your morning or boost your afternoon than by grabbing a caffeinated beverage, handcrafted pastry, or another tasty treat at one of the many top-quality coffee shops in Jacksonville, FL. We've narrowed it down to our top three choices, and we're positive that you'll love them as much as we do. more 3 of the Best Coffee Shops in Jacksonville, FL 1. Bold Bean Coffee Roasters Bold Bean Coffee Roasters sources their beans from small businesses and family farms throughout South America for a distinct and irreplicable taste. Visitors rave about their talented baristas, and you can expect skilled latte art whenever you visit. Add an extra shot of espresso, an alternative milk such as oat milk, or one of the house-made syrups like vanilla, chocolate, spicy chocolate, or the locally sourced orange blossom honey to elevate your coffee. Stop by on a Saturday to savor the specialty Chocolate Raspberry Croissant with vanilla syrup and almond cream that is only available once a week. We're also big fans of the Acorn Squash Tart with herbed ricotta and the Quiche featuring beets, goat cheese, and walnuts. Vegans have plenty to choose from, and we especially enjoy both the Spiced Carrot Muffin with raisins and the Vegan Granola Bar made from cranberries, pumpkin seeds, and coconut. 2. Le Petit Paris Le Petit Paris is our go-to coffee and breakfast restaurant whenever we're craving a slice of France in Florida. Enjoy a cappuccino or espresso in true European style on their pet-friendly porch or go with a matcha tea latte for a healthy and delicious beverage. If you're not a caffeine drinker, try a hot chocolate, decaf house coffee, Perrier sparkling water, apple juice, or freshly squeezed citrus juice from local Florida orange farmers. Your stop isn't complete without a trip to the bakery where you can enjoy various croissants and pastries du jour throughout the day. Alternatively, pair a French Bread Tartine topped with butter, honey, Nutella, or Bonne Maman preserves with your morning coffee for a fueling start to your day. If you prefer savory snacks, try one of their famous quiches such as the Salmon with creamy spinach or the Veggie made from caramelized onions and cheese. 3. Vagabond Coffee Vagabond Coffee is a cozy homestyle cafe with friendly service, quality coffee, and a vibe that welcomes customers to sit down and enjoy. Customize your regular order with non-dairy milk, butterscotch, cinnamon, lavender, honey, or CBD. Don't miss Vagabond specials including the Shortie with agave, the Dirty Pop espresso over your choice of Boylan Bottling soda, and the Duval Fog made from Florida grey tea, lavender, and your pick of milk. Tea lovers won't want to miss the Chai Latte made in-house with black Assam tea, freshly grated ginger, and agave. Pair a chocolate chip muffin, a cinnamon sprinkle scone, or a slice of gluten-free carrot cake with your drink for the ultimate experience. Be sure to stop by frequently, as the house-favorite Galettes vary in flavors from Tomato, Ricotta & Everything to Goat Cheese, Honey & Toasted Pecan. Whether you grab your coffee to go or savor a larger meal, a trip to any of these places is guaranteed to be a treat. Once you're done, visit Tom Bush MINI for the best selection of vehicles in Jacksonville!

The city, regional, and state parks in and around Jacksonville, FL, provide nature lovers with numerous exciting outdoor activities. The breathtaking Talbot Islands State Parks includes six beautiful parks. Here you can explore the diverse exosystem on miles of multi-purpose trails and observe an abundance of birds. The region is also a top fresh and saltwater fishing destination where you can hook a wide range of fish species. more 3 Favorite Outdoor Activities in and Around Jacksonville, FL 1. Fishing With the one-mile George Crady Bridge Fishing Pier State Park, rivers, lakes, and the Atlantic Ocean, it's no wonder fishing is the top pastime in the region. Here you can cast your line inshore or from a boat on the ocean. Fishing from a kayak or canoe is also popular. There are many fishing charters with knowledgeable guides that know the waters well for an unforgettable fishing expedition. There is a wide range of fish species that can be caught throughout the year. Anglers regularly hook bass, speckled trout, tarpon, whiting, jacks, sheepshead, redfish, and flounder, to name a few. Nassau Sound is known for being the prime fishing destination and boasts the state flounder record. 2. Hiking, Biking, and Horseback Riding The breathtaking Florida landscape provides hikers and cyclists with a vast and diverse ecosystem to explore. Miles of hiking and biking trails wind through coastal maritime forests, saltwater marshes, and along white sandy beaches. At Big Talbot Island State Park, stroll to Boneyard Beach on the Shoreline Trail through massive skeletons of live oak, pine, and cedar trees. At Amelia Island State Park, there is a horse riding trail along the beach. At Little Talbot Island State Park, you can walk on five miles of pristine beaches. Pumpkin Hill Creek Preserve State Park has 15 miles of hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails that cut through the pine forests. The trail connects to trail systems of other preserves in the 7 Creeks Recreation Area. This area stretches out over 5,600 acres of preserved natural beauty and provides over 30 miles of natural-surface multi-purpose trails. The Timucuan Trail, part of the 3,000-mile East Coast Greenway, is another must-do trail in the region. The trail runs along the Atlantic Coast from the Florida Keys up to Maine. In this section, the trail connects Abbey Hannah Park to Amelia Island State Park. 3. Birdwatching The abundance of birdlife makes this region one of the prime spots for birdwatching. The Talbot Islands State Parks are the perfect destinations for spotting shorebirds and wading birds along miles of trails that cut through the diverse ecosystem. The wooden boardwalk at Spoonbill Pond in Big Talbot Island is a favorite place in the region to observe roseate spoonbills. The unspoiled wilderness of Little Talbot Island State Park attracts shorebirds such as terns, plovers, black skimmers, and willets. You will see pelicans and ospreys, and in winter, bald eagles fish in the island's waters. Go to the park in spring to watch migratory birds resting on their way between Argentina and Canada. Huguenot Memorial Park is considered the top birding destination in the region by the Duval Audubon Society to observe terns and shorebirds. The Great Florida Birding Trail also runs through the park and provides the opportunity to see sea ducks, gannets, and loons. The city is a gateway to explore and experience the beautiful wilderness through numerous activities. Contact Tom Bush MINI today for top-quality maintenance and repair services and exceptional customer care.

The Jacksonville Arboretum in Jacksonville, Fl is a wonderful place to discover nature. Lovingly referred to as a “hidden jewel” the Arboretum is 120 acres of natural ecological beauty. Whether you're looking to hit the trails, attend an event, or in need of volunteer opportunities the Jacksonville Arboretum has got you covered. more The Trails The Arboretum boasts 7 beautiful trails each with its own unique appeal. Explore the lake and island, enjoy the fun boardwalk, or stroll through the forest and marshland. Trails range from 0.1 to 1.0 mile in length so, there is truly a trail to suit everyone's needs. Each trail is also rated for difficulty based on terrain and length and the rating is available on the arboretum website. Visit the trail guides on the website to ensure you don't miss the exciting points of interest. These include information about special plants growing along the trails and even some interesting geological and ecological information. The trails really are the heart of the Arboretum and with so many to explore they are bound to keep you coming back for more. Ecology The Arboretum contains 13 distinct ecosystems. A list of featured plants is available on the website under the “about us” tab which contains blog posts exploring the amazing flora you can see during your visit. Learn about plants with traditional medicinal uses and don't miss the 125-year-old oak tree! Picnics The Arboretum is a lovely place for a picnic! There are 5 picnic tables on-site these are all located on Lake Loop Trail. Benches are also located on each of the trails and make perfect picnic spots for two. Cyber Yoga Cyber Yoga is a fun way to take a break from your hike. Stations are located at various points along the trails. These can be accessed by scanning a QR code with your cell phone. Dogs Want to hike with your furry friend? No problem! Dogs are welcome in most areas of the Arboretum. Do note that leash laws are enforced and the Arboretum does ask that you clean up after your pet. The Gardens The Arboretum recently received a grant and will soon expand to include a botanical garden. This highly anticipated community space will emphasize ecological and botanical education. Events The arboretum hosts community events that feature artists, live music, and food. It also hosts educational events which are great opportunities for children and adults alike. An event schedule can be found on their website. You can also rent the site for your private events. Volunteering Both weekly and monthly volunteering events are held at the Arboretum. You can also volunteer in horticulture, trail maintenance, education, or special events. Volunteering with the Arboretum also provides opportunities for hands-on ecological education. The wonderful Arboretum is open to the public Monday to Thursday from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm and Friday to Sunday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. A $3.00 donation is recommended for access to the Arboretum. No cash? Don't worry! The Arboretum has Venmo! ADA-accessible restrooms are available on-site. After your visit to the Arboretum swing by and see us at Tom Bush MINI!

Big Talbot Island State Park is located on a peaceful island in Northeast Florida. This picturesque park is the perfect place to go boating, take lengthy hikes, and enjoy other pleasant activities. These tips will help you enjoy your trip to this fascinating destination. more Plan Your Trip to Big Talbot Island State Park Review the Entrance Requirements On 365 days of the year, this lovely park is open from 8 a.m. until sunset. You can use the boat ramp in the park at any time of the day. If you are planning to visit the Big Pine trailhead, Bluffs picnic area, or Blackrock trailhead, you should be prepared to pay $3 per car. You'll need to pay additional fees to use the fishing pier and the boat launch. You can pay all of these fees by putting money into the honor box. Prepare to Go Birding This popular park is one of the best locations to go birding in the state of Florida. You should plan on packing binoculars, a high-quality camera, and other birding equipment while you are planning your trip. When you arrive at the park, you can get an informative bird checklist at the ranger station. Alternatively, you can learn more about the birds in this location by looking up information about the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail on the park's website. While you're walking along the beach, you might be able to see brown pelicans, ospreys, black skimmers, and many other types of birds. In the inland areas of the park, you may encounter doves, pileated woodpeckers, and barred owls. If you visit the covered pavilion near Spoonbill Pond, you can look for shorebirds and wading birds. Plan a Boating Excursion If you would like to explore the waters of the Atlantic Ocean, you should consider starting your boating trip at the Big Talbot boat ramp. Alternatively, you could use a kayak, powerboat, or canoe to explore the tidal creeks in this state park. When you go on your boating excursion, you should remember to bring safety equipment and take all of your trash with you when you leave. In addition, you should not go boating near the dune bluffs, oyster beds, and other vulnerable locations in the park. Get Ready to Go Hiking Your family will enjoy exploring the many beautiful hiking paths in this scenic park. If you decide to walk along the Shoreline Trail, you'll be able to admire the Boneyard Beach and Nassau Sound. Alternatively, you might choose to take a family hiking trip on the Timucuan Trail. As you pass through the peaceful forests along this paved trail, you can look for raccoons, deer, and tortoises that live in the park. Whichever option you pick, you should remember to bring strong sunscreen, tasty snacks, and water. Driving a new vehicle will help you reach this popular island and other state parks in this part of Florida. To set up a personalized test driving session with the welcoming employees at our dealership, contact us at Tom Bush MINI today.