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Breakfast on a plate

The Top 7 Breakfast Places in and Around Jacksonville, FL

Starting the day with a good breakfast is one of the best forms of self-care. We've decided to combine all our favorite breakfast places here in Jacksonville, FL for you to check out and enjoy. Keep reading to discover your new favorite spot to get the most important meal of your day. more The Top 7 Breakfast Places in and Around Jacksonville, FL 1. Jax Beach Brunch Haus Not only do they have the basics that you would expect from any good breakfast menu, but Jax also caters to the more health-conscious crowd. They have an impressive brunch menu, as well as a huge variety of vegan-friendly options. Gluten-free? No problem! Just let your server know and they can advise you on substitutions. 2. Florida Cracker Kitchen This place likes their portions big, just like we do. Florida Cracker Kitchen makes the best breakfast burritos in town, in our opinion. They also have a daily bread special which is always something you'll want to take home with you. If you have room after breakfast, try their homemade iced cinnamon rolls, baked fresh daily. 3. Southern Grounds Southern Grounds breakfast menu is out of this world. With items such as breakfast bagels, grits, and eggs benedict, it's easy to see why this place is one of our favorites. They also do delicious vegetarian-friendly options, so everyone will be happy here. 4. The Bread & Board Traditionally a sandwich shop, The Bread & Board specializes in selling sandwich boards. Their brunch boards are some of the most artistic visions we have seen to date. Make sure your battery has enough juice, you're going to want to Instagram these ones. 5. Sara's Bakery Cafe This place is great if you want to pick something up quick, and it's affordable, too! As well as breakfast plates, Sara's do a tasty breakfast sandwich for you to grab when you're on the go. Make sure to pick up a pastry from the bakery too, they're all baked rather than fried, and they are mouth-wateringly good. 6. BREW With a daily brunch menu running until 2pm every day, BREW is a very special place. This espresso-bar is a welcoming place that you'll love sitting down in, whether that be indoors or outdoors. They also have a delivery service, if you're unable to make the trip. Try the Kolache Sammy, customers rave about them. 7. Keke's Breakfast Cafe If you love French toast, then you'll love Keke's. Their stuffed French toast is one of our favorite things. They do a great combo-deal, where you can create your own breakfast-combo, or you can choose from the standard menu if you prefer. If you have a want for something more on the savory side, their omelets and poached egg meals are something truly special. You're going to need a way to get to all of these breakfast spots, come see us at Tom Bush today, we will arrange an affordable deal that suits you and your needs.

Chopped beef sandwhich

5 of the Best Barbecue Joints in Jacksonville, FL

As the biggest city in the sunshine state, Jacksonville, FL offers a little something for everyone. Whether you're a sun-worshiper and enjoy the sandy beaches or you prefer catching some live music at one of its great venues, you'll never run out of things to do. When you think of BBQ you probably think of Texas or KC, but don't sleep on Jacksonville. Here are some of the best barbecue spots to try in the city. more 5 of the Best Barbecue Joints in Jacksonville, FL 1. The Bearded Pig The Bearded Pig is a southern-style BBQ joint reminiscent of the old-time meat market counters in Texas. The folks at the Pig strive to serve the best meat in town and the locals agree. The brisket and beef rib are two of the showstoppers and are best served with a side of baked beans or mac and cheese. There's a great outdoor sitting area that is perfect for enjoying a warm Jacksonville evening with family or friends. 2. Berndt Ends BBQ Berndt Ends hasn't been on the scene for all that long, but they've sure made an impression on their customers. Patrons rave about their amazing hospitality and customer service, which is second only to the delicious meaty delights they cook up. The brisket is world-class, but don't sleep on the smoked chicken as it's mind-blowing. There's a great indoor dining area in a picnic table-style atmosphere for a great community feel. 3. The Butt Hutt Smokehouse Aside from the great name, the Butt Hutt also serves up some of the best food in town. A true artisanal establishment, quality is always the central theme of this fantastic restaurant. All their delicious rubs and sauces are made in-house and are even available for purchase to take home. But then you'd have to make your own meat, and it probably won't be able to stand up to the legendary work they do here. 4. Rivers Smokehouse You like burnt butts and you can not lie? Then head to Rivers Smokehouse because you'll get the best of the best here. And that includes vegetarians. They serve a “Vegan Beyond Burnt Ends” dish to keep all their non-meat-eating customers drooling. The brisket is also amazing and deserves its own shoutout. A fun and friendly atmosphere, the folks at Rivers make you feel at home every time you come by. 5. Woodpeckers Backyard BBQ Don't be fooled by the look of this place from the outside. It might just look like a takeout joint but there's also a small dining area for an intimate and awesome BBQ experience. Serving up food to satisfy even the most discerning barbecue connoisseurs, Woodpeckers has established itself as one of the go-to spots for smoky goodness in the Jacksonville area. If you like fall-off-the-bone smoked ribs, this is the place for you. After a major meal, head down to check out a MINI at Tom Bush MINI. We have great new and used vehicles at prices that won't break the bank.

Giraffe

Plan Your Trip: Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens

The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is a place of adventure and wonder for the whole family to explore and enjoy. Here you will meet all kinds of creatures from the animal kingdom, and you will learn about their habitats and how they live. You will also have an opportunity to learn about wildlife conservation and what you can do to help the animals. Also, don't forget to take a walk through the gorgeous gardens to see local plants and other beautiful blooms as well as garden art. more Visiting the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens Hours The zoo and gardens are open to visitors each day between 9 in the morning and 5 in the evening. For the best experience, arrive early and plan to stay all day. You can bring your own picnic lunch or buy lunch and snacks at one of the several dining options available. Location The zoo is easy to find and is located at 370 Zoo Parkway in Jacksonville. Regular and disabled parking is available. Activities There are several different activities to enjoy at the zoo and gardens in addition to viewing the plants and animals. For example, you can have a 4D movie experience in the theatre, or you can choose to ride the train or the carousel. You can also attend animal feedings where you will have a chance to ask questions about the animals and learn more as you see how and what they eat. These experiences are available with purchased tickets. There are also zoo admission tickets that include all of these experiences as well. Animal Exhibits The zoo and gardens feature many different types of animals that you can observe and discover. There are aquatic animals enjoying their water habitats as well as African animals who spend most of their time sleeping in the sun. At the zoo, you will be able to see lions, cheetahs, and even elephants.  As you look at the larger animals, don't forget about the smaller creatures as well. You will view all kinds of birds, fish, and even reptiles. Gardens The botanical gardens inside the zoo are special and unique because rather than being in a separate area, the gardens were created among the animal exhibits so guests can enjoy all of nature at one time. You can visit the 2-acre South African-themed garden, the Grecian-style Trout River Plaza, and the amazing tropical plants at the Gardens of the Range of the Jaguar. This wonderful zoo and garden is the perfect place to explore outdoors while you get your exercise around the plants and animals on display. You and your family are sure to love your visits here and will want to return many times throughout the year. When you are finished discovering the zoo and gardens, stop in to see us at Tom Bush Mini where we can show you a selection of vehicles to fit the needs of your family and your lifestyle. We would lo

Shrimp Kabobs

3 of the Best Seafood Restaurants in Jacksonville, FL

Seafood is one of the most popular choices for diners who are looking for a tasty night out on the town in Florida. For those who find themselves in the Jacksonville area, whether for business or for pleasure, the seafood options are excellent. We are here to give you our suggestions and recommendations as we explore the best seafood restaurants in Jacksonville, FL. more 3 of the Best Seafood Restaurants in Jacksonville, FL 1. Southern Coast Seafood The menu at Southern Coast Seafood is full of fresh seafood dishes that take full advantage of the Jacksonville area's proximity to some of the state's best fishing spots. With several dishes that feature the local seafood from the region, you are sure to find a dish that offers authentic flavors and local charm. We suggest trying out the Fresh Catch meal which gives you a chance to try fresh seasonal seafood at market price. Other dishes of note on the menu here branch out into more modern seafood combinations, such as the Poke Bowl. You also cannot go wrong when you order the Fish Tacos, which make use of some striking ingredients to pull the dish together. For those who want a more Cajun flair to their meal, the Po Boys and Cajun Shrimp Pasta are excellent choices. 2. Shrimp Shack Shrimp Shack aims to create a light, inviting atmosphere in its restaurants. Not only does the spot serve up some memorable seafood dishes, but they also have affordable prices and make the perfect restaurant for large groups who are interested in having a complete night out at a laidback restaurant. From several varieties of shrimp dishes to classic combo platters, there is something for everyone on the menu at Shrimp Shack. We suggest trying out the Bam Bam Shrimp if you want a shrimp dish. The scallops dinner is also a great choice for new visitors and regulars alike. 3. Seafood Island Bar & Grille Fresh seafood is one of the central focuses at Seafood Island Bar & Grille. An evolving menu makes way for some of the most recent catches in the area, so you know you're getting only the freshest food in the area when you place an order. The restaurant also has some great drink specials that rotate depending on the day. Alcohol is intended for adults of legal drinking age only. We recommend kicking things off with an appetizer such as the popcorn shrimp. For main courses, the Ahi Tuna Salad and the Lobster Rolls are some of the best in the area. If you are looking for some great seafood the next time you and your loved ones are in the Jacksonville area, we hope that you consult with our list. As you can see, finding the right seafood place is not too hard when there are so many great options to choose from. Contact Tom Bush MINI today to learn more about how you and the rest of your loved ones can find the perfect vehicle to meet all of your transportation and travel needs!

2 Cheeseburges with Fries

Where to Find the Best Burgers in Jacksonville, FL

Is there any more iconic meal in our country than the all-American burger? We sure can't think of any one dish that sums up what we're all about the way this classic does. Whether you like yours plain or with any topping you can imagine, by itself or with a side of fries, Jacksonville, FL has some fine examples of this great American meal. Check out our picks for the best burgers in the city below. more Where to Find the Best Burgers in Jacksonville, FL Grub Grub is all about serving good food to good people in a place with a unique vibe that's all its own. The burgers they serve up are just as unique as the atmosphere you'll enjoy them in. Our pick of the bunch is the Scorpion burger, and pepper jack cheese, Trinidad Moruga Scorpion Sauce, jalapenos, lettuce, and tomato. They've also got family meal packs that let you feed everybody for an affordable value. M Shack The brothers who collaborated to launch M Shack started with a vision of reinventing the classic old-fashioned burger joint with some modern style and flavors. The results are something you'll need to taste for yourself. Their Sunrise Burger is a real treat any time of the day, with American cheese, bacon, a sunny side egg, and their signature shack sauce. Relish Everything you need to know about Relish is right there in the motto: big, tasty burgers. That's exactly what you'll be getting with your order here. Their Triple Tasty comes with a whopping three-quarters of a pound of beef along with any toppings or sauces you want from their extensive list. There's also a seafood option with their Salmon Burger, which uses wild-caught Alaskan salmon. Epik Burger If you call your burger ‘Epik,' you better be able to back that up with some serious flavors. With over 34 unique, mouth-watering burgers to choose from, Epik Burger walks the walk as well as it talks the talk. If you're feeling especially daring, order up their BOSS Burger. You can choose from three sizes of this meaty challenge of a meal, from BOSS in Training to the 1.5-pound patty of the CEO BOSS Burger. Carolina Jax It's easy to see why the award-winning Angus burgers from Carolina Jax are as loved by critics as they are by customers; it all starts with using the highest-quality meat and other ingredients available. Their signature burger options let you put a different spin on the sandwich you might expect. Our favorite is the Tar Heel, with cheddar, applewood bacon, roasted poblano mayo, gold sauce, pulled pork, and an onion ring for a smoky and spicy BBQ flavor. If you like burgers as much as we do, you're probably getting hungry just reading this list. Go pick up your burger in style in a new or pre-owned vehicle from our lot, or get your current ride serviced by our team to make sure you make it to the burger joint. Whatever your automotive needs are, visit us at Tom Bush Mini today!

Grab a Slice: The 5 Best Pizza Places in Jacksonville, FL

When our cravings strike, there's nothing that satisfies our tastebuds the way a slice of cheesy pizza does. Jacksonville, FL has some excellent pizzerias to choose from, and just about everyone in our city has their own favorite spot. But which of these eateries serves up the very best pizza our town has to offer? It was a difficult list to narrow down, but we put our five favorites in the article below so you can check them out yourself. more Grab a Slice: The 5 Best Pizza Places in Jacksonville, FL 1. Biggie's Pizza They don't call this place Biggie's for nothing; the slices you get here are as big as your head! Along with the generous sizes of their portions, they bring some big flavors to the table as well. For a specialty pizza you can't refuse, try out their Godfather Pie. This supreme pie comes loaded down with tasty toppings like fresh basil, Kalamata olives, cherry tomatoes, and ricotta cheese to give you a burst of flavor in every bite. 2. Moon River Pizza Some people think the moon is made of cheese, but we hope it's made of delicious pizza like the stuff you can get at Moon River Pizza instead. They've got some interesting special pies for you to pick from on their menu. Their T-Rex pie is a carnivore's dream, coming loaded with all the meats they have in the kitchen and an extra helping of mozzarella cheese for a hearty pie that will fill you up for the whole day. 3. Carmines Pie House The motto at this pizzeria is ‘revisiting classic Italian,' so you can expect to see some fresh twists on all the classics you know and love. When it comes to their pizza, they let you build it your way, starting out by choosing between New York-style thin-crust or a Chicago stuffed pizza pie. Then pick from an extensive list of meat, fruit, veggies, and gourmet toppings to make a pizza creation that's all your own. 4. Tony D's Call up Tony D's catering services to turn your next event into a pizza party that will leave every guest smiling. They also make a great spot to stop at for a meal for any occasion. The spicy kick of the buffalo sauce on their Buffalo Chicken Pizza is the highlight of the menu, for us. Have yours with their Caesar Salad for a refreshing complement to your pie. 5. V Pizza Great food in a fun and friendly environment is what you'll find at V Pizza. Their wood-fired pizza oven imparts a unique taste to the crust that really helps their pies stand out. Their Pizza Mac-Attack is unlike any pie you'll get anywhere else, topped with delicious homemade pesto mac and cheese. These local pizzerias have some of the tastiest meals you'll find anywhere in our city. For some of the tastiest deals on a quality vehicle, stop in and see our inventory. Visit us at Tom Bush MINI today!

Family sitting in a car smiling out the window

5 Incredible Day Trips You Can Take Near Jacksonville, FL

Jacksonville is the largest city in the state of Florida. This large metropolis has more than enough to do to keep you entertained for months, but it's still always nice to escape your surroundings and explore other places. When the feeling of wanderlust hits, check out these five day trips you can take from Jacksonville, FL. more 5 Incredible Day Trips You Can Take Near Jacksonville, FL 1: St. Augustine, Florida Forty miles south of Jacksonville is the oldest city in the United States, St. Augustine. This city offers so much to do, all of which you can accomplish in a day. You can visit the nation's oldest masonry fort, Castillo de San Marcos, located in the town's historic area, and climb the stairs to the top of the lighthouse for spectacular views of the city. As this is the oldest city in the nation, you can find many ghost tours to take within the city limits. 2: Daytona Beach, Florida Are you looking to spend a day at one of Florida's beaches? Daytona Beach is only an hour and a half from the city. It is a perfect place to spend the day reading a good book on the beach, swimming, and building sandcastles. If you need a break from lounging in the sand, there's a boardwalk and pier that offers other fun activities. Here you'll find various restaurants and snack shops to grab a quick bite as well as shopping and games for people of all ages. 3: Savannah, Georgia About two hours north of your starting point is Savannah, Georgia. You can spend the day strolling the cobblestone streets while taking in the scenery and history. Something unique about Savannah is that you're allowed to have open containers of alcohol while walking around. Many restaurants will offer you a to-go cup for your favorite drink. Alcohol is intended only for those of legal drinking age. Please remember to drink responsibly and don't drink and drive. 4: High Springs, Florida High Springs, Florida, offers one of the state's most incredible outdoor spaces, Ginnie Springs. The Santa Fe River runs through the area providing access to seven different springs in the park. You can spend the day floating down the river or hanging out in the 72-degree springs. If floating down the river into one of the springs isn't for you, you will find access to the springs from the park grounds. It's a great way to spend your day in the beauty of Florida. 5: Orlando, Florida Orlando is home to some of the best amusement parks the state has to offer, and it's only two hours away from Jacksonville. Whether you're more interested in Disney World or Universal and Islands of Adventure, if you're looking for an exciting day, you'll find it here. There are also numerous waterparks located in the city if you're looking for a way to cool down in the Florida heat. There is so much to see and do in the areas surrounding Jacksonville. You can have a day exploring history, the water, or amusement parks. Before you hit the road, you'll want to make sure you have a reliable way there and home. Stop by Tom Bush Mini today to see how we can get you a new or preowned car to take you everywhere.

Panoramic view of ocean and boat docks

3 Incredible State Parks to Visit Near Jacksonville, FL

The state parks in Jacksonville, FL, offer visitors pristine beaches, leisurely strolls, and breathtaking scenery. All have a wide range of exciting outdoor activities in unique and diverse habitats and an abundance of bird and animal life. more 3 Incredible State Parks to Visit Near Jacksonville, FL 1. Pumpkin Hill Creek Preserve State Park The pine Flatwoods in the park protect the water quality of the St. Johns and Nassau Rivers. The pines also create the perfect habitat for aquatic plants and animals. In winter, a pair of bald eagles nest in the pines, and egrets, wood storks, and roseate spoonbills fish in the salt marsh. Keep your eyes peeled for tortoises, foxes, and white-tailed deer. The park has 15 miles of multi-purpose trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding that link to other preserves in the region. The connected trail system offers more than 30 miles of natural-surface trails. 2. Big Talbot Island State Park The park is a natural preserve for bird watching and nature studies. White-tailed deer, bobcats, raccoons, tortoises, and opossums are often seen in the forest. At the beach, be on the lookout for Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, and from November to March, for the Northern Atlantic Right Whales. Hiking and Biking The park has miles of paved and natural surface trails that wind through the forests and down to the shoreline. The paved 3.9-mile multi-purpose Timucuan Trail has informative panels on the fauna and flora in the park. Boating The waters around the island and tidal creeks are great for canoes, kayaks, and powerboats. The boat ramp provides access to Nassau Sound and the Atlantic Ocean. Birding The birding pavilion along the elevated boardwalk at Spoonbill Pond offers excellent bird-watching opportunities. The marshes are home to ibis, herons, egrets, and the endangered wood stork. On the beaches, you might see black skimmers, terns, brown pelicans, piping plovers, and ospreys. Owls, pileated woodpeckers, doves, and buntings are spotted inland. Fishing The shoreline and creeks make the island a fisherman's paradise. The waters abound with speckled sea trout, flounder, whiting, and redfish. 3. Amelia Island State Park With 200 acres of breathtaking, pristine wilderness, it's the ultimate island park getaway with glimpses of right whales during the winter and early spring. It is also the only state park in Florida that allows horseback riding on the beach. Hiking and Biking You can cycle from Big Talbot Island over the driving bridge that crosses the Nassau Sound to Amelia Island on the paved Timucuan Trail. The island offers an additional four miles of off-road biking. Birding Shorebirds on the island are plentiful, so be on the lookout for plovers, black skimmers, terns, willets, pelicans, and ospreys. During the winter, you will see bald eagles fishing. Fishing Nassau Sound is one of the best fishing spots in northeast Florida. The adjacent George Crady Bridge Fishing Pier over Nassau Sound is also a favorite spot. Anglers reel in tarpon, redfish, flounder, whiting, jacks, and speckled trout from the pier. The parks above are just three of the parks that form part of the 5,600 acres Seven Creeks Recreation Area. The other four parks include George Crady Bridge Fishing Pier State Park, Fort George Island Cultural State Park, Little Talbot Island State Park, and Yellow Bluff Fort Historic State Park. Visit Tom Bush Mini today for quality services, maintenance, and repairs.

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