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Jacksonville, FL is a town with a great mix of outdoor and indoor activities for you and your friends to do. Whether it's learning something new at the Museum of Science and History, checking out the wetlands at the Timucuan Ecological and Historical Preserve, or grabbing a bite to eat, your days are sure to be filled with excitement. When you find yourself in need of a sugar boost, be sure to also check out some of the town's dessert spots! more 5 Sweet Spots for Dessert in Jacksonville, FL 1. Biscottis Biscottis is open daily and serves sweet treats as well as lunch and dinner. The restaurant has a cozy atmosphere that is perfect for relaxing or celebrating a special occasion. Biscottis sells a mix of cakes and cheesecakes, with available cakes including German chocolate cake, peanut butter mousse, rum pecan pound cake, and salted caramel chocolate cake. If you're craving cheesecake, we suggest the restaurant's white chocolate raspberry cheesecake. 2. TC Unique Treats TC Unique Treats has the goal of bringing something unique to the table and creating a great customer experience. The shop is open Wednesday-Sunday and offers a variety of treats including ice cream, waffles, sundaes, and cinnamon bites. TC Unique Treats' ice cream is homemade and available flavors include U Drive Me Bananas, Butter Me Up, Tough Cookie, and Plain Jane. If you're in the mood for a unique waffle, consider trying the shop's red velvet waffle. 3. Mixed Fillings Pie Shop Mixed Fillings Pie Shop is a specialty pie shop that makes pies using crowd-pleasing recipes. The shop has a fun speakeasy-style location and is tucked between a stag-horn plant and the ruins of a one-time garage. The shop's chef has been a private chef for celebrities, actors, and professional athletes, and her pies reflect her experience. Available sweet pie flavors include brown butter pecan, caramel apple, cherry, and peach. 4. Amaretti Amaretti is a family-owned bakery where all goods are made from scratch and with love. The shop is open Tuesday-Sunday and has a menu that changes daily and seasonally, so there is always something new for you to try. Amaretti's sells cookies, cakes and pies, coffee, breakfast pastries, and other sweets. If you're looking to start off your day with something sweet, consider trying the shop's pecan sticky buns or cinnamon rolls. 5. Mumuyi Bakery Mumuyi Bakery is open Wednesday-Monday and believes that good times deserve great food. The shop sells a mix of treats including towel cakes, cake cups, cake rolls, mochi, pancakes, and specialty treats. Some of Mumuyi Bakery's available towel cake flavors include matcha with honey red beans, Oreo salt creme, and mixed fruit. If you're looking for a sweet drink, consider trying the shop's black sugar boba! Once you've gotten your sugar in for the day, it's a great time to keep the day going strong by looking for a new car. Stop by Tom Bush MINI today and have a look at our inventory of new and pre-owned vehicles! We enjoy helping drivers find the car that is the perfect match for them by taking the time to understand exactly what our customers are looking for.

We all go to the dentist and doctor for regular checkups because we want to catch potential problems early on. The same reasoning stands when maintaining the health of your Mini Cooper's brakes. Any minor problems with your brake fluid, brake pads, or any other brake components can become dangerous on the road if not promptly repaired. Let's take a look at how often you should visit your local Mini dealer for routine brake service. more How Often Should Your Mini Cooper Get Brake Service? It Varies From Driver to Driver There isn't really a one-schedule-fits-all for brake system servicing. The brake pads on Mini Coopers last for a good 30,000 to 70,000 miles, depending on your driving style and terrain. Other potential problems like brake fluid leaks, warped rotors, and brake fade from overheating also depend on just how much you're pressing that brake pedal. So it's important to establish your driving style and terrain before you decide how often to have your brakes seen. Normal Versus Extreme Conditions If you live in a quiet suburban town, surrounded by mostly flat farmland, and you rarely take your car into big, bustling cities, then you won't be using your brakes all that much. Under these conditions, you'll probably only need your brakes seen once a year. But if you live in mountainous terrain with many downhill stretches of road and plenty of sharp corners, then your brakes will be under far more pressure. You might want to have your brakes checked every six months instead. The same goes for frequent urban commutes in heavy stop-and-go traffic, which also require a lot of braking. What's Your Driving Style? Your personal style of driving may involve more braking or less. There's a none-too-healthy driving habit called "riding the brakes" that involves keeping your foot on the pedal for unnecessarily long stretches of time, especially when driving downhill. If you're guilty of this habit, then your brakes are under a great deal of daily pressure, and you might want to have them checked more often. Regularly carrying or towing heavy loads also wears down brakes faster. This is because a heavier vehicle simply requires more friction and force to slow and stop. Whenever You Visit Your Mini Dealer You can ask a trusted technician at your local dealership for advice on your particular driving style and terrain. It's generally a good idea to coincide your brake checkups with your other trips to the dealership, such as your annual engine diagnostic, or your biannual visits for tire rotation and oil changes. When You Noticed Brake Problems It goes without saying that if you ever suspect problems with your brakes, have them promptly inspected and fixed. Potential problems include worn-down brake pads, damaged rotors, fading brake power, and leaking brake fluid. The "check brakes" light on your instrument panel with almost always alert you to any such issues. To have a certified professional inspect your brakes today, pay a visit to Tom Bush MINI. We're a trusted local dealership that's been providing the region's Mini drivers with outstanding vehicles and customer service for over twenty years.

With its storied past, unique neighborhoods, and location along the St. Johns River, Jacksonville, FL is one of the biggest tourist destinations in the state. The city is well known for its many golf courses, but it's also home to a vast park system and a vibrant culture. You'll want to make sure to add these exciting local attractions to your itinerary while you're in the famous river city! more 4 Favorite Local Attractions to Discover in Jacksonville FL 1. Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens This 122-acre zoo is situated by the Trout River and showcases thousands of animal and plant species from Australia, Asia, and Africa, along with a variety of local wildlife. When visiting the Plains of East Africa, you'll be able to observe savannah dwellers, like the southern white rhinoceros, African elephant, and imperial zebra. The elusive Florida panther can be found in the Wild Florida exhibit, which also features a large reptile house. Beneath the Giraffe Outlook is the Savannah Blooms botanical garden, a recreation of a South African oasis that houses a variety of aquatic plant life. Visitors can take in a scenic view of the river at the Trout River Plaza's beautiful Greek-style garden. 2. Kingsley Plantation Located on Fort George Island, this well-preserved historical site offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of a 19th-century plantation owner and the slaves who worked in its fields. You can visit the main house, barn, and slave cabins and learn about them through the available guided tours. You'll also hear the story of Zephaniah Kingsley, the master of the plantation, and his wife Anna, one of his freed slaves who ran the Laurel Grove plantation. 3. Museum of Science and History Popularly known as "the MOSH," this science museum is also dedicated to the history of the First Coast region, where many of the first European settlers landed. Interactive exhibits, such as the JEA Science Theater, will teach visitors about the science of explosions or let them have an up-close encounter with local wildlife at the Naturalist's Center. The Currents of Time exhibit focuses on 12,000 years of Native American history. During each spring, summer, and winter season, a one-day MOSH Discovery Camp is held there for younger school children. While at the camp, they'll have fun learning about natural sciences through supervised experiments and take part in arts & crafts classes. 4. St. Johns River Ferry One of the most fun ways to learn about Jacksonville while enjoying its gorgeous scenery is taking a ride with this friendly ferry service. In addition to providing transport across the river, they'll take passengers on sightseeing tours that range from 60 to 90 minutes in length. The most popular tour is the Sunset Cruise, where you'll get to see the city dramatically light up after the sun goes down. On the fourth Thursday of every month, the ferry hosts prominent community figures who guest speak about important local issues. Jacksonville is full of spectacular sights and experiences! Before you head out on your next trip in Jax, visit Tom Bush MINI today and check out an amazing inventory of new and pre-owned MINI vehicles!

No matter how you pronounce it, you can likely agree that Caribbean cuisine is among the tastiest in the world. Take advantage of these Jacksonville, FL Caribbean restaurants to indulge in this delicious food. more 5 of the Best Caribbean Restaurants in Jacksonville, FL 1. Star's Caribbean Restaurant When you step into this rustic locale, you may feel as if you walked right into an authentic Jamaican market. Jamaican jerk spice livens up traditional favorites like chicken and gives them a distinctly Caribbean spin. You can also enjoy favorites such as stewed cabbage to get your veggie fix. The affordable price comes with generous portions to match, and each dish is carefully crafted by culinary masters obviously committed to their craft. 2. Spices Caribbean Restaurant Rice, peas, incredible stews, jerk, curry, and other Caribbean specialties are always on the menu at this destination that lives up to its spicy name. Complement your meal with a thirst-quenching punch or other beverages made with fresh fruits native to the lands. Faithful customers also can't stop raving about the tender oxtails and additional meat dishes that leave your tastebuds tingling long after your meal is done. The authentic ambiance and exceptional customer service make this mealtime trip something special. 3. De Real Ting Café Come for the delish Caribbean dishes and stay for the festive atmosphere. The laid-back vibe is perfectly in tune with life on the islands. And the toe-tapping music, from reggae to calypso, will have you taking to the on-site dance floor and showing off your moves and your grooves. But perhaps the best part of this café is the sense of community that makes you feel like family. 4. Sunrise Caribbean Gourmet Restaurant Fresh, hot, spicy, and, of course, off-the-charts delicious are just some of the words satisfied customers use to describe this location that meets its gourmet billing. Whether you're dining in or driving through, you'll receive a meal made from the finest, freshest ingredients and prepared by experts who know their Caribbean by heart and taste. Sunrise also serves up a bakery brimming with your favorite breads and desserts prepared with a Caribbean flair. Don't leave without trying the scrumptious bread pudding to top off your meal. 5. Bahama Breeze Island Grille Few better places exist to enjoy a lunch in the Florida sun than the outside patio of Bahama Breeze. You can also venture inside and order some of the best mixed drinks in the business, made with sugar cane and fresh Caribbean juices. Happy Hour is truly the happiest time in Jacksonville when you're enjoying a drink and swinging away to the live Caribbean music. Stay relaxed and stay safe by drinking responsibly and in moderation while you're sipping those cocktails. And, of course, do not indulge if you are underage or if you are planning to drive. Do, however, secure your fill of the crisp, flavorful seafood that brings the taste of the Caribbean Sea straight to you. Favorites include coconut shrimp, extra-spicy firecracker shrimp, a tangy jerk shrimp pineapple bowl, tequila-glazed salmon, and a house special seafood chowder that'll leave you wanting more. Why not enjoy your family outings, date nights, and lunch stops in a beautiful new ride? Drop by Tom Bush MINI and browse our menu of inviting autos.

Looking for the very best sandwiches that Jacksonville, FL has to offer? You'll get exactly what you're looking for when you check out these local sandwich places and sink your teeth into your meal of choice. more 4 Favorite Sandwich Places in and Around Jacksonville, FL 1. On the Fly Sandwiches and Stuff Once you take your first bite of the sandwich you get from On the Fly Sandwiches and Stuff, you'll immediately see why it was previously named the top food truck in our city. They started serving delicious sandwiches to the people of our city back in 2011 and have been one of the best restaurants on wheels in the area ever since. We promise you won't walk away hungry if you order their Miles Long BBQ Pork Sandwich. This sub lives up to its name, giving you a feast of delicious pork and tangy BBQ sauce on a hoagie roll, with chili pickles, fried onion straws for a bit of crunch, and their signature slaw to add a one-of-a-kind tangy taste. 2. Adam's Sandwich Shop Whether it's breakfast, lunch, or dinner, Adam's Sandwich Shop has you covered for any meal of the day. You can get salads, loaded fries, tasty chicken wings with a variety of different sauces, and so much more here, but it's the wide variety of hot and cold sandwiches they serve that made this place famous. Their Italian sub is absolute perfection, so any fans of this classic sandwich have got to come here and try it. Genoa salami, capicola, ham, provolone cheese, and some crisp and fresh vegetables make this sandwich mouthwatering in every bite. Some oil, vinegar, and oregano add the zesty finishing touches and make this one of our favorite sandwiches in town. 3. Eddis & Sons Cheesesteaks Coming to you from Philly with love, Eddis & Sons has been the best place to grab a cheesesteak in our whole state since they got started in 2015. They know that life is hard, but the fresh-baked bread that their signature sandwiches come served on is soft. Enjoy a grilled-to-order cheesesteak on their open-air patio to get the most out of your visit. Any of their steaks are sure to hit the spot, with the tasty pizza steak with marinara sauce and provolone cheese easily being one of our favorites. Or you could have your steak like they do it in Philly by ordering a classic cheesesteak with some Cheez Wiz American on it. 4. Gators Deli and Sandwiches Don't let this old school spot's unassuming appearance fool you; Gators Deli has some of the best sandwiches that we've ever had. Their chicken sandwiches are our personal favorite, with the meat cooked to tender perfection. The great service that they provide makes every bite of your sandwich taste even better. You shouldn't accept anything less than the best, whether it's in your sandwiches or in the dealership you choose. Our team will give you the very best every time you come through our doors. Come meet us at Tom Bush Mini today!

If you're looking for ways to stay in shape, Jacksonville is a great place to be. Parks and trails are abundant, along with gyms and studios for fitness enthusiasts. Here are some of the best ways to stay fit in Jacksonville, FL. more Fitness in Jacksonville, FL: 4 Great Ways to Stay in Shape 1. Go for a Run One of the best ways to stay in shape is to go for a run. Routes like the Riverwalk and Beach Avenue are perfect for a morning or evening jog. Not only will you get some exercise, but you'll also enjoy the fresh air and scenic views. Check out the Jacksonville Parks and Recreation Department website if you're unsure where to start. They have a comprehensive list of all the parks and trails in the city and information on which ones are best for running. 2. Hiking Trails Jacksonville has plenty of hiking trails if you're looking for a great outdoor workout. One of our favorites is the Willie Brown Trail, located in the beautiful Timucuan Preserve. This 2-mile trail is perfect for families, and it offers stunning views of the marsh and the preserve's wildlife. The Robert W. Loftin Nature Trails is another excellent option for hikers. This trail is part of the UNF trail system, and it features over 500 acres of natural habitat with trails that wind through the forest and swamp. The trails take you through some of the most scenic areas in Jacksonville, looping around Lake Oneida with fascinating views of wildlife and native plants. Located in the Sawmill Slough Preserve, the trails offer lots of shade and well-maintained pathways for all activity levels. 3. Take a Yoga Class Yoga is a great way to stay in shape, and Jacksonville has plenty of yoga studios to choose from. Not only will you get a good workout, but you'll also learn some valuable breathing techniques that can help you relax and de-stress. If you're unsure where to start, try the Jacksonville Arboretum, which offers yoga classes from the team at Harmony Mind Body & Spirit. Their classes are kid-friendly and open to all. If you'd like to do yoga on your own, you can access the Jacksonville Arboretum yoga app from your mobile phone. The app recommends yoga poses to try by Olympic gold medalist Shannon Miller! 4. Swimming If you're looking for a low-impact workout, swimming is a great option. Jacksonville has several pools that are open to the public, and most of them offer swimming lessons for all ages. The Cecil Aquatic Center is a great place to swim in Jacksonville. It has an Olympic-sized pool that's great for laps, as well as a diving area. The center also offers swimming classes and a variety of fun activities. These are just a few of the best ways to stay in shape in Jacksonville. No matter what your skill level is, you'll be able to find something that fits your needs in this city. While you're exploring Jacksonville, stop by Tom Bush MINI and check out our new cars. We'll be happy to set up a test drive!

Want a one-of-a-kind dining experience that brings something unique to every plate you enjoy? Then try out the fine Japanese cuisine available at these sushi places that can be found right here in our local community. All of these restaurants are locally-owned and operated in the Jacksonville, FL area, so you can get a great meal while shopping local. more 4 of the Best Sushi Places Near Jacksonville, FL 1. Fuji Sushi An insistence on using only the highest-quality ingredients in preparing their dishes makes the food you enjoy at Fuji Sushi stand out from the rest. They've been recognized for the outstanding sushi that they provide to our area, as well as the welcoming atmosphere their great attitude towards service creates. You can get some steamed and lightly edamame to snack on while you wait for your sushi rolls to be prepared at this spot. Our recommendation as far as which roll to try has to go to the spider roll. Soft shell crab and cucumber provide plenty of great flavor, with eel sauce drizzled on top to add an extra edge. 2. Sushi Factory Everything from traditional Japanese cuisine to experimental new dishes can be found at Sushi Factory. They're dedicated to providing you with the best-quality food on your plate, and that dedication shows through in every bite that you take. They have great hibachi entrees that give you a hearty meal of noodles, vegetables, and your choice of protein to fill your belly up. When it comes time to choose your sushi rolls, we recommend their tricolor sushi platter. Three salmon rolls, three tuna rolls, two yellowtail rolls, and a spicy tuna roll give you a nice variety to choose from. 3. Sushi X A wide range of flavors and all kinds of tasty products are waiting for you right here in our city at Sushi X. Everything from scrumptious teriyaki meat dishes and hearty plates of fried rice can be found here, but it was their fresh-made sushi that kept us coming back for more. With everything from sweet potato to salmon available, everybody is sure to find a sushi roll to call their favorite at this spot. The combination of cucumber, avocado, and crab meat makes the California roll a personal favorite of ours, but there are plenty of other flavors to experience. 4. Wasabi Japanese Restaurant Start out your meal at Wasabi Japanese Restaurant with some traditional gyoza, stuffed with meat and vegetables and served with your pick of either steamed rice or fried rice. Then try out any of the fantastic sushi rolls they have to offer. Some spicy tuna rolls with a side of miso soup made our meal one that we'll definitely be coming back to have again. Fresh flavors and terrific service make each of these restaurants something special. We provide that same level of outstanding service for every customer who comes to our dealership. Come on down to Tom Bush MINI today, where we'll treat you the way you deserve!

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.