Blog

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.

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.

Keeping on top of your maintenance is the #1 most important thing you can do as a responsible Mini owner. As soon as you leave your Mini dealer, you should be thinking about when you should go back for a service. There are lots of tests and checks performed during a service, and an engine diagnostic is one of those. You can learn a lot about your vehicle's condition from this diagnostic. more 5 Things You Can Learn From a Mini Engine Diagnostic From Your Mini Dealer 1. Your Engine's Working Condition Your engine might seem like it's working well, but this isn't always the case. Thankfully, a diagnostic can put any worries about your engine's condition at ease. The diagnostic will tell you if your engine is working as it should, and most of the time it will be working well. Sometimes your engine might be showing signs of aging, and the diagnostic device will pick up that. The diagnostic device should reveal the areas where your vehicle is ailing, and we'll discuss that further in our next two points. 2. Brake Faults Faulty brakes have lots of symptoms of their own. If your brakes are faulty, then they might screech, feel soft, or make your steering wheel vibrate. However, sometimes there are no signs that your brakes are faulty. A diagnostic on your engine might reveal these faults. The diagnostic might not reveal the exact fault, but a skilled technician will be able to figure out the extent of the issue that was detected. 3. Electrical Mishaps Vehicles are full of computerized parts that let the engine communicate with various parts of the vehicle. If something is amiss with these parts, then the engine can't communicate within itself correctly. That can lead to some serious issues. Getting a diagnostic can tell you about any electrical misfires that may be going on. 4. If Your Engine Meets All Standards Road-ready vehicles need to meet a set of standards. A diagnostic can reveal whether or not your engine is still meeting all of those standards. If the engine is behind, then the diagnostic will let you know that it's time to make some repairs. Unfortunately, sometimes the diagnostic will reveal that your engine is beyond repair. Getting a regular diagnostic is vital. Regular diagnostics will help you stay up to date and up to code with your engine. It's much costlier to replace an engine than it is to regularly maintain your vehicle. 5. How to Fix Things A diagnostic can help you learn about everything that's wrong with your engine, but it can also tell you how to fix the faults. The results of the diagnostic can make it much easier to create a repair plan. This makes your technician's job easier, and it can help them get started on the work faster. Come and get your diagnostic at Tom Bush MINI. There's always something to learn about the condition of your engine. We'll provide the best service possible, and we'll make sure to resolve any issues that your diagnos

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

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!

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!

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!

While there are many great cities across the United States, one city, in particular, is attracting people all over for its incredible list of features. Jacksonville, FL provides residents with a long list of opportunities to truly enjoy life and make the most out of it. Keep reading to learn more about this fantastic city and why locals love living here. more Top 6 Things to Love About Jacksonville, FL A City For the Arts Just a few moments of walking around downtown Jacksonville is all it takes to realize artists and musicians truly have a place to showcase their talents. Jacksonville started the Southern rock movement and also has a strong jazz and blues music scene. The city hosts a variety of music festivals throughout the year! It also features the Jacksonville Art Walk on the first Wednesday of each month, where you'll enjoy pop up galleries with pieces from local artists. Perfect Weather Year Round If you're a fan of sunny warm weather, Jacksonville is the perfect place for you to get your daily dose of Vitamin D, 12 months of the year. Its stunning white-sand beaches provide plenty of water and land activities, and there are also a variety of boating docks in case you've got a boat you'd like to take a ride on. Family-Friendly Activities There's no shortage of things to see and do in Jacksonville that the entire family can enjoy. Places like the Autobahn Indoor Speedway gives you a chance to take some high-speed go-karts for a spin and race other family members. Water taxis along the St. Johns River provide an opportunity to relax and take in the scenery. If you want to liven things up a little more, head to Adventure Landing and enjoy games, more go-karts, and a waterpark. Safe Neighborhoods Jacksonville is known for having well-developed neighborhoods with a strong community atmosphere. It has a very low crime rate and is a great place to live for families raising a child or couple hoping to start a family. Whether you're looking for a beachfront property, or something a little further away from the shoreline, you'll have no problem finding the perfect home with friendly neighbors. Foodies Paradise Are you the type of person that loves going to a new restaurant every week? If so, you'll love living in Jacksonville. It's home to some of the best restaurants in all of the country and even made Forbes list as a top-five foodie city. With chefs coming in from around the world and a buzzing restaurant scene, Jacksonville is a place where you'll never have a problem finding a great meal at a great value. Booming Economy Jacksonville boasts one of the highest job growth percentages in all of Florida and is home to several Fortune 500 companies. It provides residents a chance to really hit their stride and make a great life for themselves and their families. We can't wait for you to make your move to Jacksonville! Stop by Tom Bush Mini today to get the best deals on Mini vehicles.