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Few things scream "weekend" more than jumping in the car and heading down the highway just for the sake of driving. Here in North Florida, we're surrounded by routes and roads full of history and scenery. You might need to plan a few separate day trips to see them all! Here are four scenic drives that should be at the top of your list, just a stone's throw away from Jacksonville, FL. 4 of the Best Scenic Drives in Jacksonville, FL 1. State Road A1A Cruise down the Atlantic Coast on the A1A, passing beaches like Flagler and Daytona along the way. This drive stretches from St. Augustine to New Smyrna Beach and is filled with impeccable ocean views, almost no traffic, and vintage attractions reminiscent of a Florida from days gone by. One of our favorite long-running attractions is the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park, which opened in 1893 and is home to more than twenty crocodile species. more 2. Florida Black Bear Scenic Byway This national scenic byway extends for more than 60 miles through Northeast Florida, but it's at its most breathtaking when you're traveling through the Ocala National Forest. There are plenty of picnicking spots around the forest, including the Big Scrub Campground and the Fore Lake Recreation Area. The MINI Clubman boasts an outstanding 47.9 cubic feet of cargo space, so you can load up the car with plenty of blankets, baskets, and snacks. 3. The William Bartram Scenic and Historic Highway (State Route 13) Soak up the beauty of the St. Johns River and the rich history alongside it as you travel from Jacksonville down the 55-mile State Route 13 to Spuds. Old, quaint houses and tiny villages are peppered along this drive; most notably, you can check out the homes of writer Harriet Beecher Stowe and composer Frederick Delius. The road is covered in canopies of oak branches which makes for plenty of shady rest areas to stop for lunch. 4. J.C. Penney Memorial Scenic Highway About 50 minutes southwest of Jacksonville is the J.C. Penney Memorial Scenic Highway, a brief but highly unique route that offers drivers a glimpse into Florida's history at the turn of the 20th century. As the name suggests, you'll learn about James Cash Penney's legacy, both through the retirement community he established and the Town of Penney Farms. Hundred-year-old awnings of magnolia and oak line the road, making this road a one-of-a-kind experience. Wherever you're planning on heading for your next scenic drive, the MINI is the car to get you there. With expert handling, zippy powertrains, and head-turning looks, there's no better car to hit the open road in. If you're looking for a new or pre-owned model, or want to get your current car serviced, our team is happy to help. Come by Tom Bush MINI in Jacksonville, FL, today.

Feeling overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle of city life and in need of an escape? If you reside in Jacksonville, FL, you can get away from it all. Visit these small towns to recharge your body and nourish your mind. 3 Charming Small Towns Near Jacksonville, FL 1. Callahan Located in the northwestern part of Jacksonville, Callahan is about 20 miles away. This town owes its birth to the construction of the Florida Railroad and is named after Daniel Callahan--the person who helped build the railroad. The railroad opened up the region to new economic opportunities, including industries, tourism, and real estate. But Callahan has maintained its big, hearty small-town feel throughout the years. While Callahan has come a long way since the first railroad passed through the area from Fernandina, it has maintained its big, hearty small-town feel over the years. When you drive around this town in your sporty Mini Cooper S Countryman, you'll see plenty of places to eat: a testament to Southern hospitality. Plus, many local businesses sell items you might want to take home with you as essentials. more 2. Baldwin Located about 20 miles west of Jacksonville, Baldwin is a small town with friendly, welcoming residents. This makes it the perfect place to live, work, and visit. The town is named after Dr. A.S. Baldwin, a former Florida lawmaker who helped bring the original railroad tracks to the location. Despite being razed down to the ground by Union troops at the height of the Civil War, it has bootstrapped itself back to prosperity. To this date, Baldwin has retained its independence and isn't run by the Duval County government.  And the town still exudes a quiet, laid-back lifestyle with a tight-knit community despite some industries starting to encroach on the area. 3. Neptune Beach Despite seceding from the Jacksonville Beach area and attaining autonomy, Neptune Beach offers residents and visitors a 'small-town feel' that few places can rival. Located about 17 miles away east of Jacksonville, this small and quiet coastal community has a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere that makes it ideal for visitors of all ages. This is a perfect location for surfing, walking, or cycling while you enjoy the cool ocean breeze and white sandy beaches. Exploring nearby towns may involve a significant amount of travel, so you want to make sure your vehicle is in good working condition. One of the best ways to ensure this is to get the vehicle checked before you hit the road. Schedule a service at Tom Bush MINI today to avoid issues on the travel date. Our team has the expertise, experience, and parts needed to remedy any issue your vehicle may have, big or small.