Blog

Jacksonville, FL, is a wonderful destination to visit, whether planning a family vacation, a road trip, or staying in town for a business conference. When you drive through Jacksonville in your Mini Cooper S Convertible, you'll discover superb beaches, museums, galleries, outdoor recreation, and fantastic hotels for your stay. Driving Through or Staying a While? 5 Great Hotels for Visiting Jacksonville, FL 1. Marble Waters Hotel and Suites If you're looking for a convenient location for your next business conference or family weekend trip, you'll want to book your next stay at the Marble Waters Hotel and Suites. This hotel is a short distance from the Jacksonville Beach Pier, the University of North Florida, and the city's international airport. You'll enjoy this inn's outstanding amenities, including an outdoor pool, hot tub, a casual restaurant, complimentary breakfast, a fitness room, and business facilities. Every suite includes flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, minifridges, microwaves, coffeemakers, and iPod docks. There are plenty of non-smoking rooms available, and the option to upgrade your suite includes a whirlpool tub, mini-bar, and balconies. Please drink responsibly. more 2. Scottish Inn Scottish Inn is a cozy place that offers affordable suites near the San Marco district, featuring historic architecture, shopping, and dining. You'll find this family-friendly motel just off the US-1, which offers flat-screen TVs, fridges, microwaves, free Wi-Fi, and the option of adding extra beds to accommodate your group or family. Scottish Inn features an outdoor pool, on-site laundry services, complimentary breakfast, and free parking. An excellent breakfast buffet is available, and parking spaces accommodate trucks, RVs, and large vehicles. 3. Tricove Inn & Suites Tricove Inn & Suites is an excellent choice for a weekend getaway or family vacation when planning your next trip to Jacksonville. This hotel offers casual, spacious suites with flat-screen TVs, free Wi-FI, comfortable furniture, and the option of upgrading to add sitting rooms. A complimentary breakfast is available, free parking, an outdoor pool, a business center, and a fitness center. 4. Hyatt Place Hyatt Place is just off Interstate 295 and a short drive from popular shopping and attractions, including local hiking trails, Jacksonville Beach, and the University of North Florida. You'll find many excellent amenities at this hotel, including a gym, an on-site cafe with a bar, an outdoor pool, and a complimentary breakfast. Every suite features flat-screen TVs, coffeemakers, minifridges, free Wi-Fi, and the option to add sofabeds. Pets are welcome. 5. Jacksonville Plaza Hotel & Suites You'll find this exceptional inn just a short drive from the Times Union Center for the Performing Arts, the Jacksonville International Airport, and nearby shopping and dining. This hotel features comfortable rooms with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, microwaves, and minifridges. Complimentary breakfast is served every morning, and there is coffee available in the lobby. There is a 24-hour fitness center, free parking, and free airport shuttle service. There are plenty of excellent accommodations to consider for your next drive to Jacksonville. Contact us at Tom Bush Mini and inquire about our fantastic showroom deals today.

Jacksonville, FL, is a beautiful place to find the ideal venue for your special day. Whether you're searching for the ideal coastal spot with spectacular views or a banquet hall with catering and reception services, there are plenty of unique wedding locations in and around town. more 5 Favorite Wedding Locations and Venues Near Jacksonville, FL 1. The Riverside House This beautiful venue is located in Jacksonville's historical region and offers excellent rental space for weddings, receptions, anniversaries, and corporate events. Initially, this venue was a church constructed in the 1920s and has become a popular space for many community-based events and private functions. Riverside House offers spacious rooms for small and large-scale events, catering, and live entertainment facilities. You'll enjoy the historic decor and unique open spaces that create beautiful memories for weddings and other special parties. It's a well-loved venue that's a popular choice for residents and guests to the region. 2. The Glass Factory You'll be impressed with the spectacular design and layout of this venue. When you rent the Glass Factory for your special day, you'll love the unique decor, rustic beams, historic brick, and customized lighting in the space. This venue offers excellent facilities, including 16,000 square feet to personally design your event, rooms for the bride and groom, access to a list of licensed vendors, a kitchen for catering services, and full-day rental availability. It's a fantastic place to enjoy natural lighting and historical style, with a Victorian garden and lots of potential for your wedding day. This venue is ideal if you enjoy adding a personal touch and creativity for a memorable event. 3. The Legacy Museum Events & Conference Center This spacious event center is the perfect place to book for large wedding parties and all-day events. You'll have access to unique indoor and outdoor spaces to organize your wedding, with lots of potential for catering, decorating, and lighting. It's a popular space to host regular community, art, and corporate events. 4. Ramona Pavilion Ballroom Ramona Pavilion Ballroom is a beautiful, spacious venue that features everything you need to plan for a wedding event. When you reserve this space, you'll have access to an event director so that you can plan the rehearsal, wedding, dinner, and reception. It's considered one of the top spaces in Jacksonville to create a fantastic event, with adequate space to host parties, social dances, birthday parties, and corporate conferences. 5. Coastal Occasions Coastal Occasions is an award-winning wedding venue that offers incredible views, spacious banquet and reception rooms, and close access to the beach. It's a gorgeous location to host a memorable day, with the option of exchanging vows on the shore or in one of the gardens or scenic spaces in the area. There are several wedding packages to choose from and lots of natural beauty to enjoy during your special event. You'll discover many outstanding wedding venues and beautiful spaces for your special day. Visit us at Tom Bush MINI and see what we have to offer you from our impressive showroom today.

Thrift stores are fantastic places to find treasures of secondhand clothing, unique furniture, and lovely home décor. Jacksonville, FL has a plethora of discount stores where you can develop a unique sense of style while saving money. Read on to discover our favorite thrift store in town. more 5 Favorite Thrift Stores for Bargain Hunting in Jacksonville, FL The Thrift Store If you're looking for great bargains on various items, the Thrift Store is the place to go. The Thrift Store, located at 3851 Emerson Street in Jacksonville, sells high-quality electronics, furniture, household items, and clothing. Their inventory is replenished with new things every day; therefore, you can find new items on each visit. Furthermore, they offer daily discounts of up to 50% off, and every Wednesday, the store offers a special shopping discount for senior citizens. The store is closed on Sundays, but the staff is friendly and eager to assist you in your shopping experience. Hope Closet Hope Closet has two Jacksonville locations, one on Beach Boulevard and another on Southside Commons. Each store has a distinct design and is neatly organized with fantastic décor, giving the impression that you are shopping in a department store. They sell a wide range of designer clothes at reduced prices, some of which are brand new and others are lightly worn. They also have a great selection of furniture and home décor. There are also several books on display. Both stores are open from Tuesday to Saturday, and their staff is friendly and eager to help. Cool Stuff Vintage Cool Stuff Vintage, located at 646 King Street in Jacksonville, is a discount shop where you can find many unique antiques, clothes, and home decorations. Cool Stuff Vintage takes pride in being the city's most unique vintage store. The owners are obsessed with finding the best vintage treasures and gems for their customers. Since new items are displayed regularly, you will discover something new on your next visit. They sell excellent vintage items like vintage wardrobe items, hand-cut and painted metal flowers, signed original art, and books. Habitat Restore Habitat Restore, located at 5800 Beach Boulevard, is a great place to find furniture and household items. If you're looking for dining tables, cabinetry, countertops, or electrical appliances, Habitat Restore is a great place to look. Habitat Restore collects donations from homeowners who are renovating their homes. As a result, you can find lovely lighting fixtures, bathtubs, and kitchen sinks. Betty Griffin Center The Betty Griffin Center is located in Fruit Cove, just outside Jacksonville, Florida. The Betty Griffin Center's inventory of clothing, electronics, and housewares is constantly changing. They also have some beautiful furniture on display. The store is well-organized, and you can find fantastic deals while shopping. The proceeds from the discount store are used to support services for survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and their minor children. For easier navigation, enter the addresses of the above stores into the touch screen navigation system of your 2022 Mini Cooper. After your shopping spree, please stop by Tom Bush MINI for incredible offers on used and new cars.

There is only one way to ensure that your Mini Hardtop, Countryman, or Clubman stays in tip-top condition: a regular car inspection at your Mini dealer. If you follow your Mini service schedule and maintenance intervals and get regular vehicle inspections, your car will continue to be reliable, fuel-efficient, and a pleasure to drive. more How Often Should You Get a Car Inspection at your Mini Dealer? Your Mini Service Schedule Every Mini model comes with a service schedule to help you keep your car in excellent running condition. The service schedule consists of mileage intervals with specific inspections and maintenance tasks that need to be performed by a qualified Mini technician. To keep your Mini reliable, fuel-efficient, safe, and on the road for longer, you must stick to the service schedule and factory-recommended maintenance intervals. The Maintenance Intervals The service schedule for your specific Mini model has mileage and month intervals. Each maintenance interval has detailed factory-recommended inspections, corrections, and replacements that have to be performed to keep your vehicle running smoothly. Generally, most Mini cars have a maintenance interval every 4,000 to 6,000 miles or every six months, whichever comes first. The service schedule and maintenance intervals for your specific Mini model and year are in your owner's manual or ask your Mini technician for assistance. The Frequency of Vehicle Inspections and Maintenance The frequency of inspections and maintenance required for your car will depend on the model and year and the driving conditions under which you operate your vehicle. Your driving style, road conditions, traffic, and frequent short trips all affect how often you need to take your Mini for an inspection. The Importance of Vehicle Inspections Every time you take your Mini to your dealer at the factory-recommended maintenance interval, the Mini technician will thoroughly inspect every component and system. The technician will detect vehicle problems early with routine inspections and prevent more damage by fixing issues fast and effectively before they turn into expensive repairs and replacements, saving your time and money. Complimentary Scheduled MINI Maintenance Complimentary Scheduled MINI Maintenance is a cost-effective way to keep your car in tip-top shape. If you drive a 2017 or newer Mini model, your vehicle comes with Complimentary Scheduled MINI Maintenance for the first three years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first. Complimentary Scheduled MINI Maintenance includes free vehicle inspections, oil changes, spark plugs, brake fluid, cabin filter, engine air filter, and remote control key battery replacements. All the services are performed by qualified Mini technicians who use advanced equipment and technology and genuine Mini parts. Convenient Online Scheduling To make maintaining your Mini as easy and convenient as possible, you can schedule a vehicle inspection online on our website. Fill in the form with your details and the year and model of your vehicle, and we will contact you. All you need to do to ensure that your Mini continues to be a pleasure to drive is get regular vehicle inspections from your Mini technician. Visit Tom Bush MINI today for a thorough vehicle inspection performed by an expert Mini technician to keep your car running like new.

Jacksonville, FL isn't just close to the beach, it's also home to a variety of great restaurant options. It doesn't matter if you're in the mood for seafood, Chinese food, or any other type of cuisine, you'll have no trouble finding somewhere to stop in Jacksonville. If you find yourself craving something with some spice, be sure to also check out some of the places in the town that sell the best Mexican food! more Where to Find the Best Mexican Food in Jacksonville, FL 1. Rosy's Mexican Restaurant Rosy's Mexican Restaurant is open daily for lunch and dinner and has a large menu. The restaurant's menu includes a mix of appetizers, quesadillas, lunch specials, sea dishes, vegetarian combinations, specialties, dinner combinations, and desserts. Some of Rosy's specialties include enchiladas de mole, a grilled chicken burrito, and a fajita mix. If you want something sweet to end your meal, some of Rosy's dessert options include sopapillas and flan. 2. Mi Veracruz Mexican Restaurant Mi Veracruz Mexican Restaurant offers great service and prides itself on selling some of the tastiest Mexican food in town. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner Thursday-Tuesday and has an expansive menu that includes nachos, appetizers, tacos, Mexican entrees, Veracruz's specialties, enchiladas, and more. If you're looking for something filling before continuing your drive in your MINI Cooper S Countryman, consider trying the restaurant's burrito supreme. 3. Lupita's Mexican Food Lupita's Mexican Food is open daily for lunch and dinner and serves an assortment of lunch specials, vegetarian dishes, platos, combination dinners, special plates, appetizers, and side plates. Available special plates include pechuga a la plancha, fajitas de camaron, pollo ranchero, and carne asada. If you're looking for a dish without meat, consider ordering the restaurant's vegetarian fajitas or its vegetarian enchiladas. 4. Casa Maria Casa Maria is the perfect place to stop on your drive in your 2022 MINI Cooper SE if you're looking for fresh and authentic Mexican food. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner daily, and its menu includes appetizers, combos, salads, dinner dishes, lunch dishes, and vegetarian plates. If you're looking for a tasty appetizer to start your meal off with, consider ordering Casa Maria' chicken tortilla soup or its nachos with beef and beans. 5. La Nopalera La Nopalera is open for lunch and dinner daily and has a mix of meat and vegetarian options. The restaurant's menu includes lunch specials, appetizers, salads, combination dinners, fajitas, special dinners, quesadillas, and more. If you stop by at lunch, consider trying La Nopalera's lunch fajitas texanas or its huevos con chorizo. If you stop by at dinner, consider ordering one of the restaurant's special dinners, like its shrimp tacos or bistec ranchero. Now that you've got your fill of Mexican food, it's a great time to start looking for a new car that can help you satisfy your next Mexican craving. Stop by Tom Bush MINI today and have a look at our inventory of new and used vehicles! We enjoy helping drivers find the car that is the perfect match for them and are happy to let you test drive any of the cars you are interested in.

If you care about the air pollution your car emits, then you need a fully functioning catalytic converter. The converter sits under your car between the engine and the muffler, converting dangerous engine exhaust into harmless gases. If your converter becomes clogged, overheated, contaminated, or cracked, then it'll begin causing problems and will need to be repaired or replaced promptly. Let's take a look at seven clear signs you should visit your local Mini dealer for a new converter. more Does Your Mini Need a New Catalytic Converter? Reduced Engine Performance Your converter cleverly converts pollutants like nitrogen oxide and unburned gas into harmless emissions using precious metals and ceramic-coded beads, which are known as the catalysts. If any of this process becomes hindered by damage or age, the performance of your engine suffers. One clear result of a damaged converter is sluggish engine performance. If a faulty converter is restricting the outflow of exhaust gases then the engine's inflow of air will also be reduced. You'll first notice this in lessened engine power and acceleration. You'll also start hearing your engine sputter and misfire. Lessened Fuel Mileage Restricted airflow through an engine causes the fuel-air mixture in the combustion chambers to become unbalanced. In this case, your engine will be struggling to function, no longer able to turn fuel into power as efficiently. You'll notice this in more frequent stops for gas. So if you're getting less bang for your buck at the gas station, your converter might well be to blame. Black Exhaust Smoke In the case of catalyst failure and restricted airflow combined, the unbalanced fuel-air mixture leads to excess fuel in the engine's combustion chambers. This excess, unburned fuel needs to escape and you'll notice thickened exhaust or black smoke pouring from your tailpipe. Sometimes, you'll even see flames as the unburned fuel ignites on the way out. Rattling Noises From Below If your converter is very old or impacted by a bump over a pothole, then parts of it might come loose. This most commonly happens with the meshes inside it, which can begin to collapse or come apart. If this occurs, you'll hear a rattling sound from below. Overheating Engine With some converter faults, exhaust emissions can no longer exit the engine at all. This builds up enormous pressure inside the engine and can lead to overheating. You might notice this as smoke or steam coming from under your hood, a hood that's hot to touch, loud ticking sounds, or various other kinds of engine malfunctions. If you suspect overheating, pull over immediately and call a technician to help you out. Few things destroy an engine quicker than overheating. If your engine's cooling system is still working well, then the culprit might be your converter. Your Mini Dealer Finds Damage The engine damage that a faulty converter causes can often be averted by identifying the damage early on. This is one important purpose of regular service checkups at your local dealership. A full inspection always includes examining the converter for early signs of trouble. Your "Check Engine" Light Blinks On This final indicator is the one you're most likely to notice first in the case of a malfunctioning converter. If the "check engine" flashes on your dashboard, never ignore it. You might have any number of problems, including a faulty converter. To have your exhaust system inspected and repaired by certified technicians, visit Tom Bush MINI. We've been providing the region's Mini drivers with outstanding vehicles and service for over twenty years, and look forward to doing the same for you.

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.

Accidents unfortunately do happen. Whether is a runaway shopping cart in the parking lot, a fallen tree branch, or anything in between, your Mini has been damaged. After you get over the shock and surprise, the next feeling is how do you get your car repaired. As your Mini dealer, we have a Mini-certified repair facility available for distressing times like these. We'd like to tell you about the steps in your car's collision repair process. more 5 Steps in a Collision Repair at Your Mini Dealer Arrival The first step in the process is the arrival of your car at or state-of-the-art collision center in Jacksonville, FL. We will confirm your contact and other details, and we will also check your car in. If you're arranging the repair with your insurance company, we'll also ask for their details so the quote can be sent to them. Assessment Our technicians will assess the damage to prepare a quote for the repair work. Depending on the type and scope of the damage, our technicians will examine eh interior and exterior of your car to confirm the full extent of the damage. We will also connect your car's computer to our diagnostic system to check for any other problems. Once we've thoroughly examined your car, we'll prepare a report on the damage to be repaired, the cost, and the timeframe for completion of the repairs. The assessment of the damage will be video recorded to ensure that it shows a complete record of the damage. Confirmation to Proceed If you're arranging the repairs, we'll advise of our assessment of the damage and provide a quote for the repair work. If your insurance is arranging the repairs, we'll liaise with them to make the process as simple and hassle-free as possible for you. Once we've received confirmation from either you or our insurance company, we'll move on to the repair work. Repairs Out technicians will already have a blueprint for the work that needs to be completed. Our spares department will have arranged any parts required, and our paint shop will have prepared the paint. All the damaged parts will be removed for repair or replacement. Technicians will then prepare the replacement parts and repair or replace any wiring or other components. We will have matched the color of your vehicle, and any parts will be sprayed in the identical color. We can match any original Mini color. We also only use original MIni parts in all of our repairs. This ensures the high-quality result that you deserve. Return The moment you've been waiting for. Your car will have been completely restored to its original condition. We will also have thoroughly cleaned it, and your car will be waiting for you to collect it. Once you've viewed the repairs and you're satisfied with the result, we return the keys and your car will be ready to go. If your Mini sustains any damage, call us right away at Tom Bush MINI. Our experts will return it to perfect condition.

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.

Making your next new vehicle a Mini lets you ride with the most advanced car safety features that will help keep you and your passengers safe. Here are some of the features that the vehicles you'll find at your local Mini dealership come equipped with. Each of them enhances your own safe driving habits to protect you and everyone else on board throughout the course of your travels. more 6 Impressive Car Safety Features in Vehicles at Your Mini Dealership 1. Dynamic Stability Control No matter how careful you are on the road, everybody could benefit from having an extra helping hand keeping you safe. That's exactly what you get from every new Mini's dynamic stability control system. Selective brake pressure acts automatically to help keep you in full control of the vehicle at all times. 2. Adaptive Cruise Control Mini designed their vehicles to make highway driving a whole lot easier, utilizing the on-board camera to help maintain a consistent amount of separation between your vehicle and other drivers. This ensures that you always have time to react if somebody stops short, helping to reduce the risk of a collision. 3. Head-Up Display One essential part of staying safe on the road is maintaining constant focus on the road. Glancing away even for a second to check on things like your speed limit or fuel level can take your focus away at a crucial moment. This system mitigates that risk by projecting much of the vehicle-critical data you need right onto the lower portion of your dashboard so it is easily accessible. 4. Ultra-Rigid Body Construction While a number of the features in your Mini will help you prevent an accident from occurring in the first place, you'll also have the protection you need in the worst-case scenario. The frame of the vehicle is built to disperse force to keep everyone on board safe. Your vehicle also features a rollover protection bar that automatically deploys to keep everyone on board safe. 5. Smart Airbags You'll be surrounded by safety when you're on board a Mini, with up to eight different airbags located throughout the vehicle. Ceiling-mounted, side-impact, side-curtain, and knee airbags help to minimize the impact that anyone on board feels if a serious collision occurs. In more extreme impacts, they'll also stay inflated longer to keep everyone protected from broken glass. 6. Crash Sensor System In the event of an accident, your Mini is ready to step in to make a stressful situation a little easier for you and a whole lot safer. Your doors will automatically be unlocked to allow for quick evacuation of the vehicle, and both the interior and exterior hazard lights will automatically engage. If the airbags also deployed, the fuel pump will be disabled to ensure maximum safety. Mini shows their commitment to your safety with all of these protective features. Our team can tell you more about the ways our vehicles work with you to make every drive that much safer. Stop by Tom Bush MINI today!