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Jacksonville, FL is one of the largest cities in the country by area and thus offers a ton of activities. Biking is a very popular activity that is available to people of all ages in the area. Whether you are alone, with friends, or with the family the Jacksonville area has plenty of bike paths to accommodate everyone. more 6 of the Best Bike Paths for Biking in and Around Jacksonville, FL 1. Jacksonville-Baldwin Rail-Trail This trail is 14.5 miles through the woodlands and wetlands of the area. Along the way, you are likely to see a lot of different animals including rabbits, hawks, kingfishers, wild turkeys, and deer. The path is well maintained, very flat, and overall just a smooth ride the entire way. 2. Georgia Coast Rail-Trail The Georgia Coast Rail-Trail is two disconnected trails that combine to form a 6.2-mile trail. It is just north of Jacksonville in Georgia and will one day be completed as a 68-mile trail that spans most of the Georgia shoreline. The trail does not get a lot of traffic and even crosses a river that is a popular spot for fishing. 3. Amelia Island Trail Amelia Island Trail is about 6 miles long, well paved, and has a lot of shade to help keep riders cool. It is a part of the East Coast Greenway which is the network of paths being finished to connect Maine to Florida entirely by bike. This trail is connected to Amelia Island State Park which allows easy access to the beaches there as well. 4. Jekyll Island Trail On the Southeast coast of Georgia, this trail is just under 25 miles and a loop of the island it is on. Jekyll Island trail offers plenty in terms of wildlife, scenery, and historic sites to check out. The trail is very well marked, has wide paths, and is a pretty easy ride to experience while exploring Jekyll Island. 5. Palatka-to-Lake Butler State Trail A trail that extends for over 30 miles, Palatka-to-Lake Butler State Trail is an experience like no other. If you are looking to see some of the animals inhabiting Florida then this trail is definitely for you as things that have been spotted include black bears, bobcats, turkeys, snakes, and alligators. The surface of the trail is in excellent condition and the ride is wonderfully shaded to help beat the heat. 6. Timucuan Trail The Timucuan Trail is 4.8 miles and by using the George Crady Bridge can connect to the Amelia Island Trail. It has been built through the Big Talbot Island State Park and Little Talbot Island State Park which both offer access to beaches and seeing wildlife. It is not a difficult trail at all making it an ideal activity for the whole family. Being able to get yourself and your bike equipment to and from the paths safely is very important. Contact Tom Bush Mazda today and find the Mazda that can deliver you to your next outing safely.

The warm weather is here, making this the perfect time to enjoy some frozen treat. With so many places in Jacksonville to choose from, it can be challenging to decide where you want to go. Luckily for you, we have compiled six top ice cream places around Jacksonville, FL that are sure to make your mouth water. more 5 Best Ice Cream Places in and Around Jacksonville, FL 1. Whit's Frozen Custard of Mandarin Whit's Frozen Custard of Mandarin is an old-fashioned, family-run treat shop. It has quickly established itself as a favorite in the area for its delicious frozen custards. They have various flavors and offer sundaes, banana splits, shakes, and floats. Besides having more than 20 flavors, Whit's also offers gluten-free cones on request. All flavors are natural with no artificial sweeteners. Be sure to enjoy your treat out by their small patio overlooking the busy streets while listening to live music. The staff at Whit's are friendly to their customers as well. Also, their prices are affordable for the quality of food you get from them. 2. Dreamette If you want to experience Jacksonville's best frozen yogurt, then Dreamette is a must. It is a dessert hotspot in Southside Florida. You can find all of your favorite flavors and some unique ones too. In addition, they have vegan options, which are hard to come by for many places in the area. What really sets them apart from other shops is their sundaes with toppings like whipped cream or hot fudge so that you don't need syrup. Their banana splits also include two bananas instead of one--talk about next-level indulgence. This family-owned business has been going strong for more than five years. 3. Sweet Pete's Who doesn't love a frozen treat cone? Sweet Pete's is the answer for those hot summer days when you want to cool off. They have an impressive variety of flavors that will please any sweet tooth, such as Mint Chip and Butter Pecan. Pete's offers over 20 different toppings, so whatever your preference, there's something for everyone here. Their custom toppings make their menu unique as well. 4. Marble Slab Creamery This treats shop offers a colossal number of frozen treat flavors that you can mix and match to create your flavor combination. You can also select a sundae from their pre-made menu. In addition, they offer many types of desserts and pastries to go along with its signature frozen treats. The treat is blended right in front of you before it's served. You can also get pastries for dessert or enjoy a meal at the restaurant. 5. Roots And Fruits Juicery This is one of the best places in Florida for healthy foods and drinks. You will find a vast selection of fresh fruit, gluten-free food items, and vegan options at Roots and Fruits Juicery. The company also provides catering services to provide nutritious meals during events like weddings or business meetings. This establishment has been satisfying locals with its delicious products made from natural ingredients - all without compromising on taste. Are you looking for a good Mazda car? Contact Tom Bush Mazda today to schedule a test drive.

Get ready to sink your teeth into something truly delicious, because we've got all the spots in our area serving up the best burgers you can find flipping on any grill. While you could settle for the same-old flavor you know from fast-food chains, these local restaurants offer something better with the fresh and unique flavors they deliver to your plate. All of them are right here in Jacksonville, FL so get out there and take a bite today. more Where to Get the Best Burgers in Jacksonville, FL Relish The motto here tells you everything about what you should expect when you come in for a meal: big, tasty burgers. They use over forty fresh, natural ingredients to create their ideal burger to serve to you. Go for their Triple Tasty if you've got a big-time hunger that just won't quit, with three-quarters of a pound of certified Angus beef giving you enough to fill your belly with, along with some cheddar bacon ranch fries on the side. Hamburger Mary's Eat, drink, and be ‘Mary' at this delicious local grill. Their Mini-Mary sliders take everything you love about a full-sized burger and condense it down into a bite-sized package that are a whole lot of fun to eat. For your main course, we recommend their Big Kahuna Burger. A slice of grilled pineapple adds something a little different to this burger, with Mary's special sauce contrasting beautifully in every bite. Grub The goal the founders of Grub set out with is a simple one: good people serving good food to other good people. The burgers they've created to achieve that goal are something special. You have got to try their Scorpion burger for a one-of-a-kind sandwich experience that you won't find anywhere else. The Trinidad Moruga Scorpion Sauce adds a unique flavor, with pepper jack cheese and jalapenos for some extra heat. Harps American Pub and Grill A down-home, welcoming atmosphere makes you feel right at home when you stop in at Harps for a visit. They have three decades of experience serving quality food, and you'll taste the difference that experience makes from your very first bite. The tangy BBQ sauce on their The Buffalo burger kept us coming back for more, with sauteed mushrooms and onions adding a zesty flavor. M Shack When M Shack made the claim to have the best hamburgers around, we had to see for ourselves to find out if the talk was true. The sandwich they served us was certainly right up there with the best we've ever enjoyed. We had the Sunrise Burger, complete with a sunny side egg and a hash brown to complete the ultimate breakfast burger experience, with their signature Shack Sauce elevating the flavor even further. You'll be blown away by the delicious burgers and top-notch service you get at these local restaurants. We aim to knock your socks off with the standard of service we provide, as well. Come on down to Tom Bush Mazda and experience the local dealership advantage!

The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, one of the best zoos in the country, is the first of its kind, where botanical gardens include animal habitats. The animal exhibits feature a wide selection of mammals, reptiles, birds, fish, and amphibians. Experience a colorful display of fauna and flora from all over the world. Go on a walking safari or board the train for a zoo adventure of a lifetime. more 5 Things to See at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens 1. Stroll Through Rivers of Color The zoo's Main Path through the gardens connects to the loops where the animals are displayed. Along both sides of this walkway, the linear Rivers of Color Gardens explodes with colors from flowering perennials, shrubs, and trees. The magnificent display is changed seasonally to keep the zoo colorful throughout the year. 2. Go on a South African Adventure The country of South Africa is world-renowned for its Big Five, and the zoo features three of these magnificent creatures. Between the soft African grasslands, thorn trees, and koppies (hills), lion, white southern rhinoceros, and elephant roam just like they do on the plains in their home country. The exhibit also includes giraffes, zebra, cheetahs, kudu, and other African animals in this beautiful two-acre landscape. The African Forest exhibit features gorillas, lemurs, mandrill, and various other monkeys and apes from the continent. 3. Explore the Riverview Gardens and Wild Florida Stroll on pathways in the shade of the trees between plants that attract insects and other wildlife at Trout River Plaza. The botanical garden plaza provides picturesque views of the Trout River. Here you might even spot some of the animals that live there. Keep your eyes peeled for alligators, manatees, snapping turtles, and other indigenous animals. In the center of the plaza is a fountain surrounded by a menagerie of animals of the Trout River. The Wild Florida exhibit showcases mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians native to the state. Here you can view black bears, bobcats, coyotes, and a variety of snakes, lizards, and tortoises. 4.  Discover the Tropical Gardens at Range of the Jaguar The Range of the Jaguar exhibit features giant otters, capybara, cotton-top tamarins, giant anteaters, flamingo, snakes, turtles, tortoises, and of course, beautiful jaguars. The gardens surrounding the exhibit showcase exotic tropical plants from all over the world. It's the perfect place to sit and relax in the shade of the native live oak trees and magnolias surrounded by ferns, palms, and bromeliads in this beautiful tropical setting. 5. Experience the Asia Continent The astounding Asian Bamboo Garden, with a Moon Gate, Lotus Pool, and Weeping Tree Bridge, is the gateway to the Asian animal exhibits. Fierscome comodo dragons, Asian small-clawed otter, North Sulawesi Babirusa, and hornbills call this area home. Enjoy a stroll through the Bamboo Mist Forest and see bronze Giant Panda sculptures and rest at the Orchid Pavilion that overlooks the Koi Pond and the Yin Yang Terraces. The zoo hosts a wide range of events, tours, and educational programs throughout the year. Visitors can even hand feed a few of the inhabitants. Visit Tom Bush Mazda today, and our team of experts will take care of all your vehicle requirements.

Jacksonville, FL is known for its sprawling sandy beaches, great weather, beautiful golf courses, and of course, the Jacksonville Jaguars. This bustling coastal city has an abundance of beauty and something to offer everyone. You can explore its wonderful waterways, visit its historic museums, or grab a bite at one of its great seafood restaurants. But a better idea might be to check out one of the local breweries and taste-test Jacksonville's emerging craft beer scene. Just remember to drink responsibly and definitely don't drive if you're going on a brewery tour. more 5 Great Places to Find Local and Craft Beer in Jacksonville, FL 1. Bold City Brewery Bold City is Jacksonville's first locally-owned brewery. It's run by a mother and son team who create killer concoctions to please the palate and quench your thirst on those balmy Florida afternoons. It's an intimate brewery with great service and bumpin' beats on the speakers. Try the Killer Whale Ale or fill up your growler with a Cold Nose Brown Ale. This is a must-stop for anyone meandering their way through the Jax Ale Trail. 2. Aardwolf Brewing Company Aardwolf is a funky brewery in a great location to attract locals and tourists alike. There's an excellent outdoor patio that gets packed with friendly beer aficionados. All of the beers are great, but Aardwolf seems to have a real knack for producing terrific stouts. They have a nice selection on tap including some great IPAs and sours. The vibe is hip, and the service is great at this local hot spot. 3. Lemonstreet Brewing Lemonstreet is located in the Railyard District – Jacksonville's up-and-coming beer mecca. It's the largest taproom in the Duval area and serves up tasty brews like the Nuvens Hazy IPA, Darth Vladimir Russian Stout, and Nearest Neighbor sour. Don't miss trying their crown jewel – the Oro Maya Pilsner. They also sell kegs and growlers so you can enjoy all their unique flavors from home. If you have something to celebrate, this is a great place to book a private event. 4. Intuition Ale Works This craft pioneer is one of Jacksonville's treasures. The first craft brewery in Florida to can its own beers, Intuition currently has five different brands for sale. They have a wide variety of creative crafts on tap with unique flavors like Banana Brown and Graham Boat (tastes like graham crackers). It's in a perfect location in the heart of downtown Jax and is a great spot to meet friends before or after a game or a concert. There's also a great rooftop patio to soak up the sun. 5. Wicked Barley Brewing Wicked is a lively brewery in an excellent location, tucked on the banks of Goodby's Creek. They have a huge selection of beers, ciders, and meads on tap, as well as a robust food menu with all the pub-style favorites. The taproom is enormous with vaulted ceilings and plenty of seating. It's attached to the brewery, where you can take a tour if you're so inclined. Before you hit the breweries, be sure to pop on over to Tom Bush Mazda and check out all the great vehicles we have on tap.

The near-endless sunshine and warm weather of the Jacksonville, FL area make this a great place to get outdoors and enjoy some physical sports and activities. If you're a golf fan, there are dozens of world-class golf courses in the area, and this guide will go over just a few of our favorites. more Hit the Links! 5 Great Golf Courses Near Jacksonville, FL 1. Players Stadium Course TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach is home to the world-renowned Players Stadium Course. Home of the Players Championship, this course was built back in 1982, designed by legendary course creator Pete Dye, in conjunction with Deane Beman. Even first-time visitors should recognize the 17th hole here, as it's one of the most photographed holes in the world, with lots of water, little islands, and tree-lined fairways completing a very balanced and beautiful course. 2. Ocean Links Over at the Amelia Island Plantation Resort, golf lovers can discover the Ocean Links course. Created by Pete Dye and Bobby Weed, this course backs right onto the ocean, with several holes enjoying waterfront views as far as the eye can see. The surrounding scenery here is the star of the show, but the course itself is wonderfully put-together, with some short par-4s and more challenging longer holes too. It's sure to test the driving, putting, and chipping skills of every player who gives it a try, helping beginners improve their overall game. 3. Bent Creek If you're looking for great value golf in the Jacksonville area, head on down to Bent Creek. This accessible, affordable course offers 18 holes of fun across more than 6,600 yards. The course was crafted by architect Bobby Weed, alongside consultant Mark McCumber, and is very popular with the locals here. Both beginners and intermediate golfers are sure to enjoy the undulating terrain and picturesque Floridian nature throughout this course. 4. Ocean Course You'll need to visit the Ponte Vedra Inn & Club to enjoy the Ocean Course. Filled with carefully positioned water hazards, a whole lot of bunkers, and wide open spaces where the ocean winds can really come into play, this is a very technical, engaging sort of course, well-suited to players who like a challenge. The terrific trio of Herbert Bertram Strong, Robert Trent Jones, and Bobby Weed came together to craft the Ocean Course, and the 9th hole might be its most striking feature. It was the first island green ever to be built on a golf course. 5. Lagoon Course You won't even need to leave the Ponte Vedra Inn & Club for this course. Dotted with lagoons, lakes, and tall trees along narrow fairways and short greens, it measures up at just over 6,000 yards in total, with a par of 70. Robert Trent Jones put together the first nine holes back in 1961, before Joe Lee came along in 1977 to complete the course with the back nine. This unique creation process has given the Lagoon Course a truly one-of-a-kind structure and feel, and a thorough restoration project in 2007 has helped to make this one of the best courses in the Sunshine State today. It's clear to see that there's a lot of golfing fun to be had in and around Jacksonville. While you're in the area, you might also want to get some essential auto services or visit a local dealer to browse new and used vehicles. Visit Tom Bush Mazda for all of your auto needs.

Looking for a destination for your next adventure out into nature? You can find a unique view of nature waiting for you nearby at Big Talbot Island State Park. With some truly one-of-a-kind things to see here, this spot provides an experience you can't get anywhere but our area. To help you get your most out of the visit to the island, we've got a few tips for you to keep in mind while you're there. more Plan Your Trip: 5 Tips for Visiting Big Talbot Island State Park 1. Check Out Boneyard Beach One of the most striking sights awaiting you at the state park is boneyard beach. This memorable beach offers a quieter escape from everything than more crowded beaches closer to the city, with no skyscrapers in sight deep in the Timucuan Ecological and Historical Preserve where it lies. You'll see massive driftwood trees that make the beach resemble an elephant graveyard, and even climb them if you feel adventurous. 2. See the Salt Marsh Another attraction here at Big Talbot Island is the unique ecosystem the nearby salt marsh creates. These coastal grasslands are hugely important to the natural world as some of the most productive ecosystems on the planet. You may catch a glimpse of elegant birds that feed in these marshes, like herons or egrets, or spot some of the other local wildlife who make their home here like bobcats or raccoons. 3. Go out on the Water While the scenery is worth visiting for itself, those who like to get out on the water for a closer look will find plenty to do at Big Talbot Island. The boat ramp and canoe or kayak launch site both allow for easy access to the water. Bring your gear and a lunch basket to turn the day into a fishing outing. All sorts of different fish can be caught out on the water near the island. 4. Fun Activities to Do Fishing isn't the only thing you can do for a bit of fun on your visit here. You can hike the trails and see all sorts of wildlife that call the park home, or walk the beaches to see what seashells you can find. Some of the trails also make great choices for biking or rollerblading. This is also a dog-friendly park, so you can bring your furry friend to join in on your fun day out. 5. Plan an Event Here The natural beauty of the state park makes the perfect backdrop for your next event. You can even hold your big day here, as the state park is available for weddings. For a more casual occasion that will still be a whole lot of fun, bring some snacks along on your visit. The picnic pavilion makes this park the perfect site to have a meal out in nature. Ready to get out to Big Talbot Island for your next outing? Our service team can help get your vehicle into top condition to make the trip. Come on in and see us at Tom Bush Mazda today!

Are you hungry for some mouth-watering, smokey BBQ meats? Keep reading to learn about our favorite spots in Jacksonville, FL that serve up the best barbecue meats and sides in the city! more 6 of the Best Barbecue Spots in Jacksonville, FL Butt Hutt Smokehouse Butt Hutt's incredible smoked brisket and side dishes have helped them stack up several food choice awards, most notably the 2015 Food Truck Champion for Best BBQ Category. They originally got started by only making delicious BBQ sauces, but it wasn't long before their aspirations moved to mastering the art of perfectly seasoned, succulent meats. We highly recommend trying the brisket with their homemade coconut curry and honey sauce. It's out of this world. The Bearded Pig The Bearded Pig is our go-to BBQ spot for delectable Southern-style smoked meats. Each menu item is better than the next but their standouts are the brisket, burnt ends, and smoked sausage. For side dishes, you can't go wrong with the Bearded Pig's baked beans and Mac and Cheese. They also have a wide selection of ice-cold brews on tap to enjoy with your meal. Just be sure not to drink and drive. Bow Leg'z BBQ Bow Leg'z BBQ does things a little differently and combines Southern-style BBQ with Caribbean spices. The result is a unique and delicious taste explosion with every bite of their moist brisket. Their unique formula of dry rubs, herbs, and smoke has brought them plenty of notoriety in Jacksonville. Check them out to enjoy a different spin on the classics you love. Berndt Ends BBQ This once famous food truck smoked its way into becoming a brick-and-mortar restaurant, much to the delight of countless Jacksonville residents. Berndt Ends BBQ was the food-child of world-class pitmaster Shaine Berndt, who spent years mastering the art of seasoning and smoking brisket until it reached that melt-in-your-mouth consistency. He won numerous food truck competitions, and it was only a matter of time before he expanded and gave his fans more of his fantastic BBQ. Gators BBQ If it's Texas-style brisket your appetite desires, hop in the car and head over to Gators BBQ. Their slow-smoked brisket cooks for 18 hours and melts in your mouth with every bite. You can also try one or all of their eight homemade sauces to enhance the flavors of your dish. The atmosphere is unbeatable and the staff is extremely friendly. You'll enjoy your experience from the minute you walk in, to the minute you're licking your fingers clean. Monroe's Smokehouse BBQ Monroe's goes above and beyond to make their customers feel like one of the family. Not only that, but their smoked meats and sides are some of the best in the city. We recommend ordering the “smoked Texas” platter if you're a beef lover, or the “Carolina pork” platter if it's juicy pork you crave. Be sure to visit all of these incredible BBQ restaurants in the comfort and style of a new Mazda vehicle. Visit Tom Bush Mazda today!

Jacksonville, FL, is home to some beautiful natural environments that host a number of hiking trails allowing locals and visitors to explore the area. There are trails available that will suit all skill levels and a wide variety of terrains to choose from. Most of the trails offer hikers the opportunity to take in the wildlife and plant species unique to the area. more Top 5 Hiking Trails and Paths Near Jacksonville, FL 1. Castaway Island Reserve Castaway Island is an undeveloped wetland preserve. Several raised trails offering fabulous views run through the wetlands. The trails take in the San Pablo River and the coastal habitats that surround it. Along the trails, hikers can take in the beautiful wildflowers that are unique to the area. There is also access to the coast via a wooden bridge along one trail with the beach and its spectacular views, the perfect place to take a breather. 2. Tillie K Fowler Regional Park The two-mile Island Trail takes hikers along the Ortega River, taking in the floodplains and upland forest habitats, and is one of the more scenic trails within the park. The 500-acre park has several other trails of varying degrees of difficulty. There are plenty of opportunities to learn about the nature of the area before heading out on the trails, with the park having a nature education center and wildlife watchtower available for hikers. 3.  Talbot Islands State Park For hikers looking to take in some local wildlife while hiking, Talbot Islands State Park is the place to go. It is not uncommon to spot bald eagles fishing in the winter and spring from the park's trails. There are a number of trails within the park, including Big Talbot Bluffs Beach Walk and its beautiful coastal views and the Black Rock Trail, which takes in sand formations that have an appearance of black rock lava. 4. Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens The Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens is another area packed with trails that offer the opportunity to see wildlife in its natural environment. The man-made 0.3 mile Lake Loop is a great place to start with kids. The Upper Ravine Trail is especially popular over the winter months due to the spectacular views it offers, while the Live Oak Trail features 100-year-old oaks. For those looking for a challenge, the Rosemary Ridge trail will more than fit the bill. 5. University of North Florida Eco Trails The 382-acre Sawmill Slough Preserve is on the University of North Florida campus and has five trails available to the public. The length of the trails varies between 0.31 and 2.85 miles in length, with most offering great views of Lake Oneida. Each of the trails offers its own unique features, with one playing host to a range of small mammals and another having blueberries to sample along the route. Of particular note is the Broadwalk Trail which is wheelchair accessible. The trails in and around Jacksonville have something for everyone, offering a range of different terrains and landscapes for hikers. If you are looking to arrive at the trails in style, call in and see the team at Tom Bush Mazda.

Looking for a fun day out that will give you plenty of options for outdoor adventures to have? Look no further than Amelia Island State Park. Just a short drive away from Jacksonville, there are plenty of things to do waiting for you at this scenic wilderness park right here in the local area. Let's take a look at some of the highlights of what you can do on your day at the park. more Top 5 Fun Things to Do at Amelia Island State Park 1. Enjoy the Sights See why nature lovers say that Amelia Island is the place to get a glimpse of the ‘real Florida.' From its breathtaking beaches to the fascinating salt marshes and beachside forests, there's nothing quite like this park in the whole country. Whether you want to walk the nature trails through the woods or stroll down by the beach, you'll find a perfect hike that suits you at the park. 2. Ride Your Bike Like to do a bit of cycling? Amelia Island is the perfect destination for you, with over 200 acres of beachside trails for you to cruise across. The biking trails are well maintained to keep your ride smooth and safe. You'll also be treated to stunning views of the island and its unique environments as you ride along the trails. 3. Ride a Horse Bike riding is one thing, but did you know that Amelia Island Park is the only Florida state park that offers horseback riding on its beaches? That means that you'll be getting a truly unique experience on your visit. Kelly Seahorse Ranch offers horseback tours and even more exciting opportunities for visitors to the park. You'll be able to get in on the action whether you're a veteran rider or never sat in the saddle in your life. 4. Experience Local Wildlife The unique ecosystems that flourish on Amelia Island are home to a number of fascinating animals that you'll be able to spot on your visit. In particular, there's a whole variety of birds that pass through the island on their migratory paths. You'll be able to see a different cast of characters depending on the time of year you visit. Or plan your visit to see the monarch butterfly migration that passes through the island each year. 5. Go Fishing With its miles of coastal areas, you better believe Amelia Island makes the perfect destination for fishers of all skill levels. You'll be able to cast your lines from pristine seaside fishing spots and enjoy the lapping of the waves as you wait for a bite. The On the Line Bait and Tackle Shop has you covered if you need to stock up on any supplies before trying to catch a big one. There's plenty more waiting for you at Amelia Island than what we can list here. And if you need to cruise down to the park in style, come see our selection of new and pre-owned vehicles. Visit Tom Bush Mazda to find your perfect ride!