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The wonderful year-round weather of Jacksonville, FL means it doesn't get too cold in winter. But you can still enjoy some festive Christmas cheer and excellent winter activities in and around town. Here are four of your best options. 4 Fun Winter Activities You Can Drive to Near Jacksonville, FL Dazzling Nights at the Botanical Gardens On November 27th, head to Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens for an incredible light-filled treat for all the family. Stroll along a meandering route that takes you through the lovely gardens decorated with all kinds of fantastic displays. more There's a vast canopy of Moroccan lanterns to pass under, a tunnel of giant, twinkling stars, a forest of lasers, and even an 8,000-square-foot maze of lights to get lost in. There's also a giant sparkling Christmas tree and the air is filled with Christmas music to get you into the holiday mood. You'll find the Botanical Gardens at 1445 Millcoe Rd, Jacksonville. A Southern Christmas Tree Farm At this extensive Christmas tree farm, you can stroll along rows of Christmas trees, choose your own tree, and even cut it down yourself. It's a unique and memorable way to bring your children closer to nature during the festive season. After finding the perfect tree, meet the animals at the on-site petting zoo, and then enjoy the deer train and hay rides. Finish up your day by warming up beside a roaring fire, sipping hot chocolate, and eating tasty fire-roasted s'mores. You can find this charming tree farm just to the north of Jacksonville, at  274000 Murrhee Road, Hilliard. Enjoy the short drive there in your cozy 2022 Mazda 3 Select Fwd with its finely controlled heating system. Old Town Trolley Night of Lights Tour For one of the most spectacular winter light displays in all of Florida, visit the Old Town Trolley Night of Lights Tour in St. Augustine, a short drive to the south of town. In this lovely historical town, which happens to be America's oldest city, you'll enjoy a breathtaking award-winning light show that's been rated one of the top ten light shows in the entire world by National Geographic Magazine. You can walk freely around town, taking it all in. Or, if you'd prefer a guided evening tour through a wonderland of three million sparkling lights, book a row of seats on their trolley tour. You can catch the trolley at the Visitor Information Center, 10 West Castillo Drive. Ice Skating at Community First Igloo This spacious outdoor ice skating rink offers tons of fun for beginners and experienced skaters alike. It's available all year round, but everyone knows winter is the best time for showing off your skills on the ice. You'll find the rink at 3605 Philips Highway, Jacksonville. In amidst your winter fun, pay a visit to Tom Bush Mazda. We've been serving the drivers of Jacksonville and the surrounding area since 1974.

If you're looking for a great birdwatching spot close to Jacksonville, FL, you'll love the following locations! These spots offer amazing opportunities to see various birds and are perfect for novice and experienced birdwatchers. So grab your binoculars and get ready for some fun! 4 Great Birdwatching Spots in Driving Distance of Jacksonville, FL Emeralda Marsh Emeralda Marsh is located on the eastern side of Lake Griffin and covers nearly 6,600 acres. It is home to various bird species, including sandhill crane, green-winged teal, and wood ducks. Visitors can stroll along the boardwalk, stopping to peer through the binoculars at the birds in their natural habitat. The marsh is also home to turtles, alligators, and fish, making it a great spot for wildlife enthusiasts of all ages. Emeralda Marsh is also a beautiful spot for photography and nature walks. more Huguenot Park-Nassau Sound The park is situated on the shores of Nassau River, and its extensive wetlands provide a habitat for various birds. Among the most commonly seen birds at Huguenot Park are falcons, brown pelicans, and common and Gull-billed terns. The park also provides a great opportunity to see some of Florida's unique bird species, such as Wilson's plover and the American Oystercatcher. Huguenot Park is an important stopover for migrating birds, and its wetlands provide food and shelter for these birds. Fort George and Talbot Islands With a variety of habitats, including salt marshes, maritime forests, and beaches, the islands offer a home to many different types of birds. In addition, the islands are located near the mouth of the St. Johns River, making them an ideal spot for migrating birds. Thousands of birders flock to the islands every year to catch a glimpse of rare and beautiful bird species. Some of the most popular birds on the islands include piping plovers and painted buntings. The islands also offer stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and downtown Jacksonville. Duval and Nassau Tidal Marshes Drive to Duval and Nassau Tidal Marshes in your stylish yet comfy Mazda3 Sedan with heated seats for an afternoon of wildlife watching. The Duval marshes, located near the St. Johns River, are salt marshes that support a variety of plant and animal life and are known for their tranquil beauty due to their proximity to the Atlantic Coast. Duval and Nassau Tidal Marshes are also home to various bird species, including seaside sparrows, marsh wren, Worthington's, and McGillivray's. If you're looking for great birding sites close to Jacksonville, you'll want to check out the above spots. Contact us at Tom Bush Mazda today for all your automotive needs. We'd be happy to help you get set up with a vehicle that will allow you to explore these locations in style and comfort. Image by 👀 Mabel Amber, who will one day from Pixabay

Although you may not see the leaves changing colors, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the fall season in Jacksonville, FL. Whether you prefer cozy indoor events or strolling around in the crisp weather, we have some ideas for you. Check out these fun fall activities in the area! more 3 Fun Fall Activities You Can Drive to From Jacksonville, FL 1. Stroll Around a Pumpkin Patch Conagree and Penn started as a rice farm and quickly blossomed into a thriving farm of orchards, vines, and animals. The stunning farm is a popular destination for weddings, dinners, and workshops. Throughout the year, the farm hosts various seasonal picking events where you are invited to gather fresh produce right off the land. During Fall, this place hosts a breathtaking pumpkin patch filled to the brim with flashy orange gourds. In order to enter the pumpkin patch, you must purchase a farm pass. Pumpkins are available for purchase at $12 a pumpkin. 2. Skate Around at Community First Igloo As the weather gets cooler, the desire to skate gets stronger. Luckily, you won't have to wait for the snow to get on the rink (not like you'll get any snow in Florida.) Community First Igloo is the epicenter of ice sports in Northeast Florida. The indoor ice rink features 2 NHL-sized rinks, 3 party rooms, and a rinkside cafe. Some activities hosted at the center include training camps, sled hockey, and figure skating. In early November, the rinks open up for public skating. General admission is $12 and skate rentals are $5. Be sure that your skates are the right size and that they are on correctly before getting on the ice! 3. Enjoy a Morning Brunch at Another Broken Egg Cafe One of the best parts about fall is that you get to try tons of seasonal flavors! With flavors like warm pumpkin spice and salted caramel apple, we think that this is really the season of eating. At Another Broken Egg Cafe, you'll be able to order fall specialties that you won't be able to find any other time of year. This cozy restaurant is a great place to start your morning! One of the best seasonal menu items is the Spiked Chocolate Chip Pancakes. These handmade pancakes are layered with chocolate cream cheese, chocolate chips, and fresh strawberries served with a side of chocolate liqueur. We recommend pairing it with the Pumpkin Spice Spiked Cold Brew, a concoction of rum and pumpkin cold brew topped with spiced cream! Whether you pick a perfect pumpkin, take a spin on skates, or dine on festive treats, we hope you enjoy a perfect Fall day! With the 2022 Mazda3 Sedan, you'll have no trouble keeping up with your plans all season long. Visit Tom Bush Mazda to see what's in stock! Image by Paul Brennan from Pixabay

With so many bodies of water in and around it, Northeast Florida is a boat enthusiast's paradise! Residents of Jacksonville, FL are ideally located within the region, especially since it boasts a longer coastline than any other city in the state. So, take advantage of your Mazda CX-9's 3,500-pound towing capacity and take the boat out to any of these fine boating spots! more Take the Car and Check Out These 4 Great Boating Destinations Near Jacksonville FL 1. St. Johns River Along Downtown Jacksonville What better way to take in the sights and sounds of downtown Jacksonville than by taking a cruise in your own boat on the St. Johns River? First, you'll want to head over to the Southbank area's St. Johns Marina, which serves as the perfect spot to launch your boat. Once you hit the river, look to the north to get an amazing view of the Central Core's beautiful waterfront. Head east and you'll be able to see Metropolitan Park and the Hart Bridge. 2. Jacksonville Beach If you're into water sports and ocean fishing, then Jacksonville Beach will surely become one of your favorite places to take your boat. Don't forget to bring along your fishing gear since there are great opportunities to catch grouper, bluefish, sea trout, flounder, and much more! After launching your boat, try heading to the Mayport Jetties near the mouth of the St. Johns River, which is considered one of the best areas to catch fish. While you're exploring the coast, you might even get the chance to meet a few members of the local dolphin population! 3. Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve This gorgeous 46,00-acre preserve is the perfect place for smaller boats to explore and features some of the First Coast's most interesting landmarks. The preserve consists of a diverse system of waterways and wetlands where visitors can view a wide variety of wildlife. Boaters can also make a stop close to the Fort Caroline National Memorial, which is the site of an attempted French settlement that was attacked by the Spanish in 1565. Enter the Fort George River within the preserve and you'll catch a glimpse of the Kingsley Plantation, the state's oldest standing plantation. 4. Bird Island The aptly named Bird Island is located in Nassau Sound between the southern tip of Amelia Island and Little Talbot Island, which has been classified by BirdLife International as an Important Bird Area (IBA). Numerous bird species have come to inhabit Bird Island, including the American oystercatcher, black skimmer, brown pelican, and laughing gull. There are also various species of tern in the area. Boaters who count themselves as avid birders won't want to miss out on visiting this location! While the area surrounding Jacksonville is filled with destinations for boaters, these places definitely offer some of the most unique experiences. Do you also love driving cars? Head on over to Tom Bush Mazda today and test drive one of our exciting new models! Image by Michelle Raponi from Pixabay

Jacksonville, FL is undoubtedly one of the most exciting places in the state to live in and visit! The vibrant city is home to a bustling economy, a diverse array of cultures, and one of the most extensive park systems in the country. Read on to learn about some of the most exciting local attractions in and around Jax! more 4 Favorite Local Attractions You Can Drive to From Jacksonville, FL 1. Ripley's Believe It or Not! Located a short drive away in St. Augustine, this location was originally built as a Moorish Revival-style mansion and is the oldest of all Ripley's museums. Its famous Odditorium features 14 galleries filled with thousands of strange artifacts and pop culture items. The newest gallery is the Jungle Room, which houses many tribal artifacts and animal oddities like a taxidermy of a tortoise that somehow managed to live with a hippo tusk lodged in its shell. Paranormal enthusiasts definitely won't want to miss the museum's Haunted Castle Investigation! During this 60-minute tour, experienced guides teach guests all about the ins and outs of ghost hunting while delving into the dark history of St. Augustine. 2. Castaway Island Preserve Some of Northeast Florida's most stunning scenery is on full display when you visit this beautiful nature preserve. The 235-acre preserve is situated along the Intracoastal Waterway and encompasses a vast marshland ecosystem that has become home to a variety of wildlife. You'll be able to hike through several winding trails or use the high-strength roof rails of your Mazda CX-50 to take your kayak along and explore the park's waterways. 3. St. Johns Town Center This 1.2 million-square-foot outdoor mall boasts over 175 shops and over 20 restaurants, making it one of the top shopping destinations in Jacksonville. The stores range from Target and Dillard's to Tiffany & Co. and Louis Vuitton, so there's something for everyone. Building up an appetite after all that shopping? Stop by for some fresh Japanese food at Sushi House or enjoy a flavorful dry-aged steak at The Capital Grille! 4. Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens If you're an appreciator of fine art, then visiting Cummer is an absolute must when you're in the Jacksonville area. The museum's permanent collection showcases over 5,000 pieces of art from just about every era, from prehistoric times to the 21st century. Along with enjoying scenic riverfront views, visitors can also take a walk through the museum's enchanting gardens, which include both English- and Italian-inspired arrangements. Jacksonville is filled with amazing attractions like these, so you'll always have a great excuse to get out of the house and into your car! Need a new ride? Head on over to Tom Bush Mazda today and browse our huge inventory of new and used automobiles! Image by StockSnap from Pixabay

Looking for a fun day in Jacksonville, FL, look no further than downtown! There are plenty of things to see and do, and the best part is that it's all within walking distance. Here are three of our favorite spots in downtown Jacksonville. Drive Around Town: 3 Fun Things to See and Do in Downtown Jacksonville, FL 1. The Jacksonville Landing The Jacksonville Landing is a riverfront shopping, dining, and entertainment complex in Downtown Jacksonville, Florida. The Landing includes many restaurants, shops, and businesses, an amphitheater, and a hotel. It is located on the north bank of the St. Johns River, just south of the Main Street Bridge. The Landing is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Jacksonville and a popular venue for special events and concerts. Every year, it hosts the River City Pride festival, the largest Pride festival in Florida. It is also a popular gathering place for fans during football season. The Landing is a vibrant part of Downtown Jacksonville and essential to the city's identity. 2. The Museum of Contemporary Art The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) is one of the world's leading institutions for contemporary art exhibitions. MOCA has a collection of paintings, sculptures, installations, and other works. The museum also hosts a variety of temporary exhibitions throughout the year, showcasing the work of both established and emerging artists. Visitors to MOCA can also take advantage of the museum's educational programs, which include tours, lectures, and workshops. Whether you're an art lover or simply looking for something different to do, a visit to the Museum of Contemporary Art is sure to be an unforgettable experience. more 3. The Riverside Arts Market The Riverside Arts Market, located in the heart of Jacksonville's Historic Riverside neighborhood, is one of the area's most beloved weekend destinations. The market, which runs from 10 am to 3 pm every Saturday, features a wide variety of local vendors selling everything from handcrafted jewelry to fresh produce. In addition to being a great place to find unique gifts and tasty snacks, the Riverside Arts Market is also a vibrant community gathering space. On any given day, you'll find families strolling along the riverfront, friends catching up over coffee, and dogs taking a break from their walk to enjoy a doggie ice cream. With its lively atmosphere and commitment to supporting local businesses, it's no wonder that the Riverside Arts Market is such a cherished part of Jacksonville's culture. The 2022 Mazda 3 Sedan is the perfect car to take you to any one of these fun destinations in downtown Jacksonville. With its electronic stability control (ESC) and driver monitoring-alert system, you'll be safe and sound as you explore all that Jacksonville offers. Be sure to visit Tom Bush Mazda in Jacksonville so one of our dedicated staff will help you find a car that fits your needs.

Jacksonville, FL has an incredible food scene. Cuisines from all over the world can be found around town, and since the pandemic, most of these places now deliver. Even though it's a reliable workhorse of a car, sometimes it's nice to give your Mazda CX50 a break for the weekend and call in some delivery food. If this is the case, here are some of our favorite delivery restaurants around town you need to try out. Dinner's a Quick Drive Away: 3 Great Delivery Restaurants With the Best Delivery Food in Jacksonville, FL Pagoda Restaurant When it comes to food deliveries, Chinese food is one of the most popular choices in the US, and Pagoda Restaurant is one of the most popular choices in Jacksonville! Established in 1975, this restaurant has been a staple of Jacksonville's food scene for over 40 years and has always been thriving. The place prides itself on serving only "Old School" Chinese dishes from Hong Kong, Szechuan, and Canton, keeping authentic flavors alive. more Carmine's Pie House The king of all delivery cuisines, everybody loves a good pizza, and Carmine's Pie House is the best spot in town. Serving up Chicago-style deep-dish pizza and New York-style thin and crispy bases, the variety is unbelievable, and calzones and stromboli are also available which are all delicious. When it comes to toppings, you can choose from one of their tantalizing options, or build your own using a variety of their numerable toppings. Masala Indian Cuisine Although not quite as popular as Italian or Chinese cuisine, Indian food is just starting to gain momentum in the US. Using exotic flavors that combine aromatic spices with hot chilies, Indian cuisine is in a league of its own, and Masala is by far the best place to give it a try. The menu encompasses food from all over India, so it's pretty big, and dishes range from dry dishes such as the Tandoori chicken to extremely spicy curries such as the infamous Vindaloo. As always with Indian food, Masala serves a huge range of vegetarian dishes that use proteins such as lentils or chickpeas, meaning this spot is ideal if you are ordering with a vegan or vegetarian. Sometimes, you just can't be bothered to cook after a long week at work, and that's ok, we're the same. So, this weekend, you can kick back, put your feet up, and order some delicious food from one of these great options. Whether you go for classic pizza or authentic Chinese, you're sure to love these joints. Drop by and visit us at Tom Bush Mazda afterward to let us know what you went for and while you're here you can check out our showroom of new and used cars.

Are you ready to enjoy an evening of live entertainment or musical performance as you enjoy the top performance of your sporty Mazda CX-5 on your next drive to town? You'll find top-notch theaters and live art centers in and around Jacksonville, FL, for your next concert, musical, or theater production. Drive on Down: 4 of the Best Live Theaters in Jacksonville, FL 1. Daily's Place This great amphitheater is downtown and hosts top performances, musicians, and talent year-round. Daily's Place is the premium concert venue in Jacksonville, with seats for up to 5,500 spectators and connections to indoor space and facilities for sporting events and local performers. Daily's Place offers spectacular space and a professional team to organize all aspects of the show if you're organizing a private function or corporate event. more 2. Theatre Jacksonville Theatre Jacksonville is one of the oldest local venues for live performances and community theater in the Jacksonville area. This historic Place opened in the early 1900s, managed by a volunteer-based community focused on providing a cultural and entertaining experience for guests and a fantastic place for local artists, performers, and unique projects. Theatre Jacksonville provides educational events and training for artists and students. When you visit this venue to enjoy a show, you'll support the local community, volunteers, and artists in and around the region. 3. Ritz Theatre & Museum This fantastic theater was initially built in 1929 and today features performances promoting art, history, and culture with local artists and musicians' entertaining and educational theatrical shows. There is an on-site museum that features a variety of exhibits, and you can purchase tickets to attend the venue's lectures, featured films, or live music or dance performances. This theater is also a great place to book special events, such as weddings and private parties. 4. Alhambra Theatre & Dining If you're looking for a unique event for a night of dining and entertainment, you'll love the Alhambra Theatre & Dining venue. It's one of the country's longest-running dinner theater venues, featuring top-notch professional performances and a three-course meal for guests. You'll find the atmosphere is friendly and relaxing, with accommodating staff, exceptional cuisine, and entertaining shows. This venue offers a website with regular updates on upcoming shows, online reservations, and fantastic cuisine. It's a terrific place that offers affordable broadway-style entertainment and an overall exceptional experience. There are plenty of great live music venues and concert halls that host spectacular performances year-round, from comedy and live theater to concerts and local musicians. Come see us at Tom Bush Mazda and find out what we have to offer you from our impressive showroom inventory today. You'll encounter fantastic deals, financing options, and maintenance plans for your driving needs.

When you are looking to get out and have some fun, you will be happy to know that there are plenty of great outdoor activities to enjoy near Jacksonville, FL. If you take the all-new 2022 Mazda CX-5, you will love feeling invigorated as you drive to these great locations. With its incredible design and comfortable interior, you will enjoy the trip as much as the destinations. Worth the Drive: 3 Incredible Outdoor Activities Near Jacksonville, FL 1. The Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary What's better than a nice day outside? A nice day outside with cats. If you love big cats, then you should absolutely check out the Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary. Rated by TripAdvisor as the #1 attraction in Jacksonville, this non-profit allows visitors the chance to see big cats while contributing to the rescue and education of endangered wildlife. Visitors can enjoy a day tour for the price of just $15 for adults and $7 for children, which is surprisingly affordable considering the costs associated with caring for these large animals. They also offer night-feeding tours and enrichment tours too. You will be happy to know that 100% of the donations this organization receives go back to the cause. If you care about wildlife and you want your money spent to count, this is a great outdoor activity to choose. more 2. Jacksonville Arboretum & Gardens If you are looking for a peaceful and relaxing outdoor experience, then you should check out the Jacksonville Arboretum and Gardens. Here visitors have access to 7 trails through 13 different ecosystems. There are also point-of-interest spots and yoga stations that can be accessed through QR codes posted along the many trails. With an entrance fee of just $3, you can enjoy this great outdoor activity without hurting your wallet. 3. Adventure Kayak Florida If you love spending time out on the water, then you should check out Adventure Kayak Florida in Jacksonville. Here you can choose from a kayak, canoe, or bike rentals, which you can use to explore Hanna Park and access the Atlantic Ocean. If you are new to kayaking and canoeing, then the company provides lessons so that you are well-prepared to handle the challenge. If you decide that you want your own, you can also buy a kayak from them too. If you decide to rent a bike instead, then you will be happy to know that there are a variety of trails at different difficulty levels to enjoy. They also rent out yard games too, so you may just want to spend some quality time at the park. Be sure to check out the website for information on how to dress and what to bring on your next adventure. We hope you enjoy the sunshine and fresh air on your next trip. If you are looking for a car that you will love taking on your next big adventure, then we would love to help. Contact us today at Tom Bush Mazda of Jacksonville, and we can help you find the best vehicle for you. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Jacksonville, FL is a great town for vegetarians. With more and more people turning to a vegan or vegetarian diet, the town has begun to offer many more plant-based meals. Whether you're vegetarian for health reasons or to lower your carbon footprint, here is the list of our favorite vegetarian restaurants in the area and some of the interesting and tasty dishes they offer. The Top 3 Vegetarian Restaurants You Can Drive to in Jacksonville, FL Vegan Cafe Jax If you are on a fully plant-based diet, Vegan Cafe Jax is the best place to go. All of the food is responsibly sourced, and the menu contains many creative, fully vegan dishes such as a BBQ jackfruit sandwich, a roasted plantain jerk bowl, and a black bean burger with vegan cheese. Everything is delicious and healthy and the atmosphere is relaxed and friendly, making this a great place to hang out for the afternoon. If you're thirsty, Vegan Cafe Jax also boasts an excellent selection of healthy drinks including freshly squeezed lemonade, orange juice, and kombucha. Coffee is also available and can be served with vegan almond milk for a deliciously creamy vegan coffee. more Buena Onda Cafe A laid-back, family-operated restaurant with great vibes, Buena Onda serves up some amazing vegetarian and vegan breakfasts and lunches. Most of the menu is based around Mexican and Spanish dishes, and popular items include breakfast tacos, vegan empanadas, and a superfood veggie burger. The joint is only open until 3 pm, so you'll need to get there early if you want to enjoy the amazing creations available. Buena Onda Cafe is located in St Augustine, about 40 km outside of Jacksonville. All of the food is available for take-out, and with the powerful 2.5L 4 cylinder engine on the new Mazda CX-5, you can rest assured that you'll get your food home while it's still piping hot. JaxMint Indian Cuisine Indian cuisine is famous for having plenty of vegetarian options. The Indian subcontinent contains many plant-based proteins such as lentils, chickpeas, and black beans, and these are used extensively in their dishes with a huge selection of spices to create aromatic, traditionally vegan dishes. JaxMint Indian Cuisine is the best Indian restaurant in the area and it boasts a massive menu with tons of variety. Popular dishes include the classic paneer tikka masala which is cooked with Indian cheese and the kottu paratha, a Sri Lankan dish that contains diced Indian bread stir-fried with vegetables and sauce. These are just a few of the great places to eat vegetarian and vegan food around Jacksonville, but there are many more too. Now you just need to work out which of these delicious places to visit first. Whether you're on an entirely plant-based diet or simply want to lessen your meat consumption, all of these places are great options. Drop by and visit us at Tom Bush Mazda to let us know which place you went for and check out our showroom of new and used cars.

Jacksonville, FL, is a beautiful city with a fascinating history and heritage. If you like history, you'll enjoy the tour of remaining Civil War sites, 19th-century architectural designs, and learning more about the disastrous fire in 1901 that caused the renovation of Downtown architecture. Here are our top historical attractions in Jacksonville. Take Your Mazda and Visit These 4 Historical Attractions Near Jacksonville, FL Kingsley Plantation You can take a trip to the 19th century at the Kingsley Plantation on Fort George Island, a few miles from the city. It features a grand pre-Civil War Southern mansion and a way of life that died with the Confederacy. The Kingsley Plantation consists of a kitchen house, a bar, a mansion, a barn, and the remains of 25 slave quarters. The Kingsley Plantation is Florida's last remaining plantation house, and there are guided tours available from morning to evening. more Riverside Avondale Preservation Society Take a stroll through the Riverside Avondale neighborhood, one of the largest on the National Register of Historic Places in the South. The society also works to preserve the neighborhood's rich historic character and serves as the neighborhood's primary advocate and facilitator. A walking tour of the neighborhood will reveal many architectural treasures, such as colonial mansions and exotic bungalows. You will also see historic parks, commercial districts, and the people's unique culture. You can also rent a bike from the local shop. Black Heritage Trail The Black Heritage Trail allows you to learn about Jacksonville's rich African American history. Begin your tour at the Catherine Fire Station, built-in 1902 to replace one destroyed in the Great Jacksonville Fire of 1901. For many years, African American firefighters worked at the station. In 1993, the station was decommissioned and relocated to Metropolitan Park in downtown Jacksonville. The structure is now the city's fire museum and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Continue your tour of the Black Heritage Trail to Clara White Mission, founded by a formerly enslaved person and has been in operation for over a decade. The Clara White Mission, located on Ashley Street in Jacksonville, is a living memorial to Clara White and her daughter Eartha White. A visit to the museum will educate you about their lives and their numerous humanitarian works in service of the African Americans in Jacksonville. The museum also serves as a community development training facility. Camp Milton Historic Preserve If you're interested in Civil War history, drive your stylish and comfortable Mazda CX-5 to Helsema Road in Jacksonville and tour Florida's last remaining Civil War site. Camp Milton was the location of Confederate works and is a lovely preserve that offers a vivid glimpse into history. The preserve has picnic tables, a bike trail, an equestrian trail, and a hiking trail. Jacksonville, as shown above, has a plethora of historical sites. As you plan your trip, make sure you have a dependable mode of transportation. Contact Tom Bush Mazda today to schedule a test drive in a new or used vehicle.

You're a savvy shopper, so you're hip to the world of thrift stores, where you can do some serious bargain hunting. If you happen to be on your way through the Jacksonville, FL area, you have a fine choice of shops that specialize in items from the local area and give back to those in need with charitable works. Everyone benefits when we keep good items in circulation, including our planet. 5 Best Thrift Stores Worth the Bargain Hunting Drive in Jacksonville, FL 1. Hubbard House Thrift Store Shoppers feel good about hunting secondhand items at the Hubbard House Thrift Store because the prices are nice and proceeds help support the Hubbard House shelter serving those who have experienced domestic violence. The shop offers clothing, household items, and furniture, and it has daily and weekly specials. Plus, it helps those whom it serves even more by giving shopping vouchers to its clients in need. more 2. St. Vincent De Paul Thrift Store Bargain shoppers have always checked out "the Vince" wherever its stores pop up. Benefiting the organization's charitable services, the store is a treasure hunt with donated items from collectible Christmas ornaments, to boxes of stationery, to clothing suitable for all occasions or even costume wear. You'll find hardware and furniture, toys, medical equipment, and all kinds of other things. 3. CRM Thrift Store This store is run by the City Rescue Mission, which serves the community by feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless, and providing services that include addressing addiction. The store's neatness and size are appreciated by shoppers looking for great prices on clothing, toys and games, home items and decor, electronics, furniture, and more. See their major appliances like washers, dryers, refrigerators, and freezers, which could offer very nice savings. 4. City Thrift This store is one of a few related thrifts set in major Southern cities, so, lucky Jacksonville! They have a wide selection of what you would think to find in a secondhand store, and there might be something quite collectible in there, too. You'll find great discounts by colored tag -- up to 50% off -- and their Senior Tuesdays give those 55 and up an extra 30% reduction, while Wednesdays offer the same deal for active-duty military or veterans. 5. Hope's Closet Another thrift supporting a religious charitable mission, Hope's is a popular spot to find secondhand goods from clothing to furniture to antiques and collectibles. Donations of sporting goods, exercise equipment, and outdoor items are happily accepted here, so you can save on those, too. Home items from linens to small appliances and electronics are also available. Planning to make a nice thrifting haul is easy when you have a cool new Mazda CX-5 2.5 S AWD to carry you around town. Or, to keep it secondhand and with a nod to sustainability, you might opt for a certified pre-owned Mazda CX-5 Sport to spin by your choice of thrifty emporia. Visit Tom Bush Mazda to inspect either of these fine rides, plus plenty more!