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People riding bikes

6 of the Best Bike Paths in and Around Jacksonville, FL

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.

Cheeseburger on the table surrounded by vegetables

Where to Get the Best Burgers in Jacksonville, FL

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!

Giraffe eating out of someone's hand

5 Things to See at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens

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.

Beer in different glasses

5 Great Places to Find Local and Craft Beer in Jacksonville, FL

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.

Man playing golf

Hit the Links! 5 Great Golf Courses Near Jacksonville, FL

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.

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