Blog

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.

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.