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Drive on Over: 5 Favorite Sports Stadiums Near Jacksonville, FL

Residents of Jacksonville, FL have so many entertainment options right on their doorstep. That includes a range of amazing stadiums and sports venues where people can enjoy watching sports. Keep reading to learn more about five local favorites. Drive on Over: 5 Favorite Stadiums and Sports Venues Near Jacksonville, FL 1. TIAA Bank Field TIAA Bank Field is one of the largest and best-known buildings in Jacksonville and the surrounding area. This 67,000-seat stadium is home to the Jacksonville Jaguars of the NFL and also hosts college games, including the Gator Bowl. You'll find TIAA Bank Field on TIAA Bank Field Drive in the Downtown area. If you're driving in the city, an efficient car like the 2023 Mazda Sedan 2.5 S Preferred is a great option. 2. Hodges Stadium The 12,000-seat Hodges Stadium is perfect for sports fans of all kinds. Hodges Stadium hosts soccer, track, and more. The stadium is located on the Jacksonville campus of the University of North Florida. Hodges Stadium also hosts pro soccer for Jackson Armada FC. This team plays in the North American Soccer League, and the atmosphere at their games is electric. Or, if you want to get patriotic while enjoying fast-paced sporting action, you can enjoy watching the United States National Rugby team here too. 3. VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena is the best indoor arena in Jacksonville. This 14,000-seat stadium is home to three professional sports teams, so there's something for everyone to enjoy. The Jacksonville Sharks indoor football team and Jacksonville Icemen hockey team are both regular tenants, while basketball games and other events take place here, too. more You'll find VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena at 300 A Phillip Randolph Boulevard. It's immediately next to TIAA Bank Field. Concerts and other events sometimes take place at the arena. 4. Jack Taylor Stadium If you're a fan of local sports played at a quality venue, Jack Taylor Stadium might be for you. This small stadium seats only a few thousand people and hosts various high school athletic events for local teams. Jack Taylor Stadium is located on the campus of Fletcher Middle School. The street address is 700 Seagate Avenue. 5. 121 Financial Ballpark Thanks to its beautiful weather, Florida is the perfect place to enjoy baseball, and Jacksonville has its own minor league team, the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp. They play at 121 Financial Ballpark, a well-equipped ballpark capable of seating more than 10,000 fans. The Jumbo Shrimp are the Triple-A affiliates of the Miami Marlins. That means you can enjoy watching Major League stars of the future playing close to home. You'll find the stadium on A. Philip Randolph Boulevard. With the right car, you can go around to all these great venues and discover more favourites for yourself. Stop by Tom Bush Mazda today and browse our inventory.

local art

Just Down the Road: 4 Great Spots for Local Art in Jacksonville, FL

There are so many things to do in Jacksonville, FL that it can be a little bit overwhelming choosing activities. If you love supporting local art, we've put together a short list of some of our favorites. Many of these spots have regularly rotating exhibits. Once you find a few you love, you'll be set up for easy repeat visits. Just Down the Road: 4 Great Spots for Local Art in Jacksonville, FL 1. The Art Center Cooperative The Art Center Cooperative is run by more than 25 artists from the Jacksonville area. It's a non-profit organization with art exhibits, as well as art studios. They also have a shop where you can purchase art you like in a variety of styles. Some of the art supported by The Art Center Cooperative (locally known as TAC) can be found at the Jacksonville Main Library as well. To visit the gallery, check out their new location at 320 E Adams St. It's only a few blocks away from the Museum of Contemporary Art. 2. Yellow House Art Gallery Yellow House Art Gallery features thought-provoking artwork focused on social change. The themes are sometimes on global topics but often zero in on the stories of local neighborhoods. A lot of the work is created by locals and some of it is collaborative. more This is a gallery with exhibits, events, and workshops. It's a community space for looking at art, talking about the messages behind it, and creating work of their own. You'll find this gallery located at 577 King St. 3. Gallery725 This is a fine art gallery created with art collectors in mind. They have services like framing and printing available here. They can also restore older photographs and customers can commission artist reproductions. They are located at 13475 Atlantic Blvd Suite 6, where you can see the beach from inside. They do a lot of events here that make this space particularly fun. Sometimes they'll have food you can enjoy while looking at a particular exhibit. Sometimes they have preview parties to show off a new exhibit centered on a particular artist or theme. It's a great time to visit and see their regular exhibits while you're there. 4. Stellers Gallery You'll be thankful for the spaciousness in your Mazda CX-30 when you drive away with stunning artwork from Stellers. This is a great gallery to go to if you want to find a large piece to really draw attention. It's located at 1990 San Marco Blvd. The pieces here are largely from Southern artists. The gallery was established in 1985 and since then they've held community events and partnered with local businesses. A lot of the work you see in local banks or offices came from this gallery. They always have something new, so it's worth checking back here often. There is always more to see and do here in Jacksonville. It's easy to spend a good long day exploring the local galleries, especially when they're such a short drive away. This is a good time to keep your day going well by looking for a new vehicle. Visit Tom Bush Mazda to see our new cars today.

Drive on Down: 4 of the Best Bowling Alleys

Drive on Down: 4 of the Best Bowling Alleys Near Jacksonville, FL

Welcome to fun-filled Jacksonville, FL. When you've got a good tan at the beach and are ready to enjoy the air conditioning inside, bowling is always a good choice. Check out one of the following local bowling alleys for an evening of entertainment. Drive on Down: 4 of the Best Bowling Alleys Near Jacksonville, FL 1. Freedom Lanes This newly remodeled establishment at Bldg. 609 Gillis St. has 16 lanes, friendly staff, and some of the best pizza and French fries around. Come celebrate a birthday with the whole family. The adults can enjoy a beer while the kids practice their bowling skills with automatic scoring and bumpers. There's also an arcade room and pool tables. And they keep everything clean. Please drink responsibly and in moderation, and do not drink and drive. 2. Pinz Bowling Center Pinz is a modern facility with excellent amenities and entertainment at affordable prices. Go at night for a disco-style bowling experience. They have specials for groups and families, such as $50 for a 2-hour bowling session with up to 4 people. The food is very good, so order wings, a pizza, and sodas and get ready for a great time. You can even join a league at your skill level. They are located at 244 Baltimore St. and are open Tuesday through Saturday. more 3. Jax Lanes Bowling Center This large, colorful center, at 8720 Beach Blvd., boasts 32 lanes and an arcade. You'll find a clean facility, friendly staff, good food, and affordable prices. Order the Philly cheesesteak, a large pepperoni pizza, or a large order of fries for everyone. Let the kids run wild in the arcade while you are buying slots for your group. You can even enjoy the occasional karaoke night in addition to bowling fun. They are open seven days a week. 4. Bowlero Southside Another great choice to bring the family or even host corporate events is Bowlero. They have beautiful lanes, an arcade, and more. We suggest an over-fired pizza and a pitcher of beer. Or order a cocktail from their full bar. Also, check out Sunday Funday and the Friday night After Party special. They are open seven days a week with different hours each day. Check their website for more information. They are located at 10333 San Jose Blvd. Pack the whole family up in your brand new 2023 Mazda CX-5 2.5 Premium AWD and drive to your favorite bowling venue. Visit Tom Bush Mazda at 9876 Atlantic Blvd. and meet our friendly associates. We are here to help you with your vehicle needs. So ask about a test drive and our financing options. Our qualified mechanics are also available to service your current vehicle. We look forward to seeing you soon.

3 Caribbean Restaurants

3 Caribbean Restaurants Worth the Drive Near Jacksonville, FL

You might assume that, being in Florida, we have lots of Caribbean restaurants: and you'd be absolutely right. We're spoiled for choice, if anything, here in Jacksonville, FL. We'd like to share a few of our favorite spots with you, so pick up your friends in your sporty Mazda3 and make a night of it at one of these places. 3 Caribbean Restaurants Worth the Drive Near Jacksonville, FL Spices Right smack in the middle of town at 1319 Rogero Rd, this is the place to enjoy hearty portions and delicious spices. You'll find them open from 11am until 8pm Monday through Thursday and until 8:30pm on Friday and Saturday. They're closed on Sundays. Everything made here is fresh, and they're especially known for their fast to-go service. It's busy here, so be aware. There's so much to recommend here that we're not quite sure where to start, but some of our favorite meals are the Callaloo and Saltfish, the curried goat, and the jerk snapper. You don't want to leave without having their fried plantains or cabbage. They also make terrific smoothies here. Irie Head over to the southwest side of town for this unassuming, easygoing spot with incredible flavors. You'll find them at 1177 Park Ave in Orange Park, and they're open from 11am until 7:30pm every day but Sunday. Prices here are reasonable, we love the friendly atmosphere, and you can't ask for better food. You'll really want to try the coconut shrimp, the conch, and the Trinidad and Tobago curry chicken. We also love the traditional oxtail and the curried goat here. Their jerk ribs are also really excellent, and the red snapper is always done right. more Caribbean Soul and Cuisine If you're on the north side of town, stop at this spot at 5507 Norwood Ave in the Norwood Plaza Flea Market. It's small, it's easy to miss, it's unassuming, it's closed on Mondays: and it's got food so bursting with flavor you'll think you've died and woken up in Jamaica. Do not be put off by the run-down strip mall it's in. They're open from noon until 8pm Tuesday through Thursday, until 9pm on Friday and Saturday, and until 7pm on Sundays. Every day is a different special, so you'll want to try several things and then come on your favorite days. For example, on Tuesday, you can get all kinds of seafood made to order, but no curried goat, which you can get every other day. Be sure to try their fried lobster tail. Come see us at Tom Bush Mazda to make sure your vehicle is ready for all your local island-dining adventures!

5 Sweet Spots

5 Sweet Spots for Dessert in Driving Distance of Jacksonville, FL

The ultimate show of love for your sweetheart is a plate of decadent cupcakes topped with rich cream cheese dressing. Nothing shows your kids how special they are like a family trip to the ice cream shop. With this list of the best dessert spots in Jacksonville, FL, you're sure to find the sweet treat that shows your loved ones what's in your heart! 5 Sweet Spots for Dessert in Driving Distance of Jacksonville, FL 1. Smallcakes Cupcakery & Creamery Located at 13141 City Station Drive Suite 145, this artisan bakery is passionate about spreading the love with savory gourmet baked goods. Their adorable selection of enchanting sweets will have your mouth watering and your sugar tooth tingling! Keep an eye on their specialty menu for delicious monthly treats, like Baklava, Pineapple Upside-down Cake, and Rasberry Chocolate Truffle! Bring your four-legged fur babies for their own specially-made Pupcakes! more 2. Amaretti's This family-owned bakery located at 14965 Old St Augustine Road uses natural ingredients, no preservatives, and a heaping spoonful of love in each of its pastries. Their extensive selection of confections ranges from breakfast pastries to cakes and everything in between, including rich Tiramisu, savory Chocolate Silk Pie, and smooth Red Velvet Oreo Cheesecake. If you have a special event for the holidays coming up, consider having Amaretti cater your event with items like the Mini Cannoli Tray or the Mini Cream Puff Tray. Their Italian sweets are arguably the best in town! 3. Sweet Theory Baking Co. You'll find this bakery at 1243 King Street, where they favor natural ingredients and offer many gluten-free options. Their organic donuts and biscuits are handmade fresh daily in small batches so that nothing goes to waste. We love the So Fudging Good Cake with chocolate cake, brownie, and chocolate frosting; and the Banana Chip Cupcake with banana cake, vanilla, and salted caramel. 4. Motion Sweets Located in Historic Five Points at 1020 Park Street, Motion Sweets is a modern purveyor of American and French baked goods. You'll find a luxurious array of baked delicacies from the children's favorite Krispy Treats to the lesser-known Banana Bread Pudding. Cheesecake fanatics will be in paradise with options like Carrot Cake Cheesecake and Red Velvet + Double Chocolate Cheesecake. 5. Mayday Ice Cream Hop in your 2023 Mazda CX-5 and drive to 1432 Hendricks Ave to enjoy a scoop of ice cream on the patio. With flavors like Queen Salted Caramel, Almond Butter Chocolate, Blueberry Toast Crunch, and Sunday Best Banana Pudding, there's sure to be a perfect scoop (or two!) for everyone. Everyone deserves a little indulgence once in a while. Once you've explored the wonderful world of cream cheese frosting and crumbly pastries, swing by or give us a call at Tom Bush Mazda to schedule a full-service inspection with our professionals!

4 Fun Winter Activities

4 Fun Winter Activities You Can Drive to Near Jacksonville, FL

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.

4 Great Birdwatching

4 Great Birdwatching Spots in Driving Distance of Jacksonville, FL

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

pumpkin patch

3 Fun Fall Activities You Can Drive to From Jacksonville, FL

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

Boating

Take the Car and Check Out These 4 Great Boating Destinations Near Jacksonville, FL

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

Drive Around Town: 3 Fun Things to See and Do in Downtown Jacksonville, FL

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.

3 Favorite Summer Activites

3 Favorite Summer Activities You Can Drive to From Jacksonville, FL

The city of Jacksonville, FL, is located in the northeastern corner of the state and is a popular gateway for travelers exploring the region during the summer months. If you are traveling around in your 2022 Mazda CX-30 and are looking for the best places to enjoy your favorite summer activities with your family or a group of friends, here are three destinations you can reach in less than two hours from the city center. 3 Favorite Summer Activities You Can Drive to From Jacksonville, FL 1. Snorkeling at Ocala National Forest Covering an area of over 430,000 acres and established in 1908, Ocala National Forest is the second largest nationally protected forest in the entire state of Florida, as well as one of the oldest public recreation areas in the region. Boasting over 600 small lakes, rivers, and springs, this place is a true paradise for water sports enthusiasts, welcoming visitors from all over the country. Located about 85 miles south of downtown Jacksonville, Ocala National Forest can be reached in about one hour and a half by car. Once you make your way to this sprawling nature reserve, some of the best snorkeling spots are located in the Alexander Springs and Salt Springs areas. Featuring crystal-clear waters, these places let you spot different species of fish and turtles. more 2. Canoeing at Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge Established in the late 1930s and welcoming over 400,000 visitors each year, Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge is another well-known summertime destination for Jacksonville locals. Featuring a massive swampland open to canoeing and boating, this nature reserve is a place where you can spend a weekend taking a break from the urban frenzy and surrounded by nature. Open between 7:00 am and 7:30 pm, Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge is located about 50 miles northwest of the Jacksonville city center and can be reached in a little over one hour by car via route US-23. Besides canoeing and boating, this nature reserve offers plenty of opportunities for other popular activities including swimming, fishing, hiking, and camping. 3. Sunbathing at Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park If everything you are looking for is a sandy beach where you can spend a day sunbathing and swimming in the ocean, Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park is the place to be. Located just 17 miles east of downtown Jacksonville, this public recreation area is one of the most popular weekend destinations among locals. Featuring pristine beaches, picnic pavilions, grills, and a playground, this place is perfect for a day trip with your family. Are you thinking of buying a new or used vehicle to check out these fantastic summertime destinations? Visit us today at Tom Bush Mazda! Talk to one of our agents about our latest deals and take home a car that adapts to your needs and budget.

Drive on Down

Drive on Down: 4 of the Best Live Theaters in Jacksonville, FL

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.

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