Blog / Jacksonville Amenities

3 Favorite Hiking Trails and Walking Paths Near Jacksonville, FL

The city of Jacksonville, FL is the most populous urban area in the state of Florida and the seat of Duval County. Home to more than one and a half million inhabitants, it receives thousands of tourists from all around the world each year. However, Jacksonville is not only a great destination by itself but also an excellent base to explore nearby state parks and nature reserves with scenic views, hiking trails, and recreational facilities.

3 Favorite Hiking Trails and Walking Paths Near Jacksonville, FL

1. Ocala National Forest

With tens of miles of hiking and mountain biking paths, including part of the mythical Florida Trail, the Ocala National Forest is a great spot for beginner and expert hikers coming from all over the country. This nature reserve is located less than a hundred miles south of Jacksonville, making it possible to reach it in about an hour and 45 minutes by car. Apart from hiking, other activities in the area include boating, scuba diving, swimming, canoeing, and fishing. The Ocala National Forest was established in 1908 and covers an area of more than 430,000 acres, so you can rest assured that you will hardly get bored or run out of places to explore while in the area. Apart from the Florida Trail, the forest is also crisscrossed by the Lake Eaton Sinkhole Trail, the Salt Springs Observation Trail, the St. Francis Trail, and the Yearling Trail. This place also features several well-equipped campsites.

2. Jennings State Forest

Located less than 30 miles west of downtown Jacksonville, the Jennings State Forest is a perfect spot for a hiking day trip or a weekend escape from Florida's largest city. This nature escape boasts an area of more than 25,000 acres and is managed by the Florida Forest Service. Some of the most popular activities among visitors include canoeing, horseback riding, hiking, and mountain biking, as well as camping at the Dunn's Creek and North Fork Black Creek campgrounds. For hikers, the best place to start exploring the Jennings State Forest is the North Fork Black Creek Trail, a loop path with a total length of five miles that goes through different sandhills, slope forests, and streams. While hiking along any of the courses, you will see not only wildflowers and trees but also alligators, wading birds, raccoons, white-tailed deer, and songbirds. Getting to this state forest takes a little over half an hour by car.

3. Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge

With a territory of more than 400,000 acres, the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge is located just across the state line in southern Georgia. Established in 1937, it is one of the best spots for hiking and other outdoor sports, including mountain biking, fishing, canoeing, and boating. The main path in the area is the Swamp Island Drive, which has a length of nine miles and passes through a scenic observation tower.
Posted in:

Related Posts

library-gadc02943d_1280

Just Down the Road: 3 Local Bookstores Near Jacksonville, FL

In an age of ebooks, audiobooks, and online book retailers, there's something truly special about immersing yourself in the feel of printed pages. If you're looking for the best local bookstores in the Jacksonville, FL area, then you're in luck. This city is home to a dedicated literary scene and a plethora of independent bookshops, all offering up unique experiences and hidden literary gems. Read on to discover why these three local favorites are worth a visit. 3 Local Bookstores Near Jacksonville, FL Chamblin Bookmine and Chamblin Uptown Located at 4551 Roosevelt Blvd, Chamblin Bookmine is a paradise for bookworms on the hunt for something special. This immense, sprawling bookstore houses an impressive collection of new and used books on any subject you can imagine. Spend hours losing yourself in the labyrinth of stacks and shelves, and you're sure to find a literary treasure that's truly unique. You can also join Chamblin Bookmine's vibrant community of bookworms through their regular events and book clubs. Or, make a trip to their second location, Chamblin Uptown, and pick up some coffee and a baked good while you peruse the store's two floors of books. Navigate through uptown Jacksonville with ease in a Volkswagen ID.4 EV, and enjoy the ample trunk space with plenty of room for your latest book haul! more San Marco Books and More Nestled in the vibrant neighborhood of San Marco, this delightful bookshop offers so much more than just books. What truly sets San Marco Books and More apart is its cozy and inviting atmosphere that brings literature to life for readers of all ages. Since 1972, this family-centered bookstore has specialized in new releases, classics, and children's books. The store also hosts author signings and is home to four book clubs, for more social bookworms. You can find this quaint shop at 1971 San Marco Blvd, underneath its distinctive book cover-themed sign. Femme Fire Books The main mission of Femme Fire Books is to promote diversity and inclusion while helping readers discover new and thought-provoking ideas from underrepresented voices. On the shelves, you'll find an array of books written by authors from various backgrounds and spanning countless genres: anything from cookbooks and fantasy fiction to children's stories, poetry, memoirs, feminist classics, and more. Femme Fire Books is a must-visit if you're looking to spark inspiration or discover new perspectives. Find Femme Fire at 2766 Park St. STE 1 and browse the shelves, or attend one of the store's many community events. Whether you're an avid book collector, looking for a gift for your favorite bookworm, or you want to find your next summer beachside read, Jacksonville has no shortage of charming and community-minded local bookshops to fit every need. And once you've updated your TBR list and you're ready for a long day of book hunting, you'll need a way to get around town. Stop by and visit Tom BushVolkswagen to browse our inventory today!

Our 5 Favorite Vegetarian

The Top 5 Vegetarian Restaurants in Driving Distance of Jacksonville, FL

Vegetarianism is on the rise, and vegetarian dishes can be delicious and healthy. Jacksonville is a big city, but your new Volkswagen Golf will keep you comfortable on your drive across town for one of these delicious meals. Read on to learn about our favorite vegetarian restaurants in Jacksonville, FL. Our 5 Favorite Vegetarian Restaurants in Jacksonville, FL 1. Vegan Cafe Jax You can find this cafe at 2624 Atlantic Blvd. The menu at this restaurant changes regularly as they create delicious dishes using local produce, but you can expect a selection of bowls, sandwiches, salads, burritos, and more. Try a glass of their fresh-squeezed lemonade or a tropical smoothie that is sure to help you beat the Florida heat. more 2. Murray Hillbilly Murray Hillbilly serves a menu of American comfort food, but with a twist: it's all vegan. You can find veganized favorites like plant-based burgers, fried "chickun", and vegan mac & cheese. Try the Git 'Er Done Burger, with a vegan patty, house-made vegan cheese, BBQ soy-based chicken, lettuce, tomato, and special sauce. Murray Hillbilly even hosts a Vegan Bazaar where you can explore local arts and crafts. 3. The Walrus This place is much more than just a vegan restaurant. They serve a range of vegan sandwiches and soups but also host live music and karaoke events. There is even an arcade where kids and adults can enjoy classic games. You can find The Walrus at 948 Edgewood Ave. South. 4. Island Fresh Island Fresh is not exclusively vegetarian, but their menu, inspired by the flavors of the Caribbean, is overflowing with amazing vegan options, including organic tofu and plant-based chorizo, chicken, and beef. Check out their delicious selection of vegetarian sides like sweet plantains, fried yuca, and cheese-stuffed mashed potatoes. 5. 3Natives Jacksonville This local chain has several locations in Jacksonville. Stop by their Mandarin Station location at 11362 San Jose Blvd. They offer a selection of acai bowls, smoothies, salads, wraps, sandwiches, and burritos. They serve dishes with meat, but their vegetarian options truly shine. Try the vegetarian breakfast burrito with egg, pico, corn salsa, cheese, peppers, and avocado ranch.Luckily, diners in Jacksonville are spoiled for choice when it comes to restaurants with meatless options. There are plenty of great vegetarian and vegan restaurants in the Jacksonville area, but even non-vegetarian places like Island Fresh are serving up delicious plant-based meat alternatives. Next time you are looking for a delicious and healthy lunch, try one of these places, and afterward, come see us at Tom Bush Volkswagen to see our latest inventory.

4 Brunch Places

4 Brunch Places Worth the Early Drive Near Jacksonville, FL

Are you planning a weekend excursion in your Volkswagen Atlas to Jacksonville, FL and the surrounding area? You'll discover great brunch places that serve traditional, hearty meals for dine-in and tasty takeout options for the road. 4 Brunch Places Worth the Early Drive Near Jacksonville, FL 1. Uptown Kitchen And Bar Uptown Kitchen and Bar is a modern, casual eatery that features a friendly atmosphere and laid-back dining space that serves exceptional dishes for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner. You'll find the location convenient, at 1303 North Main Street, which is close to great shopping and local attractions. There are fantastic menu options offered, including waffles, pancakes, bacon with egg and cheese biscuits, shrimp with grits, avocado toast, and fresh coffee. This eatery is open six days a week for dine-in and takeout from Tuesday through Sunday, with online ordering and vegetarian options. Uptown Kitchen and Bar also provides catering services for your next birthday party or special occasion. more 2. Secret Garden Café Secret Garden Cafe is a cozy, locally-owned shop that offers breakfast, brunch, and light lunch dishes in a relaxed dining space in a mall at 10095 Beach Boulevard, suite 600. This wonderful place is open seven days a week, with a terrific variety of menu options to enjoy in the cafe or for takeout or delivery, including breakfast bowls, biscuit gravy platter, corned beef hash, egg plates, sandwiches, omelets, waffles, and sides. 3. Jax Beach Brunch Haus This energetic diner features a colorful interior with delicious American, homestyle breakfast, brunch, and lunch to enjoy with family or friends. Jax Beach Brunch Haus is situated at 610 3rd Street South and offers classic dishes, whether you're craving a plate of shrimp with grits, steak with eggs, crepes, buttermilk pancakes, crab cakes, signature dishes, and vegetarian options. If you're looking for the ultimate brunch, you'll find exceptional plates that include croissant chicken, pulled corned beef sandwiches, and quesadillas. 4. Fox Restaurant Fox Restaurant is a terrific place to enjoy classic dishes for breakfast, brunch, and lunch in a casual, vintage-style dining room and excellent service. You'll find every plate offers generous portions at a reasonable price, and all meals are prepared with fresh, quality ingredients. You can find this local gem at 3580 St. Johns Avenue, which serves a variety of delicious dishes, including waffles, bacon, and eggs with hashbrowns, omelets, and other traditional plates. You can visit Fox Restaurant seven days a week, early every morning, for breakfast or brunch. Jacksonville offers spectacular brunch options to enjoy on your next visit to the city with your family or friends. Contact us at Tom Bush Volkswagen and see what we have to find out about our incredible showroom inventory today.