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Jacksonville, FL residents are lucky to have the Atlantic Ocean on the east side and the St. Johns River flowing through the center. It provides them with a multitude of possibilities nearby for a completely different swimming experience. Keep reading to learn about some of our favorites, and visit them all in your VW Jetta! Take the VW and Check Out These 5 Great Swimming Spots Near Jacksonville, FL Ichetucknee Springs State Park The Ichetucknee River is six miles long and runs through nine breathtaking springs. Visitors can enjoy an array of activities, such as a leisurely swim, snorkeling, or diving into the 50-foot-deep Blue Hole. There are canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddle boards to rent or slip in a tube and float along the lazy river. After the trip, just board a tram to return to the starting point. The park is open from 8 am to dark, and parking is just $6. more Blue Spring State Park This state park, which has the biggest spring on the St. Johns River, provides a variety of water sports, including scuba diving, snorkeling, tubing, and much more. You can pitch a tent, go for a trek, or set up a picnic around the lake. If you're visiting during winter, keep an eye out for manatees that poke around when the water temperature dips. Parking ranges from $4 to $6, depending on the number of occupants in the vehicle. Bob's River Place Bob's River Place is located on the Suwannee River and was converted from private property to an open venue where visitors can enjoy a casual swim, water slides, rope swings, leaping platforms, and floating rafts. Please note that there are no lifeguards at Bob's River Place, so visitors should take every safety precaution possible. There's an $8 entry fee, and it's open from 11 am to 6 pm on weekends and closes for the season after Memorial Day. Juniper Springs Recreation Area Juniper Springs, located in the center of Ocala National Forest, is a big swim hole with both a shallow portion and deep waters complete with platforms for jumping. The Juniper Run is a seven-mile canoe or kayak trip along the creek's crystal blue waters. While the run eventually becomes a relaxing float, the beginning may be challenging with its tiny tunnels and fallen branches. It's open from 8 am to 8 pm with a $5 entry fee. Spring Park Pool This spring-fed pool was renovated last year to improve the spring's outfall and to install a new two-story pavilion and water splash feature. You can view the spring while enjoying a dip in the luxurious pool from Tuesday to Sunday. It opens at 11 am and closes at 7 pm with a $4 entry fee. Stop by Tom Bush Volkswagen today for all of your automotive needs!

Getting your daily dose of vitamins and quenching your thirst in Jacksonville has never been easier. You can stop by the grocery store and grab a bottled juice from the refrigerated section, or you can hit up one of the many juice bars that have popped up in the area. If you're looking for juice and smoothie places in Jacksonville, FL, check out a few of our favorites. 3 Great Smoothie Places and Juice Bars Just Down the Road in Jacksonville, FL The Juice Box The Juice Box is a great place to stop for a cold one. With a location on San Marco Blvd and another on Deerwood Lake Pkwy, you don't have to drive far to get a healthy drink. Make the drive in your roomy 2023 VW Atlas, and with seating for seven, you'll have plenty of space for the kids to spread out. The 3-row cabin has lots of legroom, and the reclining second-row seats tip forward and slide, making it easy for everyone to get in and out. The Juice Box has a great selection of juices and smoothies. The Beets It is an excellent blend if you're looking for something with a little more kick. It's made with carrot, apple, beet, celery, and kale—all the good stuff! The Heart Healthy blend is also fantastic. It's made with apple, orange, pomegranate, fresh mint, and ginger. more Jax Juice Bar Located inside LA Fitness in Jacksonville, Jax Juice Bar is a cozy little place with a big menu of juices and smoothies that are made from scratch every day. They have a full menu of healthy choices, including cold-pressed juices, healthy shakes, salads, and wraps. Try the tasty strawberry banana smoothie while you're there. Nekter Juice Bar Nekter Juice Bar is the perfect place to grab a  drink on the go. The bar serves delicious smoothies, acai bowls, and more. Some of their juice blends include Green Apple Detox (apple, cucumber, kale, lemon, and ginger), The Buzz (carrot, orange, lemon, and ginger), and Toxin Flush (spinach, parsley, red apple, lemon, and ginger). They also have wellness shots that can be taken standalone or mixed into a drink of your choice. The menu offers a wide range of options, including superfood smoothies and grab-and-go bottles of their juices. They also serve acai bowls made with acai berries and topped with granola, fresh fruit, hempseed, coconut flakes, and more! The next time you have a taste for a cold, healthy juice, stop by one of these local spots. And if you're looking for a new car, we hope you'll stop by Tom Bush Volkswagen. We have a wide range of VW models available and would be happy to set up a test drive!

Are you looking for ways to stay fit? There are many exciting ways to work off the pounds and tone up. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced exerciser, there's a fitness plan for everyone in our town. Check out these ideas for getting in shape in Jacksonville, FL. more Fitness in Jacksonville, FL: 5 Great Ways to Stay in Shape 1. Take a Pilates Class Pilates is a mind-body discipline that can benefit everyone, from the inactive to experienced athletes. Pilates focuses on building strength by targeting specific muscles groups like your core abdominal area. It's low impact and perfect for beginners, so you can do it with just a few pieces of equipment. Pilates principles include focusing on the breath, centering, coordination and strength. The Body Balance Institute is well-known in the Jax and offers pilates classes with custom workouts and wellness plans. Their instructors are certified and offer one-on-one instruction and group classes. Fans of the studio talk about the strength and flexibility they've gained. 2. Get a Gym Membership Our city has plenty of gyms to choose from, and most of them offer a wide variety of options, from machines and free weights to group classes. Plus, most gyms have month-to-month contracts, so you can always cancel if you find it's not the right fit for you. 3. Boot Camps Boot camps are another great way to get an intense workout. Jacksonville has numerous boot camps that offer a variety of programs and philosophies. Whether you're a novice or a pro, there are many options in the city. The Camp Transformation Center is a gym that offers workout and nutrition plans combined with a series of weight loss programs and challenges. Their 20-pound weight loss challenge is designed to kick off a weight loss plan of 20 pounds over six weeks. Their classes are boot camp style and use interval training and optional meal plans. They also offer hard body challenges and sports nutrition programs. 4. Join a Running Club Running is a great way to get in shape, and there are plenty of running clubs around that will help you stay on track. Most running clubs meet once or twice a week, and they offer runners of all levels the opportunity to train together and socialize. The PRS Running Club is an active community where you can run any day of the week from various points throughout the city. PRS is unique because it has its own coach who provides guidance, one-on-one training, and personalized running plans. 5. Yoga We have several studios nearby that offer training for all skill levels, from gentle Hatha flow to vinyasa power poses. Yoga is a great way to build strength, flexibility, and mindfulness. Hot Spot Power Yoga, with three locations in the Jax, focuses on the Baptiste practice and its high-intensity power yoga routines. The studio offers strength training programs, weight loss, and a beginner series. If you want something less intense, they also have detox flow classes that improve flexibility and relieve stress. Switch up your routine with one of the fantastic ways to stay fit. With so many ways to get in shape, you're sure never to get bored. Stop by Tom Bush Volkswagen and check out our exciting new cars. We'll be happy to schedule a test drive!

Jacksonville, FL is a popular destination for those that love the sun, surfing, and beautiful scenery. There are tons of awesome parks in the city, offering amazing facilities so you can enjoy the outdoors in a variety of ways. more 6 Wonderful Parks to Visit Near Jacksonville, FL 1. Memorial Park As you would expect from an area that was designed by the same architects responsible for Central Park in New York, Memorial Park is a special and beautiful place. Located right by the river, this scenic spot is ideal for walking, running, or relaxing in the large grassy areas with a book. The centerpiece of the park is a striking bronze statue, installed to commemorate those that lost their lives during WWI. 2. Ringhaver Park This lovely city park is a great place for a hike in nature. There are several trails to choose from. Both paved and dirt trails wind their way through the glorious green woods, offering many opportunities to take some great photos. There are two well-equipped and clean playgrounds for children of all ages to enjoy. Sports fans will also find their needs catered for with soccer fields, a baseball diamond, and tennis courts all available to use here. 3. Dog Wood Park This roomy, fenced area is one of the best places in the city to bring your four-legged friends! You will surely love watching your pet swim and splash around in the lake. There are several items for your dog to play with dotted around the park, like tubes and tires. A separate enclosure for small dogs means that all breeds are welcome here. Be aware that you must pay to access the facilities, with a daily pass (of $11) or monthly and yearly memberships available. 4. Kathryn Abbey Hannah Park It's easy to see why locals and visitors adore this action-packed park. The camping grounds here are affordable and well-maintained, allowing you to spend a few nights enjoying everything this place has to offer. The gorgeous beach is just a few steps away and has a section dedicated to surfing. There are miles and miles of trails teeming with wildlife to explore and lakes stocked for fishing. This is the perfect place to come with your family for a memorable weekend! 5. Losco Regional Park Losco Park is the perfect destination for families looking for a place where their kids can burn off some excess energy. The unique playground includes a fun and challenging obstacle course for adventurous children to climb. The popular splash pad is a great place to cool off and frolic on hot days. 6. Mandarin Park Here is another excellent area on our list that is on the banks of St Johns River. Mandarin Park has a fishing dock and a boat ramp for those wishing to take to the water. This is also the ideal location for a picnic as the park is furnished with many covered tables and metal BBQ grills. Check out the inventory of new and used vehicles on offer at Tom Bush Volkswagen today!

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. more 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.