Take the road from Jacksonville, FL, in a luxurious BMW X5 to go on adventurous weekend getaways to astonishing destinations. Wander through the oldest fort in the state, stick your toes in the sand along the Gulf of Mexico, and escape to an island bordering the pristine wilderness of the Everglades' Ten Thousand Islands. 3 Great Weekend Getaways in Driving Distance of Jacksonville, FL 1. Discover St. Augustine's Fascinating Spanish History Just over 40 minutes from Jacksonville, St. Augustine, commonly called the "Nation's Oldest City," has a delightful European flavor. Visit the impressive Castillo de San Marcos with its imposing gray towers and impenetrable stone walls, Florida's oldest fort, built by the Spanish in the 17th century to defend the Atlantic trade route, on the shores of Matanzas Bay at 11 South Castillo Drive. The fascinating Pirate and Treasure Museum, next to the fort, is a treasure trove of ill-gotten booty and displays the most extensive authentic collection of pirate artifacts and treasures in the world. If you feel adventurous, zipline over the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park on Anastacia Island at 999 Anastasia Boulevard. It's the only place on earth where you can see every species of alligator and crocodile. more 2. Uncover the Beauty of Englewood's Beaches and Untouched Wilderness Take a four-hour drive to Englewood, famous for its beautiful beaches, including the sandy Manasota Beach at 8570 Manasota Key Road. Here, you can laze the day away on the beach, canoe or kayak on the azure blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico, and even search for shark teeth! For a more active adventure, hit the trails through the black mangrove forest in the breathtaking 210-acre Lemon Bay Park and Environmental Center at 570 Bay Park Boulevard. Another must-see destination is the incredible Myakka State Forest at 2000 South River Road, which runs along the Myakka River and stretches over untouched pinelands, wetlands, hammocks, and prairies. Explore this vast expanse of wilderness on 40 miles of hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails and paddle along Myakkahatchee Creek that flows into the Myakka River. 3. Explore the Mangrove Jungles of the Everglades around Chokoloskee Island The quaint Chokoloskee Island, just over five hours from Jacksonville, also sometimes called "Florida's Last Frontier," borders the Thousand Islands and the Gulf of Mexico and is not only renowned for its breathtaking beauty and outstanding outdoor activities in the mangrove jungles of the Everglades but also for having more ghosts than living souls that make nocturnal visits to the historic Ted Smallwood's Store. Get settled in the motel, one of the chalets, or the campground at Chokoloskee Park and Marina at 1150 Hamilton Lane and explore the awe-inspiring Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge at 12085 SR 29 South in Immokalee. The refuge stretches over 35,000 acres of fresh and saltwater marshes and mangrove islands, home to manatees, loggerhead turtles, dolphins, and otters. Go on an unforgettable road trip to amazing destinations and discover Florida's fascinating history and unique beauty. To safely get where you want to go, call Tom Bush BMW Orange Park today for a maintenance appointment, and the qualified BMW technicians will ensure your vehicle runs perfectly.
If you're looking for beautiful places for your next boating day trip with family or friends this weekend look no further. We've put together this list of the five best spots to enjoy fun in the sun within driving distance of Jacksonville, FL. 5 of the Best Boating Locations in Driving Distance of Jacksonville, FL Doctor's Lake - A Fisherman's Paradise Located South of Jacksonville and near the St Johns River at 2399 Lakeshore Drive North Fleming, this brackish lake is a mixture of both salt and freshwater. There is a high diversity of species for the avid fisherman to catch including Red Drum and Atlantic Croaker. Doctor's Lake is also an especially great location for romantic getaways or family bonding trips with many options for lodging along the shoreline. more Palm Cove Marina - Offers Rental Experiences for the Novice Boater Palm Cove Marina, located at 14603 Beach Blvd, and situated in the Isle of Palms, is only a 30-minute drive from downtown making it a convenient escape destination when time is limited. For those who don't own their own boats yet, the Jacksonville Boat Club offers the opportunity to rent a variety of different types of vessels from fishing boats, to pet-friendly boats and even small yachts. Camping at Ocean Pond Those interested in a more outdoorsy weekend getaway and willing to travel a little farther should consider Ocean Pond, a popular spot located at US-90, Sanderson, about an hour outside the city. Tucked into Osceola National Forest, Ocean Pond offers cozy sandy beaches that are perfect for picnics and cookouts. It allows both camping and boat-related activities making it a versatile destination for outdoor enthusiasts. A Peaceful Getaway at Palestine Lake Palestine Lake is a natural lake about an hour west of the city with no residential housing or campgrounds making it one of the most pristine and peaceful locations on this list, but you'll need your own boat or kayak to access it. The scenery is simply stunning, and there's an abundance of fish in the area, particularly jumbo largemouth bass weighing over 8 pounds that are regularly caught. Those seeking a peaceful retreat, whether alone or as a couple, will find this lake particularly appealing. Find the boat ramp to access the lake by entering the coordinates 30.117083, and -82.397444 into your GPS navigator. Timucuan Ecological and Historical Preserve for Wildlife Enthusiasts If you're a kayaker or a wildlife enthusiast, the Timucuan Ecological and Historical Preserve located at 12713 Ft Caroline Rd, offers an ideal opportunity to explore salt marshes and wetlands. Since the preserve is protected, there's an abundance of diverse plant life and colorful birds. You can even book canoeing and kayaking tours if you prefer a more personalized experience. Whether you are a boat owner or not, this list has a little something for everyone to enjoy reconnecting with nature during a weekend escape. And, if you're looking for the perfect vehicle to transport you, your loved ones, and potential new boats, come visit us at Tom Bush BMW Orange Park and test drive our BMW 5 Series 540i sedan equipped with the lane departure warning feature, to ensure you and your precious cargo arrive safely to your chosen destination for this weekend's adventure.
Ready to hit the dance floor and show off your moves? Jacksonville, FL, has plenty of places to strut your stuff, break out a few new steps, or relax and groove. Whether you're looking for a lively place to cut loose on the weekends or an intimate spot for a romantic night out with someone special, here are three great spots for dancing in and around Jacksonville! Drive On Down: 3 Great Spots for Dancing in and Around Jacksonville, FL The Dance Shack Located at 3837 Southside Boulevard, the Dance Shark allows everyone to pick up dance, whether you're a seasoned pro or a complete newbie. Every Friday night, they have a free newbie class starting at 7 pm, and you do not need any partner. Drop in and start learning! If you want one-on-one tutoring, you can also schedule a private lesson to get the hang of your new moves. You can learn various dances, including swing, salsa, and ballroom dance. They even offer special first-dance lessons for engaged couples, perfect if you want something unique and special for your big day! more A Social Affair Dance Studio If you're searching for something unique to do on a date night with your significant other, consider taking them to A Social Affair Dance Studio at 13947 Beach Boulevard. Established in 1995, this dynamic ballroom and Latin dance studio is a great place to spend an evening rocking the night away. You can learn a new move with your partner in salsa, swing, country western, and nightclub-style dance classes. They also hold Zumba classes every Wednesday and Saturday at 9 am. Alternatively, if you're single and want to make new friends, the studio has many social dance events, such as their mix & mingle group dance. Jacksonville Dance Center Driving in your BMW 2 Series with streaming audio and Bluetooth connectivity will provide the perfect backdrop for a fantastic dance session at the Jacksonville Dance Center located at 2375 Street John Bluff Road. Whether you want to prepare for prom, brush up on your wedding dance moves, or enter a professional competition, this studio is for you! The trainers have over twenty years of experience in ballroom dance and will happily guide you through learning any dance style. They have group classes and private lessons available. If you are feeling more adventurous, participate in their amateur student competitions. Jacksonville has much to offer when it comes to dancing and having a good time. And if your current car needs to be upgraded to your dance needs, contact us at Tom Bush BMW Orange Park and buy yourself a new ride. We have a wide selection of sedans, coupes, SUVs, and more to match your flair! Powered by Froala Editor
