Blog

Winter in Jacksonville, FL is a great time to explore the outdoors and take part in a range of fun activities. If you're looking for something fun to do this winter that won't involve a long drive, there are plenty of great activities nearby. From skiing and snow tubing to ice skating, snowshoeing, and more, here are the top three winter activities you can drive to near Jacksonville. 3 Great Winter Activities You Can Drive to Near Jacksonville, FL Skiing and Snow Tubing at Ski Turtle Ski Turtle is a locally owned and operated ski and snow tubing facility. The center is located in the Hunter's Creek area, about a 40-minute drive from Jacksonville. It's open Friday through Sunday during the winter months. Ski Turtle offers skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, and sledding for both kids and adults. more The ski area has a total of 10 slopes, including a beginner hill, four intermediate runs, and five advanced slopes. The slopes are set at various levels of difficulty, and there are instructors available on the slopes to help anyone learn to ski. There is also a tubing hill with six lanes. It's a great family-friendly place to spend a few hours enjoying wintertime activities. Ice Skating at Jacksonville Ice and Sportsplex The Jacksonville Ice and Sportsplex is a large indoor ice skating facility with both an ice skating rink and a roller skating rink. The sportsplex is located near the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena and Jacksonville Landing, making it easy to combine a few activities while visiting. Open year-round, the ice skating rink is a great place to go skating with friends and family, and the facility offers both public skating and skating lessons. You can also try other fun activities, including curling, broomball, and indoor soccer. The sportsplex is open Monday through Friday from 5:45 a.m. to 11:45 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Snowshoeing at Camp Chowenwaw Park If you love being outdoors, snowshoeing is a great option for a winter activity near Jacksonville. Just a short drive from the city, Camp Chowenwaw Park is the perfect place to snowshoe. The park is open daily from 8 a.m. to sunset, and snowshoeing is permitted on the trails. You can also try snow tubing at the indoor Snow Tubing Park at the park or enjoy ice skating and ice fishing at Lakewood Park, a recreation area located on the shore of Lake Forest. Snowshoers should wear high boots with good traction and bring a snowshoe trail map, food, water, and a first aid kit in case of emergency. There are a few trips that are actually great during the winter, giving you an escape that you won't soon forget. With the safety features of the new MAZDA3 Preferred, like the ABS And driveline traction control, you will no doubt feel safe traveling. Be sure to stop by Mazda City of Orange Park so one of our staff members can help you find a car that fits your needs.

If you're looking to go thrifting, Jacksonville, FL is the place to score some major bargains. There are many benefits to shopping in this city because you can find quality clothing at a fraction of the price. If needed, you can purchase new clothing for your growing child for a few dollars. Also, thrift stores offer the chance to experiment with different styles and designs because the items are inexpensive. Drive Home With the Bargains: 3 Thrift Stores in Jacksonville, FL 1. Hope's Closet If you are looking for gently used clothing, home accessories, and children's clothing and toiletries, you should pay a visit to Hope's Closet. Hope's Closet is unlike most stores because they pride themselves on the appearance of the store. The store is well managed, clean, and organized. You can find just about anything you need at this thrift store. Hope's Closet is a nonprofit that assists children and families with charitable contributions. This organization works with 100 local social service agencies and the St. Lucie County School District to help families in need. There is no charge to use their services. The nonprofit is always grateful for donations. You can donate clothes to Hope's Closet by filling out an online form. If you're able to, consider supporting this organization! more 2. City Thrift You can shop for gently used clothing, household items, and more at City Thrift in Jacksonville. This thrift store stands out among the rest with its booming Facebook page. On their page, they showcase the “look of the day” for shoppers. Also, they announce sales so check it out if you would like additional deals. At City Thrift, a portion of the proceeds of these stores goes to local charities. Be sure to visit this thrift shop as the prices at these stores are extremely low, and they're a great way to support a cause in a fun way. 3. HabiJax ReStore If you're looking for a place to shop for great deals, HabiJax ReStore is a great option. HabiJax stands for Habitat For Humanity in Jacksonville which is an organization that builds homes for people in need. The proceeds from their stores go directly to the cause. The resale store offers a wide variety of goods, from clothing to furniture, to shoes and purses. It has an amazing selection and prices are very affordable. The store runs daily specials, so you can find great deals every day. The inventory is large, and items are replenished daily, meaning you never know when you'll find a gem. You can even donate your used items. All donations benefit local families and are tax-deductible. What can make finding deals that you can brag about even better? Doing it all in a stylish, yet economical vehicle like the 2022 MAZDA CX-5. The vehicle has an incredible design and is packed full of features that make driving an absolute pleasure. With safety, reliability, and technology all in one package, this car delivers on all fronts! Be sure to stop by Mazda City of Orange Park in Jacksonville to see the vehicles we have available.