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The compact sedan world has benefited from models such as the Toyota Corolla and the Honda Civic. If you're on the hunt for your next style-forward and city-ready sedan in Jacksonville, Florida, you have your work cut out for you. Let's explore how the 2022 Corolla and Civic compare and why we prefer the Toyota. more Trim Levels The 2022 Toyota Corolla and 2022 Honda Civic each have a range of trim levels that allow you to find a price point and style that work for you. As you progress through these trim levels, both models grow more luxurious and offer more exciting features. The 2022 Toyota Corolla has nine trim levels: L. LE. Hybrid LE. SE. SE Nightshade Edition. SE Apex Edition. XLE. XSE. XSE Apex Edition. The 2022 Honda Civic has four trim levels: LX. Sport. EX. Touring. As you can see, the Corolla offers the highest level of customization — a top attribute for drivers who know what they want from their sedan. Let's take a closer look at what these models and their trim levels have to offer. Horsepower and MPG The Corolla and Civic offer unique performance styles that set them apart. The Corolla starts its lineup with a 139-horsepower four-cylinder engine, while the Civic sports a 158-horsepower four-cylinder engine. Both models offer more powerful four-cylinder engines on their respective sport-inspired trim levels. Though the Civic offers a little more upfront strength, the Corolla makes itself the perfect model for commuters and drivers with busy schedules because of its hybrid powertrain. If you want to take your fuel economy to the next level, opt for the 2022 Corolla Hybrid LE. This model allows you to get up to 53 mpg in the city and 52 mpg on the highway. The Civic gets up to 31 mpg in the city and 40 on the highway. However, it does not offer a hybrid powertrain. Value If you want to save some money on your next compact sedan, we suggest going with the 2022 Toyota Corolla. The 2022 Corolla has a starting MSRP of $20,075. The 2022 Honda Civic sedan is notably more expensive as it has a starting MSRP of $22,350. This price difference of over $2,000 and the Civic's ability to save you more gas money during your daily drives with its superior available fuel economy may be all you need to decide which model is the right one for you. Seating Capacity Both the Corolla and the Civic are five-seater compact sedans. Though the Honda Civic offers more room for rear-row occupants, the Corolla aims to keep its front-row riders more comfortable. The Civic's sporty focus has left it with bucket seats aimed more at performance than comfort. The Corolla's seats are cozier and better suited for long-distance and frequent drives. In addition, you'll find upgraded SofTex upholstery for the heated front seats at the Corolla XLE's lower price point. You'll have to pay extra to move away from cloth seats with the Civic. To see how roomy the 2022 Toyota Corolla's interior is, consider these measurements: 38.3 inches of front headroom. 37.1 inches of rear headroom. 42 inches of front legroom. 34.8 inches of rear legroom. 54 inches of front shoulder room. 51.7 inches of rear shoulder room. 53.9 inches of front hip room. 51.3 inches of rear hip room. Here are the measurements for the Honda Civic's two rows: 39.3 inches of front headroom. 37.1 inches of rear headroom. 42.3 inches of front legroom. 37.5 inches of rear legroom. 57 inches of front shoulder room. 56 inches of rear shoulder room. 54.3 inches of front hip room. 48.9 inches of rear hip room. As you can see, the Honda Civic pulls ahead for drivers who need the most space in the back seat. However, the tradeoff of the Toyota Corolla's most comfortable front row makes it a top choice for drivers who want to treat themselves after a long day at work. Technology The 2022 Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic include impressive technology features to improve your drives. Each model starts its lineup with a 7-inch central touch screen that offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. You can use these programs to connect your smartphone directly to your sedan's smart screen so you can easily access many of your favorite phone apps and features. You can get a larger 8-inch touch screen in your Corolla by moving up to the second trim level, the LE. A built-in Amazon Alexa digital assistant comes standard with the Corolla as well. The Corolla comes standard with a six-speaker audio system, while the Civic gives you a four-speaker system. If you're an audiophile looking for the best sound from their sedan, upgrade to the Corolla's nine-speaker JBL sound system, which is available for the XLE, SE, and XSE. The Civic only offers its premium sound system at its top-of-the-line Touring trim level. Smart Safety The Corolla and Civic each offer advanced safety features to keep you safer on the road. Each Corolla comes with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which is an extensive collection of driver-assist technologies that include: Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection. Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist. Automatic High Beams. Road Sign Assist. Lane Tracing Assist. Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. You can further upgrade your Corolla with the available Blind-Spot Monitor with a Rear Cross-Traffic Alert for more coverage from your intelligent safety systems. The Honda Civic offers a similar set of offerings through its Honda Sensing suite. Each model comes equipped with features such as: Collision Mitigation Braking System. Road Departure Mitigation System. Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow. Lane-Keeping Assist System. Forward Collision Warning. Lane Departure Warning. As you can see, both models offer an impressive number of advanced safety features. One model happens to give it to you for a more reasonable price than the other. Though it's a tight race, the Toyota Corolla pulls out ahead of the Honda Civic for the victory. If you want to discover everything that makes the 2022 Toyota Corolla a great car, be sure to visit Keith Pierson Toyota in Jacksonville, Florida, and take a test drive. Once you're behind the wheel of the new Corolla, you may quickly understand why so many people choose the model for their commute year after year. Images via toyota.com and honda.com

Jacksonville, Florida, is home to some amazing beaches, fantastic restaurants, wild nightlife, and other local gems that are sure to keep anyone busy. Whether you're a single person looking for a place to hang out with friends, a couple needing date night activities, or a family in need of some kid-friendly fun, there's something for you to do any given day, especially on the weekends. So, if you're looking for things to do in Jacksonville on any weekend throughout the year, then check out these six activities you can do to fill up your weekend with fun. Relax in Luxury at Amelia Island Amelia Island is the perfect spot for a weekend getaway that's still close to home. Take the 40-mile trip northeast for a destination that has a little something for everyone. The beaches at Amelia Island aren't nearly as crowded as they get here in Jax, so you can spread out on the sand and enjoy the water without bumping shoulders. You can also spend your days exploring nature, like hiking in Amelia Island State Park, riding a Hydro Bike or kayaking on the water, or renting a charter boat for a deep-sea fishing expedition. Amelia Island is also home to amazing restaurants, both casual and formal. Head to Salt at the Ritz-Carlton for seafood in a luxury coastal atmosphere, or visit the Tavern by Amelia Island Brewing Company for delicious eats that pair with their unique brews. But if you really want luxury, book a weekend stay at one of the resorts in the area. The Omni Amelia Island Resort features a full-service spa, pools, sports, sports clinics, Segway and tours for adults and children, group kayaking and nature excursions, and fitness classes. The Ritz-Carlton also has a full-service spa, access to the Golf Club of Amelia and its 18-hole championship course, tennis courts, private beach rentals and beach access, and both an indoor and outdoor pool. Catch a Show Image via Flick r by voyages provence With multiple small and large-scale event venues in Jacksonville, you'll never have a dull weekend. The Florida Theatre is a historic venue that plays host to national comedy acts, including Bob Saget and Bill Maher, musical acts, like the Righteous Brothers and Gladys Knight, and other specialty shows for kids and adults. Times Union Center hosts symphony shows, comedy acts, musical theater, and national touring acts of all kinds. TIAA Bank Field is home to the Jaguars, who you can catch playing on Sundays. Party in Five Points Stay in Jacksonville for the weekend and enjoy the bustling, historic neighborhood of Five Points. This place features some of the city's best (and most unique) restaurants and cafes, fabulous shopping centers (including plenty of antique shops and small boutiques), a dog-friendly park, and many awesome bars and clubs. In fact, Five Points is one of the best places to enjoy Jax's nightlife, especially on the weekend. For instance, Root Down Jax has beer and wine on tap, plus, this place often hosts cool weekend events, like a silent disco with multiple local DJs, local musical acts, artisan markets, and holiday-themed events, like for Cinco de Mayo. And Rain Dogs hosts music-themed DJ nights, including Hip Hop and Hookah on the first and third Friday of the month, and local artisan markets. "Hike" the Jax Ale Trail Grab your Brewery Passport and head off onto the Jax Ale Trai l. You can visit one, a few, or all of the collection of local Jacksonville breweries over a weekend on your own. Coordinate your trips to Aardwolf, Bold City, Fishweir, Engine 15, Hyperion, and other local breweries on weekend days when they're hosting special events, like free concerts, cannot-miss drink specials, visiting food trucks, and holiday events. Or, you can join up with a local tour group so you don't have to drink alone. Shop at a Local Market It's not just the hip clubs and bars that host local markets; you can find quite a few weekend markets throughout the year in Jacksonville. If you're looking to stock up on fruits, veggies, imported items, and ethnic foods and ingredients, then you've got to hit up the Jacksonville Farmers Market. While this market is open throughout the week, Saturday and Sunday are convenient days to roam around the area, check out all the stalls, and browse the offerings from each vendor. Some of the items you're likely to find here include produce from local growers, artisan cheese, and ready-to-cook packaged veggie selections. Another local market you have to visit is the Riverside Arts Market, which is only held on Saturdays. Here you'll find vendors selling baked goods and sweets, fresh-picked produce, homemade tea blends and coffees, candles, clothing and accessories, jewelry, soaps and bath products, books written by local authors, art, and much more. It's a great market to spend the whole day browsing vendors' wares, buying unique gifts, or stocking up on ingredients for the week's meals. Or, you can go just to browse and each freshly made food, like burgers, chicken, and ice cream, from one of the food trucks. Tour a Museum Jacksonville is home to multiple museums, including small museums focused on local history and large museums that cover a variety of cool topics. The Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens features more than 5,000 works of art that span centuries of artists, and its historic gardens are home to fountains and sculptures placed around both native and non-native plants, flowers, shrubs, and trees. The Cummer Museum offers free admission on the first Saturday of every month and hosts events with hands-on activities for kids and lectures. The Museum of Science and History (MOSH) has dozens of fantastic, hands-on exhibits that explore the wonders of the world. While you can visit the museum during your fun weekend, consider signing up for MOSH After Dark, an adults-only science experiment event that involves cocktails, Mind Over Matter yoga events, or the kid-friendly MOST Molecules events. So there you have it, six things to do on the weekend in Jacksonville. Did we miss any of your favorite weekend fun destinations? Let us know! Contact Keith Pierson Toyota, and we'll be sure to add it to our growing list.

When you want to take someone special out for a date in the Jacksonville area, you're in luck. With so many restaurants, lounges, and natural settings in Jacksonville, it's a breeze to find a unique and romantic activity. Take a Sunset Cruise With St. Johns River Taxi & Tours Image via Flickr by RobBixbyPhotography See the sparkling lights of the Jacksonville skyline from the open-air passenger boat when you take a sunset cruise with St. Johns Taxis & Tours. Once you and your date board the boat, you'll cruise along the St. Johns River toward Riverside, Avondale, and San Marco. You'll watch the sunset while listening to great music and then will return to see the city lights twinkling on the water. You're welcome to bring your own food and beverages, including libations, to enjoy during your cruise. Location: 1015 Museum Circle Telephone: 904-860-8294 Take a Tour of Manifest Distilling Manifest Distilling is an organic distillery that uses grains, potatoes, and citrus sourced from co-ops that use sustainable growing practices. All of the spirits that Manifest Distilling makes are made in American-made equipment with products grown in North America. A fun way to learn about the distillation process is by taking a tour of the plant. You'll get a detailed experience of the production process including mashing, fermentation, and distillation. The tour even includes how they bottle and package the spirits. At the end of the tour, you'll get to sample some of their beverages. Be sure to stop by the Cocktail Room to enjoy a handcrafted cocktail made with Manifest Distillery's spirits. Location: 960 E. Forsyth St. Telephone: 904-619-1479 Go Camping at Little Talbot Island State Park You'll find 5 miles of pristine beaches and loads of solitude when you visit Little Talbot Island State Park. This barrier island is ideal to stroll along looking for pretty shells, watching for colorful birds, enjoying the sunset, then camping under the stars. After a fun day watching dolphins playing in the water, have a picnic at the water's edge and watch the sunset. Then, head to your campsite and build a crackling fire and enjoy sharing stories with each other. The next morning, you can go fishing, kayaking, or hiking before heading back to the vibrant city of Jacksonville. Location: 12157 Heckscher Drive Telephone: 904-251-2320 Share a Pizza at Prati Italia Have a fun date night sharing a delicious pizza at Prati Italia. This locally owned restaurant serves Roman-style pizzas, homemade pasta, and craft cocktails using the freshest and finest ingredients. As you walk into Prati Italia, you'll notice the mouthwatering aromatic smells of the garlic, tomatoes, and herbs that are used on the pizzas. Once seated, order a cocktail or a bottle of wine to share and enjoy an appetizer like truffle fries or steamed mussels. Dive into your pizza with offerings such as The Quinn covered in garlic cream, fresh mozzarella cheese, local mushrooms, and a drizzle of truffle oil. For the ultimate meat pizza, try The Godfather with salami, soppressata, pepperoni, sausage, asiago, and parmesan cheese. Save room for dessert with sweets like tiramisu or flourless chocolate cake. Location: 4972 Big Island Drive Telephone: 904-998-9744 See a Show at the Florida Theatre Since 1927, patrons have been entertained by live performances held at the Florida Theatre. Shows are presented in a stunning building that's on the National Register of Historic Places. This 1,900-seat theater is a great place for a date night when you want to support performing artists while enjoying each other's company. You can see stand-up comedians like Bob Saget or Bill Maher, or listen to music from top-name musicians and bands like Dwight Yoakam, Parker McCollum, or Air Supply. Other performances include the mind-boggling Peking Acrobats or the humorous Mystery Science Theater. Location: 128 E. Forsyth St. Telephone: 904-355-5661 Enjoy Tex-Mex Cuisine at El Jefe If you enjoy margaritas and Mexican cuisine while listening to lively Latin-inspired music, head over to El Jefe for a fun Tex-Mex experience. With roots in Texas and after discovering how delicious nachos were at the age of 7, Chef Scott Schwartz fell in love with Tex-Mex food. After moving to Jacksonville, Schwartz decided to open up El Jefe to share the zesty flavors and vibrant Tex-Mex food with others. After arriving at your table, order one of El Jefe's signature margaritas to sip on while nibbling on chips and guacamole and sharing a plate of spicy nachos. As you move on from appetizers, you can have wood-grilled steak carne asada tacos or enjoy tacos filled with slow-smoked brisket. Go full Tex-Mex with cheesy enchiladas or have super combo fajitas with steak, chicken, brisket, and shrimp smothered with sour cream and pico de gallo. Be sure to share the tasty coconut flan for dessert. Location: 947 Edgewood Ave. St. Telephone: 904-619-0938 Enjoy a Cocktail With Views of Jacksonville Have a romantic cocktail and an intimate conversation while enjoying sweeping views of Jacksonville when you have a drink on the rooftop terrace of River & Post. The mixologists at River & Post create unique and classic cocktails on a nightly basis. While enjoying your beverage and the views, share small plates of food like the flatbread, barbecue bacon shrimp, or a sushi roll. If you head to the rooftop lounge at sunset, you'll be treated to a colorful view. Once the sun goes down, you'll be mesmerized by the twinkling lights of downtown Jacksonville. Location: 1000 Riverside Ave. Telephone: 904-575-2366 Our team at Keith Pierson Toyota hopes you and your date had a wonderful time at these fabulous Jacksonville locations and attractions. What activity did you enjoy the most? Is there a hidden gem of a place perfect for date night that we missed? If you can recommend a place that you enjoy, let us know and we'll add the spot to our list. If you'd like a new Toyota to get you and your date to these awesome Jacksonville locations, stop by Keith Pierson Toyota today and we can help you find the perfect vehicle to get you where you need to go.

With 2022 quickly approaching, the team at Keith Pierson Toyota would like to give you a brief glimpse into some of the fun and exciting events taking place in Jacksonville next year. Whether you're an anime fan, a music enthusiast, a devoted animal lover, or someone with a whole different set of hobbies and interests, there is something for you to enjoy in Jacksonville. Jacksonville Boat Show January 28 - 30, 2022 Photo by mali maeder from Pexels Come and see a wide variety of boats at the North Florida Marine Association's annual Jacksonville Boat Show. From ski boats and fishing boats to cruisers and personal watercraft, you'll see an abundance of boats on display. There will also be vendors set up that can meet all of your boating needs, and some of those boating wishes, too. When you're done marveling at all the floating vessels, stay for one of the seminars or kid's events. Captain Tim Altman of Hoodoo Sportfishing Charters will be giving two seminars over the weekend. Donna Frantz with Fishing 101 will host a Kid's Fishing Clinic where they'll also have a chance to win a rod and reel combo courtesy of Barracuda Batteries. Ticket prices are as follows: Adults $15, children under 12 $5, seniors $12, and military and first responders $12. The Simon and Garfunkel Story February 6, 2022 The Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts will be showcasing " The Simon and Garfunkel Story " in February 2022. With huge projection photos displayed and original film footage being shown, a live band will be performing all the hits of this duo, including "Mrs. Robinson," "Cecilia," "Bridge Over Troubled Water," and "Homeward Bound". Throughout the evening, you'll experience the entire journey of this folk-rock combo, from their humble beginnings to their incredible success as one of the best-selling music groups of the 60s. The night will end with the famous "The Concert in Central Park" reunion from the 1980s, which more than half a million fans attended. Collective Con March 11 - 13, 2022 If you're an avid fan of all things anime, comic book, sci-fi/fantasy, and pop culture, you won't want to miss Collective Con in March 2022. Held at the Jacksonville Expo Center, this weekend is full of celebrity guests, voice actors, vendors, fan panels, video game tournaments, cosplay contests, and so much more. A few confirmed guests so far include Emily Swallow ("The Mandalorian"), Yuri Lowenthal ("Naruto"), and Johnny Yong Bosch ("Bleach"). Creative guests include Gary Whitta ("Rogue One"), Sam De La Rosa ("Venom", "Spider-Man"), and Mitsuhiro Arita ("Pokemon TCG"). Ticket prices begin at $25 per person. Children 10 and under are free. All Female Ride April 1 - 3, 2022 The All Female Ride was created to build a bridge of support for women motorcyclists as well as provide resources for both beginners and seasoned riders. The goal of this event is to share life experiences and create an incredible networking system for women riders from all walks of life. At this event, you'll be connecting with women from several other states as you ride together, while also motivating and supporting each another. Registration begins on Friday, April 1, at Adamec Harley Davidson. The motorcycle ride will take place on Saturday morning at 10:30 a.m. with a police escort and a luncheon to follow. The fee for this event is $25. Jacksonville Jazz Fest May 26 - 29, 2022 The Jacksonville Jazz Fest is free and one of the largest jazz festivals in the country. What began as the All That Jazz Festival in 1981 has featured a stunning line-up of jazz legends over the years, including Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis, Branford Marsalis, and Harry Connick, Jr. Along with amazing musicians, you'll experience great food, tons of fun, and plenty of free live entertainment. When you attend, be sure to stop by the Jazz Marketplace. Here you'll meet artists and creators who display their original wares and unique handiwork. You won't want to miss the Piano Competition, Jazz Jam, or the Sacred Jazz Brunch. Consider enhancing your festival experience with Premium Experience Packages that give you exclusive access to front-stage seating, reserved parking, VIP wristbands, $200 in food and beverage credits, and much more. Show Me Reptile and Exotics Show June 25 - 26, 2022 Show Me Reptile and Exotics Show is a premier reptile expo for both the reptile lover and those who would like to learn more about this curious species. The creator of this expo, Show Me Snakes, has a desire to provide a memorable experience for those who attend and encourage safe and responsible reptile keeping. Held at the Jacksonville Fairgrounds, you'll enjoy a day of learning, exploring, and understanding more about the reptile world with others who respect and care for these animals. You'll also find everything you need to take proper care of your own reptiles, including high-quality equipment like lighting, heating, feeders, substrates, enclosures, and more. There are also educational stations, face painting kiosks, delicious food, and many other activities. Feel free to ask any of the vendors or staff at the show if you have questions. Ticket prices begin at $7 per person. You can also purchase a Weekend Warrior package for $20 that will give you access to the show for both days. Riverside Fall Festival November 13, 2022 The Riverside Fall Festival is a positive, family-friendly event that welcomes the fall season with carnival games, local food trucks, live music performances, and more. Many local businesses are supporting this seasonal experience, which is free and open to the entire Jacksonville community. You can easily fill up your 2022 calendar with all that Jacksonville has to offer. From sports games and music festivals to wedding expos and family-friendly carnivals, there's absolutely no reason to be bored in this popular Florida metropolis. Is there a favorite celebration of yours that isn't mentioned here? If so, we'd love to hear about it. Contact us today and we'll be happy to add it to this list. At Keith Pierson Toyota, we enjoy sharing highly recommended Jacksonville interests and locales to both residents and visitors in the area.

Jacksonville is in North Florida on the Atlantic coast and is known for sun and fun and offers plenty of things to do. Just because it's winter doesn't mean the fun ends. Even with cooler days and longer nights, it's still a sunny retreat for anyone visiting from farther north. With its mild climate, even in the winter, you can still enjoy outdoor activities with only a jacket to keep you comfortable. So while you might forgo a swim until another time of year, there are plenty of indoor and outdoor activities to keep you busy throughout the winter months. Indoor Ice Skating Ready for a more traditional winter activity? Try indoor ice skating at the Community First Igloo rink located at 3605 Philips Highway. It offers daily public skating and figure skating and youth and adult hockey. Never skated before? Don't be daunted. Sign up for the weekly skate classes that start at $85 per month plus the $50 annual sign-up fee. An experienced teacher will ensure you'll be skating in no time, and even more importantly, teach you how to stop once you've got going. Check the calendar for times for the public skate, classes, and special events. Visit the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is one of only seven zoos in the country with a dedicated animal welfare team ensuring that all animals are healthy, happy, and receiving the best care possible. General admission tickets are $25 for adults, $20 for children from 3 to 12, and $23 for seniors. You can also pay a little more and get the Total Experience tickets, including access to the zoo, 4D theater, unlimited train, unlimited carousel rides, and limited animal feedings. The zoo is located at 370 Zoo Parkway and is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens offers more than 100 acres of exhibits and gardens. You'll also find a gift shop, a sweet shop, two cafes, a restaurant, and a Kona ice cream van. You can see local animals such as the Florida bobcat and Florida manatee, as well as species from all around the world, including magnificent Malayan and Sumatran tigers, the fearsome Komodo Dragon, and the rare Blue-eyed Black Lemur. There are over 150 different species at the zoo, including exotic birds, curious mammals, snakes, other reptiles, newts and amphibians, fish, and other water creatures. Art and History Museums A local museum or art gallery visit is a great way to pass a gray winter day. In Jacksonville, you won't find a shortage of them with over a dozen different museums on offer. An excellent place to start is the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens, located along the Riverfront at 829 Riverside Avenue. This museum was founded in 1958 by art collector Ninah Cummer who donated her home and collection to form the largest fine art museum in North Florida, with over 5,000 pieces of art in its collection. Image via Flickr by James Willamor Other Jacksonville museums include the Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum, one of nine such museums in the country that preserve the original works of important authors, thinkers, and philosophers. Located downtown is the Museum of Science and History which features the Bryan-Golding Planetarium, which is the largest single-lens planetarium in the world. You can spend hours in this museum learning about the history of Northeast Florida through thousands of years of change. If history is your thing, you can also check out the Ritz Theatre and Museum, which houses an extensive collection of African American history from the area. White Sands Beachwalk Florida's mild weather means you'll have plenty of opportunities to get outside whatever the time of year. Jacksonville is lucky enough to be located beside the ocean with over 20 miles of white sand beaches. The main beaches you'll find in the city are Jacksonville Beach, Mayport Beach, Neptune Beach, and Atlantic Beach, with multiple access points along the way. Winter is the dry season in Florida, perfect for a long walk on an uncrowded beach. You can take in the sunrise over the water if you arrive early enough, then look for pretty shells to take home. The Florida Theatre The Florida Theatre first opened to the public in 1927 as a venue for both movies, live shows, and more, with seven stories in total. It is one of only four surviving high-style movie palaces from that era built in Florida. Today it plays host to many traveling acts and events throughout the year and is home to the Florida Ballet, the children's theatre program Theatreworks, and the Community Nutcracker, which is performed every year in December and is now in its 30th year. So if you're looking for a show to attend this winter, you're sure to find something interesting. Jacksonville Riverwalks Image via Flickr by KirkOls The St. Johns River runs through Jacksonville, with a north and south riverwalk on each side. The Northbank Riverwalk is on the downtown side and starts at East Coastline Drive, goes past the Riverfront Plaza, and continues for a total length of 2 miles of riverside views. The shorter Southbank Riverwalk runs for 1.2 miles from the Friendship Fountain in Friendship Park to the Grand Site historical place. Start your weekend day with a walk or jog along the river, taking in the views, then head downtown for a spot of brunch at any of the many eateries. Jacksonville is a thriving, diverse city with much to do throughout the year. Take in some museums and cultural centers, go for a walk on the white sand beaches, enjoy a live show, and visit one of the best zoos in the county, all within the city. So whether you live in Jacksonville or are here on a visit, we at Keith Pierson Toyota hope you've enjoyed this list and have been inspired to get out and try something new. Contact us and tell us what activity you are most excited to go try.

When you're looking for an amazing cup of coffee, and possibly a sweet treat or two to go with it, you will find some incredible coffee shops in the Jacksonville area. At Keith Pierson Toyota, we love starting our day with a fresh cup of joe and look forward to trying new coffee drinks from time to time. Try these highly rated and often recommended coffee bistros for some of the best-tasting brews in Jacksonville. Bold Bean Coffee Roasters Image by Nathan Dumlao Free to use under the Unsplash License At Bold Bean Coffee Roasters, their mission is to not only source, roast, and serve remarkable coffees, but to also foster community, be kind to others, and of course, have fun. Founded in 2007, this coffee bistro focuses on serving the Jacksonville community by providing aromatic, sustainably-sourced coffee. They build relationships with various vendors in their supply chain, believing this is the best way to discover the finest coffee available. What sets Bold Bean apart from its competitors is it's in-house gas-fired coffee roaster, which provides the staff with precise control over how the beans taste and smell. They also offer three different coffee subscriptions — Roaster's Choice, Sweet Spot, and Decaf. Roaster's Choice is a rotating selection of their globally sourced coffees. The Sweet Spot is their signature blend of Latin American coffees and the Decaf subscription is a full-bodied coffee from Risaralda, Columbia. You can choose the frequency of shipments as well as the bag size and grind size. Silver Cow The Silver Cow is an all-in-one coffee shop, neighborhood bar, and community gathering place. Enjoy a great hot coffee or Vietnamese iced coffee on your way to work and then stop back that evening for a craft soda, artisan beer, or glass of boutique wine. Located in historic Murray Hill, this coffee shop features several refreshments such as tea, Italian cream soda, and cider, and light bites like retro candy, Charcuterie snack plates, packaged snacks, and olive and cracker plates. Don't forget to enjoy a vintage board game or two as well. This local coffee boutique is the ideal location for a team-building meeting or a group workshop. The free Wi-Fi and two large flat-screen televisions can be used for any presentation. Plan a small get-together with friends and enjoy a glass of wine or one of their mimosas. What truly makes this place unique is its pet-friendly atmosphere. Take your pup for a walk and stop on by the Silver Cow for an afternoon caffeine recharge. Brass Tacks Coffee Co. The mission of Brass Tacks Coffee Co. is to make great coffee more accessible. They do just that by providing amazing coffee that is served by approachable baristas in a friendly cafe atmosphere. Along with their traditional coffee drinks like the cappuccino, iced latte, or cold brew coffee with a wide variety of syrups, Brass Tacks also serves chai lattes, blended matcha, hot or iced tea, and kombucha. If you are interested in serving their coffee in your restaurant, church, or office building, they also provide wholesale coffee for small businesses and organizations. Brass Tacks serves an interesting menu full of espresso, coffees, and teas, as well as both breakfast, lunch, and snack bites. Stop by on your way to work for a quick hot coffee and breakfast dish like a Build Your Own Burrito, biscuits and gravy, or Nutella waffles. Enjoy a leisurely lunch break with a Chai latte and a Chicken Pot Pie Biscuit, Greek Garden Wrap, or soft Bavarian pretzel with your choice of toppings. Southern Roots Filling Station Southern Roots Filling Station is known as Jacksonville's favorite vegan cafe. With a focus on sustainability and high-quality ingredients, their goal is to inspire community through a commitment to food, coffee, culture, and the environment. The menu is simple and consists of coffee and espresso drinks as well as tea and matcha beverages. And, of course, because it is a plant-based cafe, all of its food offerings are vegan and gluten-free. Not only does Southern Roots serve remarkable coffee but it also serves in-house made-from-scratch baked goods daily. With a selection of donuts, muffins, scones, biscuits, oat bars, and cookies, all their pastries are inspired by the various seasons. If you have an upcoming birthday celebration or office party, be sure to take advantage of their catering services. Donuts by the dozens, birthday cakes, and mini-cookies are a few of their specialty baked good items you can order for group occasions. Sago Coffee Sago Coffee has a mission to bring the beach community together by serving great-tasting coffee in an uplifting atmosphere. By serving their amazing brew to the people of Jacksonville, the owners of Sago aspire to make a positive change in the community. The owners of Sago also believe in giving back in meaningful ways which is why they partner with a wide range of local causes such as Hunger Fight. This early childhood literacy program provides age-appropriate books to preschoolers who attend daycare in low-income areas. The menu at Sago offers various coffees, teas, signature drinks, sweet and savory dishes, and a kid's menu. Enjoy a cortado, macchiato, or nitro cold brew, or one of their pour-over brews such as Xocomil from Guatemala or Cerro El Tigre from El Salvador. Order a coconut oolong tea, masala chai, or turmeric ginger tea. For a light lunch or dinner, try the chicken salad sandwich on a toasted croissant, an avocado bacon bagel, or a bowl of their seasonal soup with a slice of their sourdough bread. When you need a sweet treat, consider ordering the Affogato, a scoop of French vanilla gelato with a double shot of hot espresso. You may also want to try the Liege Waffle, which is a Belgian-style waffle filled with sugar pearls and served warm. Have you tried any of these local coffee shops? If not, which one do you think you'll be visiting first? If there's a favorite of yours that we missed, we'd love to hear about it. Simply contact us to let us know and we'll be happy to add it to our list. We're always looking for great recommendations for local shops and businesses in the Jacksonville area.

When you buy a new or used vehicle from Keith Pierson Toyota, it will run as smoothly and efficiently as the day it left the factory. But, to keep your car driving like new, it needs to have regular maintenance and servicing. An important element of servicing is having the filters cleaned or replaced. Dirty and clogged filters can affect your car's performance, fuel economy, and even the air that you breathe in the cabin. In this article, we'll take a look at the different types of filters, what they do, and why you need to have them replaced regularly. Types of Car Filters Image via Flickr by joe_no_say Every gasoline- or diesel-powered car has four main filters, or five if it has an automatic transmission. They are the engine oil filter, engine air filter, fuel filter, cabin air filter, and if applicable, a transmission filter. Your car's filters all have the same basic purpose: to catch impurities and ensure the free flow of fluids and air. This includes capturing dirt and contaminants in the car's fuel or oil and removing dust and impurities from the air. Your car needs to breathe as much as you do, and if you don't have the filters replaced regularly when you drive the Jacksonville roads, they will become more and more clogged until they don't work properly. Eventually, that will affect the engine's efficiency and impact the air quality inside your vehicle. Your car will run better and use less fuel if your filters are changed regularly. Oil Filter Your car's engine operates at very high temperatures as the various parts move together to make the vehicle run. Engine oil is essential to lubricate all the moving components to reduce friction and absorb heat from the engine. This ensures the car runs at its best and most efficient, and reduces wear to prolong the life of your engine. As the oil circulates, it can pick up contaminants, such as dirt, metallic particles, and oxidized oil. The oil filter catches these impurities and cleans the oil, so it can continue to circulate efficiently. The filter has sufficient capacity to hold all the impurities while remaining completely functional until the car is due for an oil change. If you wait too long to change your oil filter, it will eventually allow contaminants to pass through. That can result in poor performance, the premature wear of engine components, or even engine failure, meaning an expensive repair. Signs your filter is overdue for replacement include a sputtering or jerky engine, metallic engine noises, and a drop in oil pressure. You should change your car's oil filter (along with the oil) every 3,000 to 7,000 miles, depending on your driving habits and your vehicle's age. The climate in Jacksonville, Florida, can be quite harsh on your engine, so more frequent changes would be preferable. Fuel Filter Fuel is clean when it leaves the refinery, but by the time it has passed through delivery trucks and gas station tanks, it can become contaminated before it even gets to your vehicle. Your car's engine depends on the clean delivery of fuel via the fuel pump and injectors to run well. The fuel filter is a small cartridge that fits inside the fuel line and is designed to catch any impurities before it passes through to the injectors. It helps protect the fuel injectors and maintain the performance and life span of your engine. When the fuel filter becomes obstructed, the flow of fuel is reduced and the pump has to work much harder to draw fuel. You might have trouble starting up your car, notice poor acceleration, or experience misfiring and stalling. The abrasive nature of contaminants in the fuel can cause excessive wear, damage delicate parts, and cause the failure of the fuel pump and injectors. It's generally recommended to replace the fuel filter after 30,000 miles or two years. Check your car's manual or visit our service department at Keith Pierson Toyota for advice. Engine Air Filter For an internal combustion engine to work, it needs a combination of fuel, oxygen, and sparks. The air flowing into the engine needs to be clean for the combustion process to work effectively and to give you efficient power delivery. Air comes into the air intake from the front of the car as you drive. The air filter is situated just behind the intake under the hood and is designed to keep out road grime, dust, sand, bugs, water, and anything else that comes in through the grille from the Jacksonville highways. A clogged air filter can lead to an incomplete combustion process, causing your engine to sputter, blow out black smoke, and use more fuel. This filter is one of the easiest components to remove to clean or replace. Transmission Filter If your car has an automatic transmission, it will also have a transmission filter located just above the transmission fluid pan. The transmission filter prevents dirt, debris, and metal particles from getting into the transmission gears. Changing the transmission filter is a job for one of the expert technicians in our Keith Pierson Toyota service center. Signs that the filter needs to be replaced could be clunky gear changes, strange noises when shifting gear, or a burning smell from the transmission. Cabin Air Filter The cabin air filter is part of your car's heating and ventilation system and prevents air pollutants such as dust and pollen from entering the cabin. If your vehicle has a carbon-activated cabin filter, it will also help keep out exhaust fumes and other odors. The cabin filter helps you breathe cleaner air and extends the life of your car's HVAC system. When you bring your car for a service at Keith Pierson Toyota, our technicians will check and replace the filters according to the manufacturer's recommended schedule. Contact us today to schedule a service or to ask our advice if you have any concerns about your car's filters.

If you're looking for delicious family-friendly dining in the Jacksonville area, we have plenty of suggestions for you to check out. Our area has as many places to dine as it has things to do, ensuring that families here are never bored. Try these options when you need to find a satisfying bite for everyone, from kids to adults. Harp's American Pub & Grill Image via Unsplash by ballparkbrand Harp's caters to everyone in the family with an impressive beer and wine selection for parents and more than half a dozen dishes just for the kids. The Youngins' section of the menu offers more than a few laughs with names like "I'm Not Hungry," "I Don't Know," "I Don't Care," and "Blank Stare" for the dishes. It's never been easier for kids to order for themselves. Even the stubborn "Nothing" translates to fried or grilled fish on this playful menu. Even picky eaters will enjoy the lineup of go-to options like grilled cheese, chicken fingers, marinara pasta, and hot dogs. Meanwhile, the adults in the party can enjoy specialties like chicken-topped Tijuana nachos, fried shrimp, and Fettuccine Alfredo. The menu also includes paninis, wings, salads, sandwiches, burgers, and frankfurters. With options this diverse, you're sure to find something for everyone. The Local If you're looking for a welcoming atmosphere, thoughtfully crafted meals, and a beguiling kid's menu, you've found it. The Local focuses on creating the same beloved environment you find when you're home for dinner at Mama's. Every menu includes a selection for kids. As you're enjoying a gourmet taste of The Blue Goat for brunch with blueberry bread pudding, whipped goat cheese, and a fresh strawberry puree, your kids can dig into bacon, scrambled eggs, and home fries or strawberry-topped waffles. The lunch menu features half a grilled cheese, chicken nuggets, or half of a ham or turkey sandwich for kids. Meanwhile, the rest of your party can try the bistro burger on a grilled ciabatta bun or alluring Wonder Tacos topped with grilled chicken, red cabbage, sweet chili aioli, and WonderSauce. The dinner menu adds pasta with butter or marinara and grilled chicken and corn for kids while adults can get mouthwatering entrees like Argentinian salmon or Churrasco New York strip. Everyone is sure to leave happy from this spot. Dockside Seafood Restaurant Kids will enjoy Dockside Seafood Restaurant before they've even seen the menu. The atmosphere alone is enough to coax a friendly attitude from your little ones. This oceanfront restaurant offers engaging views of the marsh and boats, so you can chat about the watercraft as you wait for your food. The "First Mates" kid's menu includes fried fish bites, fried shrimp, chicken strips, hot dogs, and grilled cheese. All kid's baskets come with fries, hush puppies, and a drink, so no one will leave hungry. Adults can enjoy seafood baskets featuring shrimp, scallops, clam strips, oysters, deviled crabs, calamari, haddock, crab cakes, and more. All come with fries, slaw, hush puppies, and your choice of sauce. This is the perfect stop when you're craving satisfying seafood in a welcoming, homey restaurant. Mama's Pizza & Grill Few things are as kid-friendly as pizza and pasta, which is what makes Mama's Pizza & Grill such a winner. If you're after a family pizza, you'll find an abundance of options, including New York-style and Chicago-style pizzas. Combine all the kids' favorites in one decadent dish with the baked mac and cheese pizza or keep it classic with a pepperoni pizza. If you have adventurous eaters, you might even try options like the fruit pizza with ham, pineapple, and a hint of coconut. Mama's also has a kid's menu that features chicken fingers, mac and cheese, sub sandwiches, spaghetti or ziti with marinara, and a giant meatball topped with marinara and a slice of mozzarella. Everyone in the family will love the dessert selection, which includes cannoli, chocolate cake, tres leches, zeppole, baklava cheesecake, tiramisu, and more. Fresh, delicious, and overflowing with flavor, all the food at Mama's is made to please, bringing classic Italian hospitality to Florida. Jerry's Grille At Jerry's Grille, everything is made fresh, right down to the ice cream. This destination isn't just kid-friendly, it's pet-friendly too, so you can bring everyone in the family. High-definition TVs throughout the restaurant keep all the latest games on, so there's something to entertain curious eyes as you wait for your food. Everything on the kid's menu comes with a drink and your choice of slaw or fries. Kids can choose from a hot dog, grilled cheese, fried shrimp, chicken tenders, 5 oz. burger, or homemade mac and cheese. Adults will enjoy a selection of wings, quesadillas, wraps, sandwiches, burgers, seafood baskets, and more. Every meal just begs for a sweet finish here. Jerry's specialty is the housemade banana nut bread with banana nut ice cream, topped with a butter pecan glaze, powdered sugar, and whipped cream. If you need enough for the family, this dessert is also sold by the loaf with a quart of housemade ice cream. Other options for your sweet tooth include an ice cream sundae, milkshake, housemade cobbler of the week, and warm brownie delight. The Bearded Pig The Bearded Pig is a mouthwatering BBQ joint that caters thoughtfully to everyone in the family. The flavorful meat selection includes brisket, pulled pork, turkey, sausage, chicken, beef rib, and spareribs. Pair these hearty picks with sides like mac and cheese, potato salad, slaw, baked beans, and collard greens for the essential Southern dining experience. If your kids don't like the regular menu, the kid's menu offers chicken nuggets, hot dogs, and a BBQ sandwich with brisket, pulled pork, or turkey. All kid's meals come with a drink and side. Dessert is a must-taste option with banana pudding, chocolate chip cookies, vanilla ice cream, and a Nutella brownie sundae on the menu. Did we include your favorite family restaurant in Jacksonville? If we missed a great spot, contact our team at Keith Pierson Toyota and let us know so we can update our suggestions!

If you want to upgrade your Jacksonville, Florida, commute with a new sedan, the Toyota's Avalon and Corolla models have a lot to offer. Their trim configurations and amenities are so many that you might find it challenging to sift through the many features of both vehicles. That's why we've put together this comparison to help you better understand these exceptional cars and make an informed decision. Curb Appeal Image via Flickr by SAUD AL - OLAYAN Toyota's full-size sedan, Avalon, comes in six trim levels, three of which use gasoline power and the rest a hybrid powertrain. Every trim features an aggressive front fascia marked by sharp lines and signature grilles. LED reflector beam headlights and LED daytime running lights also come on every variant. Yet the XSE Nightshade Hybrid and the Touring offer stylish smoked chrome bezels. A low, wide stance, side body contours, and 17-, 18-, or 19-inch alloy wheels in various styles give the Avalon its athletic profile. At the same time, a rear spoiler reinforces the elegance and performance of the rear fascia and its LED taillights. The compact Corolla's seven trims pop with sporty styling cues, from the aggressive front fascia — featuring black front grille with a sport mesh insert — to the low-profile 17- and 18-inch wheels. There are also subtle design differences across the board, though only one trim uses a hybrid powertrain. What's more, The Corolla comes with LED headlights and LED accent lights, which let you see and be seen. Corolla's Apex draws on sport-inspired performance, while the Nightshade boasts black-out trim that turns heads along the boulevard. The top trim, XSE, comes with signature amenities such as a bronze body kit, black flow-form wheels, and a lowered, sport-tuned suspension. Interior Comfort and Convenience Slipping into the Avalon cabin, you're enveloped in the ergonomic comfort of Toyota's SofTex upholstery, a durable yet beautiful synthetic material. The top trim, Limited, comes with premium leather for a refined look and feel. Also, every Avalon has a leather-wrapped steering wheel with all your infotainment and cruise controls. Genuine aluminum and wood trim, ambient lighting, and heated and ventilated seats create a sophisticated ambiance. In-vehicle tech runs through the 7-inch touch screen on the base model and a 9-inch touch screen on the upper trims. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth enable hands-free operations. Further, a 10-inch head-up display projects critical driving data onto the windshield before you. Two USB-A and two USB-C ports, plus a wireless charging pad, keep everyone's devices connected and charged. Inside the Corolla, you get premium cloth upholstery on the lower trims, SofTex upholstery on the middle trims, and premium leather seating on the top trims. In addition, a heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel and heated seats come standard on the higher trims and are available as part of a package option on the lower trims. In-vehicle tech operates via the same 7-inch touch screen on the lower trims and an upgraded 8-inch touch screen on the middle and advanced trims. You also get Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth technology to sync your smartphones. Performance Under the Avalon's hood, you have two engine options. The gas unit uses a 3.5-liter V-6 engine with dual overhead cams, 24 valves with dual injection, and variable valve timing technology. Toyota pairs this engine with their Direct-Shift 8-AT eight-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission. This powertrain puts out an impressive 301 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. And when fitted with this engine, the Avalon posts 22/31 city/highway mpg ratings. Avalon's hybrid powertrain combines a 2.5-liter Dynamic Force four-cylinder engine and dual overhead cams with 16 valves with direct injection and variable valve timing technology. Enhanced by the 88-kW electric motor, this unit produces 215 net hybrid system horsepower and achieves up to 44 miles per gallon. The Corolla features three available engines. The base models have a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine with dual overhead cams and 16 valves with Valvematic technology. This engine is paired with a continuously variable transmission to produce 139 horsepower and 126 pound-feet of torque. When equipped with this four-cylinder, the Corolla gets 30 mpg and 38 mpg in the city and on the highway, respectively. You can opt for the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with dual overhead cams and 16 valves with dual variable valve timing technology. Also, you have the option for a continuously variable transmission or a six-speed manual transmission. This powertrain puts out 169 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque. You can expect your Corolla to clock 30 mpg if it uses this engine — an efficient return for any sedan. The hybrid powertrain includes a 1.8-liter four-cylinder aluminum engine with dual overhead cams and 16 valves with variable valve timing technology. It also uses an 88-kW electric motor and an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission to supply 121 horsepower and 105 pound-feet of torque. That said, what it lacks in power, it makes up for with efficiency: A hybrid Corolla returns an incredible 53 mpg in the city. Driver-Assist Technology Your Avalon comes with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, a suite of driver-assist systems designed to help you drive safe. The suite includes pre-collision with pedestrian detection, full-speed range dynamic radar cruise control, blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, and road sign assist. These systems use radar and optical sensors to monitor the car's surroundings, alerting you to potential hazards. In some cases, these systems will intervene with braking and steering to help you avoid a possible accident. Other times, they help you stay within marked lanes and keep you at a preset speed and distance while in traffic — protective measures to reduce driver fatigue. In contrast, the Toyota Corolla sedans come with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, an earlier version of the suite described above. One significant change is that the blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert systems are only optional, not standard as on the Avalon. We hope this article helped you better understand what makes the Avalon and Corolla such great vehicles. At Keith Pierson Toyota, we know what sedan drivers want. That's why we stock an expansive inventory of Avalons and Corollas, all loaded with features you'll love and at prices to fit any budget. If you're ready to elevate your Jacksonville commute, we invite you to browse our inventory online or stop by our dealership at any time. One of our friendly, professional staff will show you the different Avalon and Corolla sedans and let you take your favorite for a test drive.

Surround yourself with the sights, sounds, and scents of the holiday season in Jacksonville, Florida. Our guide to the best holiday activities, attractions, and events in the area will give you plenty of things to do with friends and family at this time of year. more Candy Cane Class at Sweet Pete's Candy Image via Unsplash by designedforadventure. If you're looking for an activity to set sugar plums dancing in your head this holiday season, Sweet Pete's Candy has what you seek. Sweet Pete's Candy staff will teach you how to shape candy canes. All participants will make five to nine candy canes during the class and receive an ice cream treat. Reserve private candy cane classes for groups of six or more people on the Sweet Pete's website. Admission is $15 per person, and adults must accompany children younger than 13. Classes are available for reservation on Dec. 11, 13, 15, 20, 21, 24, and 28. Sweet Pete's describes itself as the largest candy store in the U.S. Southeast. Calling home to a 22,000-square-foot mansion in downtown Jacksonville, Sweet Pete's produces exquisite handcrafted chocolates and candies and invites participants to be part of the candy-making experience. The in-house restaurant Fizzies & Fare serves light food and drink, including ice cream sundaes, over-the-top crazy milkshakes, and boozy beverages for adults. Location: 400 N. Hogan St. Telephone: 904-376-7161 Dazzling Lights at the Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens Immerse yourself in a holiday wonderland of illumination during Dazzling Lights at the Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens. This family-friendly adventure, which runs from Nov. 19 to Jan. 9, 2022, allows guests to embark on a three-quarter-mile interactive holiday experience. More than a million dazzling lights complement magical displays and beautiful sculptures for an unforgettable evening of enchantment. Highlights of Dazzling Lights include a spectacular 65-foot-long tunnel of illumination, a 30-foot-tall Christmas tree, and a forest of light and fog. Get your cameras ready to capture these spectacles of light. Admission is by timed tickets. The first entry begins at 5:30 p.m., and the last entry is at 9 p.m. Tickets are $22 per person on the weekdays and $25 per person on the weekends. Limited on-site parking is available through advanced reservation for a fee. Complimentary off-site parking and a shuttle are available for guests at The Regency Square Mall and Arlington Expressway. The Dazzling Nights exhibition opens rain or shine except in the event of severe weather. Location: 1445 Millcoe Road Telephone: 904-318-4342 Deck the Chairs at Jacksonville Beach Discover a holiday attraction unique to the Jacksonville Beach community. Deck the Chairs is an illuminated public art wonderland of 40 decorated lifeguard chairs, nightly light shows, weekend stage programs, and art installations that all family members can enjoy. More than 600 volunteers build, design, decorate, and light this attraction. An estimated 90,000 people attend this free event over six weeks during the holiday season. Experience the SeaSongs Light & Music Spectacle. This one-of-a-kind motion-activated holiday sound experience features a 140-foot custom-created display that plays musical chords when visitors interact with elements of the exhibit. Suitable for little ones, the Kids' Creative Space offers an interactive play area that families and kids can enjoy together. Music and dance performances from local children's performing arts groups, a visit from Santa, concessions, and the Musical Tree Light Show round out the event offerings. Deck the Chairs opens the 2021 holiday season on Nov. 24 and stays open until New Year's Day. The lights turn on each night during this time from 5 p.m. until 1 a.m. Location: Latham Plaza and Sea Walk Pavilion, Jacksonville Beach Contact: Kurtis Loftus, 904-716-3853 Luminaria in the Riverside and Avondale Neighborhoods Image via Flickr by FolsomNatural. Experience one of the premier holiday events for the Riverside and Avondale neighborhoods of Jacksonville. This year's Luminaria event, held Sunday, Dec. 12, will mark the 37th year for this annual celebration. Witness porches, sidewalks, and streets of the neighborhood come aglow from the light of hundreds of luminaria bags. This event fosters community pride and invites members of the public to discover the charm of these historic neighborhoods. Live bands, hot chocolate, and festive caroling reiterate the holiday feeling. Families will have a chance to meet with Santa Claus before sunset at Memorial Park. Location: Riverside and Avondale neighborhoods, located off Interstate 95 west of downtown Jacksonville New Year's Eve Fireworks Show Ring in the new year in downtown Jacksonville. Fireworks will launch from a barge on the St. Johns River between the Hyatt and DoubleTree hotels and high above the St. Johns River from the Acosta Bridge. Guests can view these locations from the north and south banks of the river in downtown Jacksonville and under the Fuller Warren Bridge. The fireworks show begins at midnight, so get your party hats and horns ready! Location: Downtown Jacksonville Trans-Siberian Orchestra – 'Christmas Eve and Other Stories' at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena Rock your holiday with the internationally acclaimed Trans-Siberian Orchestra – "Christmas Eve and Other Stories." Scheduled to appear Dec. 16 at 7:30 p.m. at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena, the Trans-Siberian Orchestra marks the 25th anniversary of its "Christmas Eve and Other Stories" performances this year. After a one-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the Trans-Siberian Orchestra is back and ready to delight its audiences through this legendary holiday music spectacular. Electric guitar solos, synthesized keyboards, lively drumming, and more combine to create one up-tempo holiday performance that you won't soon forget. Tickets start at $36.68 and are available for purchase through Ticketmaster. Location: 300 A. Philip Randolph Blvd. Telephone: 904-630-3900 Make this upcoming holiday a festive season of celebration filled with wonder and good cheer. These Jacksonville holiday activities will fill you, your friends, and your family members with the spirit of the season. How did you like our list of holiday events? Did we overlook one that you think we should include? Write to us and tell us about it. Our team members at Keith Pierson Toyota take pleasure in sharing the attractions and charms of Jacksonville with residents and visitors to our community. Happy holidays!

Much like your body has various vital fluids to keep you alive and running well, so does your car. Gasoline is one of the main ones most people know about, but other fluids are just as critical. Knowing what they are and how to check them is imperative to keeping your vehicle in tip-top shape. Taking your vehicle to a Jacksonville service department, such as Keith Pierson Toyota for routine maintenance, including checking the fluids in your vehicle, will prolong its life and improve performance. Motor Oil Image via Flickr by shixart1985 The second most well-known automotive fluid is motor oil. Motor oil keeps all the movable parts in your engine well-lubricated and reduces friction. Without gas, your vehicle doesn't run, but without oil, the engine will be ruined. Getting oil changes within the recommended time and mileage is crucial as dirty, old oil does not function well, exposing your engine to unnecessary wear and tear. To check your oil, find the dipstick labeled oil or with a picture of an oil can. Usually, this is located in the front of the engine but can be on the back too. Pull the dipstick out, wipe it clean, put it all the way back in and then remove it again. Look at the end of the dipstick for indicators on the bottom of the dipstick for the range of acceptable levels. Make sure the level of the oil marks on the dipstick is within the acceptable range. If it's below or very close to the low bottom line, you should add oil immediately. It could also mean your engine is burning oil or has an engine oil leak, both of which may indicate the need for maintenance. Transmission Fluid Transmission fluid is usually red or reddish and should be a thicker liquid. This fluid is responsible for keeping your gears well-lubricated, allowing for smooth shifting. Without it, or if it is past its usefulness, you could damage or ruin your transmission, resulting in a very costly repair. For most vehicles, checking the transmission fluid is similar to checking your oil. It will typically have its own dipstick, usually a different color than the oil dipstick. Make sure the car is at the normal operating temperature on a level surface. While still running, remove the dipstick, wipe it clean, and reinsert it all the way. Remove the dipstick and check the level compared to the markings on it. If it's low, add the requisite amount of fluid. If it's discolored or has metal shavings in it, replacing the fluid or having it serviced by a mechanic is your best bet. Brake Fluid This light brown or yellowish liquid provides the hydraulic pressure needed to operate your brakes successfully. The reservoir is usually on top of the engine, towards the rear of the engine compartment. The canister that holds the brake fluid is typically on the driver's side of the vehicle by the brake master cylinder. It will usually be labeled brake fluid or have an icon that indicates that it is the brake fluid canister. To check brake fluid, remove the cap and make sure it's about a half-inch from the cap. If it's low, add until it gets to this level. Pay attention to the color as well. If it's black, that indicates the fluid needs to be changed, while metal specks indicate issues with the braking system that need to be addressed. Anti-freeze The purpose of this bright green or bright yellow fluid is to keep your radiator from freezing up in the winter and overheating in the warmer months here in Jacksonville. To check this, you'll need to find the radiator cap, which may read cooling system, or have the warning to be careful not to open when hot as the system is under pressure. This one is as simple as making sure the fluid is full to the top. There are very different types of coolant that should not be mixed, so make sure you know what's in your vehicle and, if adding to it, only add the same kind. Trust the professionals at Keith Pierson Toyota to take care of this for you to reduce the risk. Power Steering Fluid A vast majority of vehicles on the road today are controlled via power steering, thus requiring power steering fluid, typically reddish or clear in color. Again, this uses hydraulic pressure to help turn the wheels and needs power steering fluid to operate properly. The reservoir is can be found under the hood closer to or on the passenger side, although not always. The cap will usually say steering fluid right on it. Power steering fluid can typically be checked by looking at the side of the opaque reservoir, which will have low and high indicators right on it. All you need to do is look at the side of the reservoir and make sure the fluid level falls within the acceptable range markings. Air Conditioning Coolant Probably more commonly referred to as Freon, this brightly colored fluid allows the air conditioning system to work. Living in Jacksonville, Florida requires working air conditioning in your vehicle. This is a dangerous fluid to work with, so it is probably better to leave this one up to the professionals at Keith Pierson Toyota. To check your coolant, you'll need a special tool that measures the pressure of the air conditioning system. You'll find the low-pressure port, just a cover that screws on and off and then screw the pressure measuring gauge onto the port. If the pressure is low, add more according to the manufacturer's instructions or those on the Freon can. Windshield Wiper Fluid While windshield wiper fluid may not be critical to the overall operation of your vehicle, it does serve the important purpose of keeping your lines of vision open. This one is typically easy to check and fill. It'll usually be along the edge of the engine compartment and have a windshield wiper symbol on it. Simply remove the cover and add the fluid until full. Maintaining proper fluid levels and quality is essential to the longevity of your vehicle. Always make sure that the fluids are at the appropriate level and in the proper condition to best service your engine. If not, add to them or replace them, either yourself or at a mechanic, to keep your engine running in peak condition. Visit the service team at Keith Pierson Toyota to have your fluids checked or for any other routine maintenance needs. Give us a call at 888-461-3879 or schedule our services online.

When you buy a new Toyota, you get a high-quality, reliable vehicle. You also get peace of mind and confidence on the road. You can enjoy your new car knowing your vehicle's routine maintenance is covered for two years or 25,000 miles. You can also rest assured that you'll have help in the event of a roadside emergency. Visit Keith Pierson Toyota here in Jacksonville, Florida, and test-drive the Toyota lineup of cars, minivans, trucks, crossovers, and sport utility vehicles. Know that ToyotaCare is here for you no matter which vehicle you choose. What Is ToyotaCare? When you buy a new Toyota, you get a three-year/36,000-mile warranty that covers everything except normal wear and tear and routine maintenance. Toyota owners also get impressive ToyotaCare coverage, a comprehensive no-cost maintenance plan for every new vehicle. It covers all manufacturer-recommended routine maintenance tasks for the first two years or 25,000 miles in service, depending on which milestone you hit first. Maintenance tasks under ToyotaCare take place every 5,000 miles or six months. Here are the routine services Toyota recommends for your new vehicle in the basic ToyotaCare coverage: At six months or 5,000 miles, technicians perform a tire rotation, comprehensive inspections, and fluid adjustments on all systems. At 12 months or 10,000 miles, your vehicle gets an oil change, tire rotation, inspections, and a fluid adjustment. At 18 months or 15,000 miles, the appointment includes tire rotation, inspections, and a fluid adjustment. At 24 months or 20,000 to 25,000 miles, you get an oil change, tire rotation, inspections, and a fluid adjustment. For your confidence and peace of mind, all work under the ToyotaCare plan is performed by Toyota-trained professionals and includes genuine Toyota parts. These practices ensure your warranty coverage stays in place and the manufacturer stands behind the work. ToyotaCare will even send you friendly maintenance reminders so you can schedule your service appointments and keep your vehicle up to date. When you have your car maintained at a Toyota Service Center like ours here at Keith Pierson Toyota, we keep a complete service history on your vehicle. The records are available in the owner's section of the Toyota website if you ever need them. Having an easily accessible record of your car's maintenance history is also important if you ever decide to sell the vehicle. ToyotaCare doesn't stop at covering routine maintenance. You also get 24-hour, seven-days-a-week Roadside Assistance service for the first two years, no matter how many miles you drive. Help is at your fingertips in any of these vehicle emergencies: Jump-starting a dead battery. Getting locked out of your car. Running out of gas. Replacing a flat tire with your inflated spare. Towing your vehicle to the nearest Toyota dealership or the dealership of your choice within 25 miles of the nearest Toyota dealership. Winching your vehicle out of a ditch, mud, sand, or snow back onto the road. Though your new Toyota is one of the most reliable vehicles on the road, some things are beyond your control. Road conditions, human error, weather, and other factors can still leave you stranded. If that happens, your ToyotaCare plan has you covered every day of the calendar, around the clock. Your ToyotaCare roadside assistance is good even if another member of your family is driving the car, so the peace of mind extends to times when other family members are behind the wheel. Ask any parent of a teenage driver, and they'll tell you the value of this roadside coverage. What Is ToyotaCare Plus? Image via Flickr by wallen7 If your car has fewer than 31,000 miles and is within 37 months of the date it first went into service, you have the option to purchase ToyotaCare Plus. This plan includes coverage for the same maintenance tasks and roadside assistance as ToyotaCare but for the first four years or 45,000 miles from the date the vehicle goes into service. ToyotaCare Plus also includes additional maintenance tasks such as transmission, driveshaft, and fuel line system inspections every 15,000 miles starting at 30,000. You have several options to choose from when you purchase your ToyotaCare Plus plan, so you can select one that suits your driving habits. The Federal Highway Administration estimates men drive 17,000 miles each year and women drive about 10,000. If your driving habits put you on the higher side of those averages, you might want to choose a ToyotaCare Plus plan with a higher mileage level. If you don't drive that much, a plan with a lower mileage limit might be just fine. At Keith Pierson Toyota, we can help you assess your driving patterns to choose the best plan for you and your new vehicle. These include: Three years and either 35,000 or 45,000 miles. Four years and either 45,000 or 60,000 miles. Five years and either 60,000 or 75,000 miles. Why Do You Need ToyotaCare? While most new car manufacturers provide warranties on their vehicles, it's essential to understand those warranties cover defects in materials or workmanship and not routine maintenance. ToyotaCare takes your car's warranty protection an extra step by covering free maintenance for two years or 25,000 miles and providing roadside assistance. ToyotaCare Plus can add years and miles to that protection at a reasonable price. How Keith Pierson Toyota Can Help ToyotaCare Clients Here at Keith Pierson Toyota's service department, we're happy to take care of ToyotaCare clients, no matter where you purchased your vehicle. Our friendly and knowledgeable team has all the training necessary to use the latest technology to service your car. We pride ourselves on technical competency and outstanding customer service. At Keith Pierson Toyota, we want you to enjoy every minute and mile of driving your car, so whether you're getting routine care or significant repairs, we make every effort to get you back on the road quickly and efficiently. Service is available seven days a week with hours to accommodate your busy schedule. Contact us today, and let us show you what it's like to get world-class Toyota service in Jacksonville.