2022 Toyota Tundra Overview
The Toyota Tundra has established a reputation for being one of the most popular trucks in recent years. For 2022, Toyota has brought back the Tundra with a range of great features. If our overview grabs your interest, why not reach out to us here at Keith Pierson Toyota to arrange a test drive around Jacksonville?
Read the rest of this entry »2022 Toyota Tundra vs 2022 Ford F-150
If you’re shopping for a full-size pickup truck, you’ll likely include the Toyota Tundra and Ford F-150 in your shortlist. These two models offer a great blend of reliability, capability, comfort, and technology, making them appealing to all kinds of truck buyers. If you want to know which of them better suits your needs, you have to take a closer look at their specifications and features. Check out this detailed comparison between the 2022 Toyota Tundra and the 2022 Ford F-150.
Read the rest of this entry »How Does Dealership Financing Work?
Image via Flickr by frankieleon
If you’re preparing to buy a new car, you may look at different ways to finance it. One way you could finance your new vehicle is through direct lending from a bank, credit union, or finance company. This lets you go straight to the lender for your car loan. The other way you can finance your new vehicle is with dealership financing. Dealership financing lets you get your loan through your dealership, which comes with several benefits. In this article, we discuss how dealership financing works and the advantages it can bring you when you’re buying a new car.
Read the rest of this entry »The History of Jacksonville Dolphins
Image via Flickr by Rich Jones
The Jacksonville Dolphins were one of the most well-known college sports teams in Jacksonville, Florida, history. Known for being a popular intercollegiate football team, the Dolphins played for Jacksonville University until the university discontinued the team in 2019.
While Jacksonville is currently home to many impressive sports teams, here at Keith Pierson Toyota, we’re sure that the Dolphins will be deeply missed by their fans in northeast Florida and will be remembered for years to come.
Read the rest of this entry »Whether to Buy or Lease
If you’ve decided you’d like a fresh start behind the wheel of a new vehicle, you can choose between buying a car outright or leasing one. Both options have their benefits and will be attractive to different groups of customers. Here at Keith Pierson Toyota, we offer competitive auto financing and leasing deals for you to explore.
Read the rest of this entry »2022 Toyota Corolla vs. 2022 Honda Civic
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.
Read the rest of this entry »The Ultimate Weekend Guide in Jacksonville, FL
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
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 Trail. 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.
Date Night Ideas in Jacksonville, FL
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
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.
Things to do in 2022 in Jacksonville, FL
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
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.
Winter Activities in Jacksonville, FL
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.
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
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.
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