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Driving in rain or on slippery roads requires heightened levels of attention and safety. Keep reading for some important driving tips you can implement when the elements are working against you in Jacksonville, FL. Assess Your Vehicle's Equipment If it's raining pretty badly, you'll want to make sure there are several key functions of your vehicle in proper working order. Check both your headlights and taillights to ensure no bulbs are burned out; also, make sure your windshield wipers are working and remove the rain well enough. We also highly recommend that you check your tire tread to make sure you're not driving on wet roads with balding tires. more Drive Light-Footed Driving the posted speed limit is essential for everyone's safety on the road. On days of heavy rainfall, we strongly recommend that you drive considerably slower than what the speed limit indicates. Even if your vehicle is tuned up to perfection, slippery roads can hinder its steering and stopping power. It can also affect your visibility and ability to see things in time. Be sure to go light on the gas pedal and ensure you're not putting anyone's life in danger. Keep Wipers on at All Times While this may seem like a no-brainer it is a common mistake people make. You must keep your wipers on even if the rain isn't coming down very hard. Florida rain can pick up in seconds and it's always a safer bet to have the wipers going. If you hear a constant scraping noise, it's time to change your wipers. There are also products you can buy that help prevent the collection of rainwater on your windshield. Keep Your Distance Between Vehicles Always ensure you're a safe distance away from the car in front of you, especially when driving on slippery roads. If for some reason that driver slams on the brakes, you have a greater chance of reacting in time and enough stopping distance to avoid a crash. Driving too closely regardless of the road condition is a recipe for disaster. Stay Off Your Phone No matter if it's rain or shine, a mobile device should not replace the steering wheels in either of your hands while driving. This has been the cause of far too many accidents, and on slippery road conditions, you need to be paying even more attention to the road as the risk of an accident is higher. No Heavy Braking Unless Necessary When roads are slippery, it's extra important to pay attention to the vehicles in front of you and behind you. If you suddenly slam on the brakes, it could leave you open to being rear-ended if the other driver is too close and not able to stop in time. Reserve heavy braking for emergencies and try to ease off the accelerator first when coming to a gradual stop. Keep Your Car Service Up to Date at Our Jacksonville Service Department Our expert service technicians will ensure your vehicle is always in tip-top shape. Stop by DARCARS Orange Park Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM today for a your routine maintenance, repairs, or any other automotive service. Schedule today!

Nothing beats a night of live music with friends! Where can you find a great local music venue? There are plenty! Check out some of the best music venues in Jacksonville, FL. Underbelly The Underbelly's decor invokes feelings of nostalgia and wonder as you take a seat in plush vintage armchairs in an auditorium lit by candelabras and fairy lights. There's room to dance if the music moves you enough and you can hear everything from indie rock to hip hop, to even jazz music. If hunger strikes, you can enjoy some delicious bar food. more Jack Rabbits This popular music venue made The Guardian's top ten list for the best places to enjoy live music in Florida. The setting is intimate and audience members can get close enough to their favorite musical acts to see the sweat glistening off their foreheads. The cover charge is reasonable and is well worth it. Jack Rabbits gives local artists plenty of opportunities to shine and also hosts more well-known acts like Less Than Jake, Dan Deacon, and Yo La Tengo. Burro Bar Burro Bar certainly delivers an unmistakably charming Mexican ambiance with terracotta roof tiles and pictures of Mexican outlaws and revolutionaries covering its walls. Music lovers flock here to get their first glimpses of Jacksonville's newest artists to hit the scene. The magnificent craft beer selection features options from local breweries like Bold City and Intuition Brewery. So, kick back, enjoy, and listen to some great music. And be sure not to drink and drive. 1904 Music Hall Head to this downtown Jacksonville music venue to see some of your favorite musical acts in one of the oldest buildings in the city. Although 1904 underwent some renovations, much of its original architecture and design are still on display today. This music hall features a massive 2,000 square-foot courtyard that serves refreshments and alcoholic drinks. Be sure to avoid driving if you plan to indulge. The sound system is top-notch and there isn't a bad seat in the house! Florida Theatre This stunning Jacksonville establishment first opened its doors in 1927 and has given Jacksonville residents a chance to enjoy a night of elegance. The Florida Theatre also made it onto the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, as it has hosted a number of musical legends, including “The King” Elvis Presley. Be sure to check out upcoming events at the Florida Theatre today. Blue Jay Listening Room This no-frills Jacksonville dive offers an intimate setting with great service and plenty of genres to suit any music lover out there. Their refreshments are reasonably priced too, so have your designated driver along for the night and enjoy your favorite cocktail while listening to an awesome local band. Head Out to Your Next Music Venue in a New Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, or RAM Are you ready to visit one of these music venue favorites? Make sure that you have a dependable car for your next time out. We've got the perfect vehicles for you to visit all of these fantastic venues. Stop by DARCARS Orange Park Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM today so that you can pick out a new Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, RAM in Jacksonville, FL!

When you live in a city like Jacksonville, FL, you don't have to travel far to experience flavors from all over the world. We've got international cuisines right here in our backyard, and some of the best examples of that are all the great Mexican restaurants in our city. To help you figure out what to have for dinner, we put together a list of the destinations to get the best Mexican food right here in our area. 1. Los Loros Los Loros set out with a mission to give back to our community by providing great food and great service. After getting a friendly welcome and a tasty meal here, we can safely say they've met that goal and then some. We love their burrito grande, with your choice of steak or grilled chicken topped with a homemade cheese sauce and served with rice and beans. Just be sure to bring your appetite, they don't call it grande for nothing! more 2. Si Senor Fresh Mex You can taste the difference the fresh ingredients used in the kitchen at Si Senor make in the finished product that comes out on your plate. Start with an order of their fresh-made guacamole for a refreshing beginning to your meal. For an entrée, we can't think of anything much better than the perfectly seasoned meat of their carne asada dish. 3. La Nopalera The warm hospitality and mouth-watering dishes combine to deliver you a meal you won't soon forget at La Nopalera. One of their most popular dishes is their tacos al pastor, with sweet and spicy marinated pork served on a corn or flour tortilla. You can get three to an order if you've got a big-time appetite. If you've got a sweet tooth, don't leave without an order of scrumptious sopapillas to satisfy your cravings. 4. Cantina Louie This local spot is all about taking the fun of Mexican street food and delivering it to our city. Their nachos supreme come piled high with enough for you to share with a friend; unless you're feeling too hungry to share, of course. Our recommendation for your main course has got to be their enchiladas supreme, with a side of rice and beans completing an already generous portion you get from this dish. 5. Casa Maria Their casa will feel like your casa when you sit down for a meal at Casa Maria. For an appetizer, you can share with the whole table, start with their dippers like an order of queso fundido or bean dip. Seafood lovers will go crazy for the camarones a la diabla for an entrée, with grilled shrimp swimming in a tomatillo sauce and served with rice and Mexican salad. We’re Your Jacksonville Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM Dealership Close by! You won't have to go far to get an excellent meal from one of these local Mexican restaurants. You don't have to go far for a truly excellent dealership experience, either. Visit DARCARS Orange Park Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM today; we're just around the corner!

Lovers of art can rejoice in Jacksonville. There is a thriving local art scene in Jacksonville, FL to be experienced all through the city, with art galleries, art walks, street art, and art festivals all to be enjoyed. Check out 4 great places to visit below! 1. Public Art Tours There's a plethora of art spread out all across the city, from sculptures to murals. A collaboration between Go Tuk'n and ArtRepublic Global offers an immersive experience onboard a tuk-tuk. They drive all around the city, showing public art and offering their knowledge on each piece. Public tours are offered as either two or three hours long, and tuk-tuks can also be booked for private tours. more The Downtown Art Walk happens every first Wednesday of the month. The self-guided walking tour features pop-up galleries, art markets, food trucks, and live music. Other art walks include the Jax Beach Art Walk that happens every second Tuesday of every month, and the North Beaches Art Walk taking place every third Thursday of each month. 2. Cork Arts District Cork Arts District is an 80,000 square foot warehouse space that is home to around 70 local artists. The warehouse houses both working studios and galleries and regularly opens its doors to the public. Future event plans include workshops, live music, performance art shows, and viewings. 3. Riverside Arts Market Every Saturday from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm, Riverside Arts Market pitches up along the Northbank River Walk, under the Fuller Warren Bridge. The market features a mix of small businesses, including farmers, makers, bakers, and artists. This family-friendly event can attract over 4,000 people every week. There's live music at the riverfront amphitheater, and if you get there early enough, there's even a yoga class held during the summer months. The market's artists offer a variety of art for sale, including paintings, jewelry, furniture, ceramics, prints, glasswork, clothing, and leather and woodwork. Visitors can also grab some gourmet food from local food trucks, sample local craft beer, and take home locally farmed produce. Always drink responsibly and do not drink and drive. 4. Galleries The Southlight Gallery on Independent Drive hosts the work of some of the area's finest professionals. They host various exhibitions throughout the year, and all work is available to purchase. King Maker Brewing's taproom features the work of one of Southlight Galleries artists every quarter. So, art can be appreciated while sipping one of their own craft brews. Florida Mining Gallery is a museum-style contemporary art gallery that focuses on emerging to mid-career artists. Jax Makerspace, inside the Public Library, offers a space for makers of all kinds, including movies, music, art, apps, robots, novels, and needlepoint. Equipment can be reserved for self-directed use, and they often hold workshops and events for those looking to learn more about the various crafts. The library also regularly hosts various art exhibits and is home to a display of individually created art blocks by local residents. Enjoy Local Art in a New Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, or RAM! There's so much creativity to be found and appreciated throughout the city. Next time you're out and about and want to enjoy some local art, feel free to stop by DARCARS Orange Park Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM if you want to arrive to these Jacksonville festivities in a new car. We carry the latest Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and RAM models that you can search here!

From elegant restaurants, stunning beaches, and fascinating attractions to its rich culture, this delightful city makes for the perfect residential location for families and young professionals. You will find exceptional shopping areas, trendy eateries, unique boutiques, and diverse communities. Here are some top reasons to live in Jacksonville, FL. 1. The Beautiful Beaches If you love the beach, you will fall in love with this charming city. The beautiful, white sandy beaches are the perfect place to spend your days. There are plenty of activities to do. You can go: more Surfing Swimming Diving Fishing Kayaking Better yet, you can relax by the beach and soak in the sun and sand or watch glorious sunsets. If you love scuba diving, feel free to explore the many reefs with plenty of fascinating marine life. 2. The Great Weather One of the best things about Jacksonville is that you can always expect fantastic weather. Vibrant green foliage ushers in the beginning of spring, and in the sunny summer months, you can expect temperatures reaching around 90 degrees. With the cool sea breeze, it makes the temperatures exceptionally pleasant. For those who love spending time outdoors, this is the ideal city for you. 3. There Are Plenty of Outdoor Activities to Explore This lively city is an outdoor lover's dream location to call home. There are endless fantastic activities, from biking adventures and swimming to boating and fishing. If you relish an active lifestyle, you will love the: Biking clubs Running groups Fishing waterways Swimming And golf courses The city's fitness culture is something to note, with many people taking an active part in the various activity options available. With the magnificent parks and conducive weather in Jacksonville, it means it's always a good time to indulge in some fun outdoor activities. 4. The City's Rich Culture This charming city is a hub of culture with exciting festivals, lovely venues, and great performances. Jacksonville jazz festivals draw in a large crowd with live music and delicious local dishes. If you love shopping, don't miss out on the Art Walk, which will take you on a tour of the city's galleries, food trucks, art museums, and marketplaces. History buffs will enjoy the exhibits at the museum of science and history and exciting historical sites while traveling in Jacksonville as well. 5. The Top-Ranking Schools This city is home to some of the best public and private schools in the country. Apart from traditional schools, there are magnet schools, which offer everything from business to arts, languages, and technology. For those who prefer homeschooling their kids, you will find great homeschooling networks. This city's education system aims to provide each parent with top-notch education options from elementary school through high school. There are plenty of universities and colleges accessible to all students. Need to Find a Car Dealership in Jacksonville, FL? Visit Us! There are many perks of living in this city, and if you’re looking for top-quality vehicles and automotive services in Jacksonville, we have you covered. You can make your stay in this splendid city even better when you’re looking for a new car or service location, by visiting DARCARS Orange Park Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM! We will help you get your hands on a superb vehicle and provide your car with professional service and repairs. Image by Pixabay