In this Cary Spotlight Issue…

💭Spotlight Hook Trivia

☀️ Cary NC Weather

📅 Sunday Local Events

✈️Flying into the Triangle: RDU Tops List for Turbulence in North American Routes

🧭 Culinary Adventures in Barcelona: A Journey Through Taste

🧭 Hemlock Bluffs: Cary’s Ancient Forest Oasis Amidst Suburban Sprawl

🚢 Experience Norway Like Never Before on Hurtigruten's MS Trollfjord

😋Tasty Trend: Easy Smash Burger Tacos with Emerson Pauley

🏛️ Support Cary Local Businesses

Question: Which location on a cruise ship is best to avoid seasickness?

a) Topship b) Midship c) Aftship

(Answer at the bottom of the newsletter.)

Flying into the Triangle: RDU Tops List for Turbulence in North American Routes

In 2023, Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) became notable for turbulence in air travel, with three routes to or from RDU ranking among the most turbulent in North America.

The Turbli report, analyzing over 150,000 global routes, found that the flight from Nashville to RDU had the highest turbulence, with routes from New York and Pittsburgh also in the top ten.

This is a significant shift from 2022, where no North Carolina routes were listed. The data, which still categorizes these routes as experiencing "light turbulence," highlights changing air travel patterns and serves as a crucial tool for passenger and airline preparedness. Read Full Story

Culinary Adventures in Barcelona: A Journey Through Taste

In Barcelona, a city celebrated for its culinary richness, Secret Food Tours: Barcelona offers an intimate glimpse into its gastronomic heart. This award-winning tour, spanning 3 to 3 ½ hours, guides a small group of up to 12 people through the historic streets of Born and Barceloneta.

It's an immersive journey that combines the joys of traditional Spanish dishes like tapas, paella, and sangria with cultural insights. From visiting one of the city’s oldest bakeries for a typical Catalan pastry to exploring the diverse offerings of a local Market Hall, every stop is a discovery of authentic flavors and stories.

Whether it’s indulging in warm churros with thick hot chocolate or enjoying a hands-on dining experience with Catalan calçots and local stews, the tour promises a memorable gastronomic adventure.

Learn more about this secret food tour in Barcelona, Spain

Hemlock Bluffs: Cary’s Ancient Forest Oasis Amidst Suburban Sprawl

Nestled in the suburban landscape of Cary, North Carolina, the Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve stands as a beacon of natural history and serenity. This 140-acre sanctuary, a mix of state and Cary town stewardship, is a haven for Eastern Hemlock Trees, ancient giants dating back to the last Ice Age. These hemlocks, typically found in the Appalachian Mountains, thrive here thanks to the unique microclimate created by the north-facing bluffs of Swift Creek. The Steven's Nature Center complements the preserve's natural wonders, offering educational insights into the rich tapestry of local flora and fauna.

The preserve offers a myriad of activities for nature enthusiasts and adventurers alike. Trails like the Swift Creek Loop, the Chestnut Oak Loop, and the Beech Tree Cove Trail lead visitors through diverse landscapes, from dense forests to serene creeksides, each offering a unique perspective of the preserve's ancient hemlocks, some of which are over 300 years old. These paths not only provide a glimpse into North Carolina's botanical history but also offer a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Beyond its botanical significance, Hemlock Bluffs is a haven of tranquility in the midst of Cary's suburban sprawl. The preserve's quiet atmosphere allows visitors to immerse themselves in the natural world, listening to the wind rustling through the trees and observing the diverse wildlife that calls this place home. From deer and lizards to the occasional fox or snake, the preserve is a vibrant ecosystem, showcasing the rich biodiversity of the region.

Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve is a community treasure that epitomizes Cary's commitment to preserving natural beauty and history. With well-maintained trails and a variety of wildlife, the preserve offers an enriching experience for families, nature lovers, and pets.

It stands as a shining example of how urban communities can coexist with and cherish their natural surroundings, offering residents and visitors alike a peaceful retreat and a connection to the ancient natural world.

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Experience Norway Like Never Before on Hurtigruten's MS Trollfjord

For its 130th anniversary, the Norwegian cruise company Hurtigruten has introduced new voyages on its refurbished MS Trollfjord, a ship with a rich history in Norway's coastal transportation since 1893.

The North Cape Express, a 13-day trip running from September to April, takes passengers from Oslo to Bergen, including a visit to the North Cape.

In summer, the Svalbard Express offers an eight-day journey to the Arctic Circle and Longyearbyen. The MS Trollfjord, emphasizing Nordic culture, serves regional Scandinavian and Sámi-influenced cuisine.

The ship's accommodations include luxurious staterooms and suites with panoramic views. Passengers can enjoy authentic Nordic experiences such as aquavit tastings and polar plunges.

The 10-day sailings are priced from $3,082 per person.

Feel free to visit their website for current cruise dates and the details

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Easy Smash Burger Tacos with Emerson Pauley

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise

• 1 tablespoon ketchup

• 1 teaspoon mustard

• 1 tablespoon relish

• 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce

• 1 lb ground round

• 1 teaspoon Kosher salt

• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

• 4 (6-inch) flour tortillas

• 2 slices American cheese, cut in half lengthwise

• 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce

• 1/4 cup diced onion

Directions:

1. Combine mayo, ketchup, mustard, relish, and hot sauce in a small bowl; set sauce aside.
   

2. Heat a griddle over medium-high heat.
   

3. Divide beef into 4 loose portions and place them in mounds on the hot griddle. Season evenly with salt and pepper and cook for 2 minutes. Place a tortilla on top of each beef portion and press down to flatten the beef into the shape and size of the tortilla.
   

4. Cook until tortilla is golden-brown, 2 to 3 more minutes. Flip each patty over and top with cheese. When cheese has melted and the tortilla has lightly browned, top with lettuce and onions. Drizzle with sauce, remove from the griddle and fold in half like a taco. Serve immediately.

Watch Emerson’s Cooking Video and follow along!

😋😋

Source: AllRecipes

Sunday Local Events

January 21st (Sunday)

• Carolina Hurricanes vs. Minnesota Wild 5PM-9PM

• Winter Owl in the Snow (Sip and Paint Class) 6PM-9PM

• Johnny Folsom 4 3PM-4:30PM

• Performances at the Page: Erik Dyke and Friends 4PM-5:30PM