In this Cary Spotlight Issue…

💭Spotlight Hook Trivia

☀️ Cary NC Weather

🧭 Get Ready, North Carolina: The Cicadas Are Coming in Historic Numbers

✈️ Spring Break 2024: RDU Anticipates Unprecedented Travel Surge

🧭 Doherty’s Irish Pub & Restaurant: Blending Cultures, Serving Memories in the Triangle

🚢 Alaska's Secret Season: Discovering the Magic of Spring Cruises

▶️ What We Wish We Knew Before An Alaskan Cruise

😋Tasty Trend: Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Salmon 🐟🦀🍤

🏛️ Support Cary Local Businesses

Question: Who is America’s first prima ballerina?

A) Edith Wharton B) Maria Tallchief C) Christina Koch

(Answer at the bottom of the newsletter.)

Get Ready, North Carolina: The Cicadas Are Coming in Historic Numbers

This spring, North Carolina will witness the rare and simultaneous emergence of two broods of cicadas, a phenomenon not observed in the state for over two centuries.

These insects, while noisy, play a beneficial role in the ecosystem. Brood XIX, in particular, will be visible in Charlotte, parts of western North Carolina, and the Triangle area.

The cicadas' life cycle is a marvel of nature, with a 13-year period spent underground before emerging to mate.

Their presence is a boon for local predators and the environment, aiding in lawn aeration, water filtration, and soil nutrition. Although their time above ground is brief, cicadas leave a lasting impact on the ecosystem.

Read Full Story

Spring Break 2024: RDU Anticipates Unprecedented Travel Surge

As the spring break season approaches, RDU is preparing for an unprecedented number of travelers, estimating a 6% increase from last year's record-breaking figures.

To navigate the anticipated crowds, travelers are encouraged to book parking online, download airline apps for real-time updates, and arrive at least two hours before their flights.

Adding to the travel considerations, gas prices in North Carolina have risen, now averaging $3.22 a gallon, a slight increase from last month's prices.

 Read Full Story

Doherty’s Irish Pub & Restaurant: Blending Cultures, Serving Memories in the Triangle

Since opening its doors in 2012, Doherty’s Irish Pub has become a staple in the Triangle's dining scene, celebrated for its unique take on Irish-American fusion cuisine and its welcoming environment.

Founders Sami Taweel and Donavan Favre named the establishment in honor of Michael Dohert, a nod to local culinary heritage. With locations in Cary and Apex, plus a roving food truck, Doherty’s provides a gathering place for all ages.

Its menu ranges from traditional Irish fare to innovative American twists, offering everything from hearty stews and classic pub dishes to healthier options and fusion fare. A dining experience during Triangle Restaurant Week highlighted the pub's commitment to quality, showcasing a range of flavors and textures that left a lasting impression. Read full story

Doherty's Irish Pub & Restaurant (Cary)
Phone: +1 919-388-9930
Menu: dohertysirishpubnc.com
Address: 1979 High House Rd, Cary, NC 27519, United States
Get Directions

What We Wish We Knew Before
An Alaskan Cruise

Alaska's Secret Season: Discovering the Magic of Spring Cruises

Alaska's shoulder season emerges as an unexpected gem for travelers, blending the allure of the Northern Lights, burgeoning wildlife, and the tranquility of fewer tourists.

This period, characterized by the reawakening of nature, offers unparalleled experiences, from witnessing humpback whales in action to observing grizzlies and their cubs along the coast.

The voyage from Juneau, particularly in late April, underscores the benefits of visiting during this time: significant savings, less crowded locales, and closer encounters with the state's majestic landscapes and wildlife.

With cruising as the preferred mode of exploration and a growing number of passengers expected in the coming years, the months of April and May stand out as the prime window for those looking to fulfill their Alaskan bucket list dreams, combining adventure with affordability and accessibility.

Visit Travel Alaska to learn more.

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Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Salmon 🐟🦀🍤

📋 Ingredients List:

• 🐟 4 (7 ounce each) salmon fillets, skin removed

• 🫒 2 tablespoons avocado or olive oil, divided

• 🧂 Salt and ground pepper, to taste

• 🌶️ ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, plus more for seasoning shrimp

• 🥘 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning, plus more for seasoning shrimp

• 🍃 4 oz. frozen spinach, thawed

• 🧀 1x 5 oz. pack of Boursin Shallot & Chive, at room temperature

• 🌶️ 1 jalapeno, deseeded and diced

• 🦀 8 oz. lump crab or claw crab

• 🧀 ¼ cup parmesan cheese, grated

• 🧄 2 teaspoons garlic, minced

• 🍤 12-16 medium shrimp, peeled and cleaned

• 🍋 Lemon wedges, to garnish

📝 Instructions:

1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Keep aside.

2️⃣ Drizzle the salmon filets with 1 tablespoon of oil, then season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and Cajun seasoning on both sides. Cut a slit through the middle of each salmon fillet, but not all the way through, about two-thirds of its total length. Keep aside.

3️⃣ Squeeze excess liquid out of the spinach and discard it. In a medium bowl, combine the spinach with Boursin cheese, jalapeno, crab meat, parmesan cheese, and garlic. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep aside.

4️⃣ Put the shrimp in a medium-sized bowl. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together. Keep aside.

5️⃣ Stuff the salmon fillets with the crab mixture, and top with the seasoned shrimp. Transfer on the prepared baking sheet and pour the Cajun butter over the salmon.

6️⃣ Bake for 15-17 minutes or until salmon is cooked through, opaque in center and flakes easily with a fork. Serve with lemon wedges.

Notes 💡:

Opt for fresh ingredients for a more flavorful dish. 🌿🍤

For a less spicy option, adjust the Cajun seasoning to your taste. 🌶️➖

Give it a try and let us know what you think. Click for Full Post