In this Cary Spotlight Issue…

💭Spotlight Hook Trivia

☀️ Cary NC Weather

🔥 Daily Motivational Quote

🧭 Unpacking the Costs: The Hidden Tax Rule Behind Soaring Bag Fees

✈️ Spring Surge: 15 New Flight Routes Launching at Raleigh-Durham International

🧭 Seasonal Splendors Await at Phillips Farms: The Ultimate Family Destination in the Heart of North Carolina

🚢 Crystal: A Luxurious Rebirth on the High Seas

▶️ Crystal Symphony Ship Tour

😋Tasty Trend: Honey Pistachio Baklava Cheesecake 😋

🏛️ Support Cary Local Businesses

Question: Who is Australia’s first female member of parliament?

A) Edith Cowan B) Maria Tallchief C) Toni Morrison

(Answer at the bottom of the newsletter.)

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Unpacking the Costs: The Hidden Tax Rule Behind Soaring Bag Fees

The rise in checked bag fees among major US airlines, exemplified by American Airlines' 33% fee increase since January 2024, can be attributed to a tax loophole in the US code.

This loophole allows airlines to avoid a 7.5% tax on baggage fees by listing them separately from the ticket price, resulting in significant tax savings. Over the years, this practice has led to a dramatic increase in revenue from bag fees, raising concerns about the implications for service quality and fairness in pricing. 

Despite the frustration it causes among travelers, the best way to avoid these fees remains traveling light, as legislative efforts to address the issue have not been successful. Read Full Story

Spring Surge: 15 New Flight Routes Launching at Raleigh-Durham International

This spring, Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) will significantly expand its roster of flight destinations, providing travelers with a wider range of travel options. Starting in April, a total of fifteen new flights will take to the skies, connecting North Carolina's Research Triangle with a mix of domestic and international destinations.

Frontier Airlines is set to kick off the expansion on April 10, introducing nonstop services to five sought-after cities, including Boston, Miami, New York-LaGuardia, Tampa, and subsequently Chicago-O’Hare on April 11, and Milwaukee on May 16. Not to be outdone, Breeze Airways announced it will begin operations to San Diego on April 30, followed by White Plains, NY, on May 3. The airline will further extend its network with new flights to Burlington, VT, and Syracuse, NY, on May 23, and to Portland, ME, on May 24. Meanwhile, Avelo Airlines will start a nonstop service to Albany, NY, on May 10, enhancing the airport’s connectivity within the United States.

The airport’s international flight offerings are also set for a boost, with Lufthansa scheduled to start flights to Frankfurt, Germany, on June 6. This will be followed by Copa Airlines’ service to Panama City, starting June 21, and Aeromexico’s flights to Mexico City commencing on July 1. These new routes underscore RDU’s growing role as a key hub for international travel, further bridging the gap between North Carolina and the rest of the world.

Read Full Story

Seasonal Splendors Await at Phillips Farms: The Ultimate Family Destination in the Heart of North Carolina

Phillips Farms, located in the heart of central North Carolina, epitomizes the enduring spirit of agriculture blended with the warmth of family legacy. This farm, with over a hundred years under its belt, has transitioned into an agritourism magnet, offering a unique combination of traditional charm and modern entertainment between Raleigh and Durham. The vision of Lee Phillips and his successor, son Michael Phillips, propelled the farm from its conventional roots into a beloved destination for year-round family outings, showcasing seasonal attractions that range from hauntingly fun mazes in the fall to tranquil strawberry picking in the spring.

The transformation of Phillips Farms into a comprehensive family park was Michael's bold vision, realized upon his return to the farm in 2008. Today, managed by Michael and Melissa Phillips, the farm extends beyond its fun park origins to present a rich tapestry of activities. Each season brings its own flavor of joy, with a corn maze, haunted attractions, a strawberry field, and a Christmas tree lot, ensuring a memorable visit for all. The farm is dedicated to inclusivity and accessibility, evident in its pet policy, weather resilience, and varied ticketing options catering to different family sizes and preferences.

Moreover, Phillips Farms serves as a cornerstone of community engagement, particularly highlighted by the introduction of Shop and Play Market Saturdays to support local small businesses. The farm seamlessly blends food offerings like Texas-style barbecue and homemade donuts with a wide array of activities suitable for all ages, emphasizing its commitment to creating a space where joy, nature, and community converge. Through its continuous evolution, Phillips Farms stands as a vibrant testament to North Carolina's agricultural heritage, embodying a future where family entertainment and community bonds flourish together.

Address: 6720 Good Hope Church Road Cary, NC 27519 Get Directions
Website: https://www.phillipsfarmsofcary.com/

Crystal:
A Luxurious Rebirth on the High Seas

Under the new stewardship of the Abercrombie & Kent Travel Group, Crystal has reemerged in the luxury cruise market with a refreshed identity and an unwavering dedication to excellence.

Both the Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony, embodying the brand's commitment to sophistication, are back to sail the world's waters.

These ships, beloved by a dedicated clientele, are now complemented by unique dining experiences, notably through a partnership with Chef Nobu Matsuhisa.

Crystal's itineraries are rich and varied, including a particularly enticing 12-day expedition from Cape Town to Tema, Ghana. This journey offers an exploration of Africa’s diverse landscapes and cultures, with a focus on environmental and wildlife wonders, especially in the biodiverse islands of São Tomé and Príncipe.

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Crystal Symphony Ship Tour

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Honey Pistachio Baklava Cheesecake 😋

This dessert is a perfect blend of nutty, sweet, and creamy flavors. The crunchy nut layer combined with the smooth cheesecake filling creates a unique and irresistible taste experience. Plus, the hint of honey and rosewater adds a touch of elegance to this decadent treat.

📋 Ingredients List:

• For the Base

  • 10 sheets of phyllo pastry (thawed)

  • Approx. 2 sticks unsalted butter, melted

  • 1 cup roasted walnuts

  • 1 cup roasted almonds

  • 1 tsp. ground cinnamon

  • 1/4 tsp. salt

  • 2 Tbsp. melted butter

• Cheesecake Filling

  • 500g (2 pages) cream cheese, room temperature

  • 1 cup granulated sugar

  • Pinch of salt

  • 2 tsp. vanilla extract

  • 1 Tbsp. lemon zest

  • 1 Tbsp. lemon juice

  • 1 Tbsp. corn starch

  • 3 large eggs, room temp.

  • 250g strained Greek yogurt (or sour cream)

• Topping

  • 1 cup shelled pistachios (unsalted), coarsely chopped

  • 1 cup honey

  • 1 Tbsp. lemon juice

  • Splash of rosewater

• Garnish

  • More honey

📝 Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8 to 10-inch springform pan with a layer of trimmed parchment paper on the base.

2. Brush each phyllo sheet with melted butter and layer in the springform pan. Trim overhanging phyllo and bake for 12 minutes until golden.

3. Pulse walnuts, almonds, cinnamon, and salt in a food processor until crumbly. Add melted butter and combine. Spread this nut mixture over the baked phyllo base.

4. Mix cream cheese, sugar, salt, vanilla, lemon zest and juice, and cornstarch until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, then yogurt. Pour over the nut layer and smooth the top.

5. Bake on the middle rack for 45 minutes until just golden. Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside for another 50 minutes.

6. Cool completely, then top with honey mixed with lemon juice and rosewater, and sprinkle with chopped pistachios.

Storage: Store any leftover cheesecake in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container. It should stay fresh for up to 3-4 days

Notes 💡:

• Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature to ensure a smooth and creamy filling.

• When layering the phyllo sheets, work quickly to prevent them from drying out.

• For a richer flavor, you can use a mix of different nuts in the nut layer

Give it a try and let us know what you think. Click to download recipe!