In this Cary Spotlight Issue…

💭Spotlight Hook Trivia

☀️ Cary NC Weather

🔥 Daily Quote

🧭 Turkey and Italy Launch Digital Nomad Visa Programs for Remote Professionals

✈️ RDU Faces Delays Amid Graduation Season Rush Due to Security Oversight

🧭 Bucket List: Kilimanjaro

😋 Savoring the Best of Cary: 5 Must-Try American Cuisine Restaurants

😋Tasty Trend: Caprese Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms 😋

🏛️ Support Cary Local Businesses

Question: Who is the first professional basketball player?

(Answer at the bottom of the newsletter.)

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Turkey and Italy Launch Digital Nomad Visa Programs for Remote Professionals

Turkey and Italy are joining a growing number of countries offering digital nomad visas, providing remote workers new ways to experience life abroad.

Turkey's visa welcomes applicants from 36 nations, including the U.S. and the U.K., aged 21 to 55, who earn a minimum of $3,000 a month. In Italy, the highly anticipated digital nomad visa has become available, offering "highly skilled" non-EU citizens the opportunity to live in Italy for a year.

This program requires proof of health insurance, accommodation, and an annual income above $30,000. Applications for Italy must be made at an Italian consulate in the applicant’s country of residence. Read Full Story

RDU Faces Delays Amid Graduation Season Rush Due to Security Oversight

On Saturday morning, a breach in security procedures at Raleigh-Durham International Airport led to a brief but impactful disruption of the TSA screening process.

The incident, which unfolded at approximately 7:20 a.m., forced a shutdown of security operations for about 20 minutes. Service was quickly restored, but not without the potential consequence of causing some passengers to miss their flights.

The timing of the disruption coincided with a particularly busy weekend at the airport, as over 300,000 people were expected, many in town for local graduation events—a notable increase from the previous year.
Read full story

Here's an overview of some notable nonstop flights you can access from RDU

Bucket List: Kilimanjaro

Linda Riedle, Cary author and subscriber to Cary Spotlight, sent in this picture after our interview this week (Issue #199). If you have a picture of a bucket list trip that you would like to share, please email it to [email protected].

Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet), is a bucket-list challenge for adventurers. Climbing Kilimanjaro involves traversing diverse ecological zones, from lush rainforest to arid alpine deserts, culminating in the icy summit of Uhuru Peak. The best time to attempt the climb is during the dry seasons, from January to early March and June to October, for the best chances of pleasant weather and clear views. A typical trek takes around 7-9 days, giving ample time for acclimatization.

Western Approach Route Highlights:

The Western Approach route combines the Shira and Lemosho routes, providing a comprehensive experience with these unique features:

• Ample Acclimatization: The trek provides sufficient time for climbers to adapt to high altitudes, which is key to achieving a high summit success rate of 98%.

• Less Crowded Paths: Less frequented than Machame and Marangu routes, trekkers can enjoy more solitude and a peaceful journey.

• Daytime Summit Bid: The climb to Uhuru Peak is timed to occur during daylight, giving a safer and visually stunning experience.

• Scenic Wonders: The trail offers breathtaking scenery, including a stop at the dramatic Lava Tower.

• Remote Campsites: Camps are strategically placed in more secluded areas for an immersive, intimate adventure.

• Crater Camp Opportunity: An optional overnight stay near Kilimanjaro's glaciers, exclusive to adventurous trekkers, offers a unique perspective of the mountain.

Additional Considerations:

Porters: Personal porters can be hired for extra assistance and comfort.

Duration: The trek takes 9 days, and the full journey includes 11 days in Tanzania.

Weather Preparedness: The summit can be cold and windy, so the provided packing list ensures comfort and safety.

Guide Experience: Highly experienced guides assess the weather and group strength for safe decision-making, prioritizing the best outcomes for all trekkers.

Exploring this route offers an unforgettable journey with remarkable landscapes and memories of standing atop Africa's roof. Learn more here

Savoring the Best of Cary: 5 Must-Try American Cuisine Restaurants

If you're craving classic American cuisine in Cary, North Carolina, you're in for a treat. The town is home to a variety of exceptional eateries, each offering their own spin on quintessential American fare.

Whether you're in the mood for gourmet burgers, sizzling steaks, mouthwatering sandwiches, or a comforting plate of BBQ, you'll find something to satisfy your taste buds. From casual neighborhood gems to upscale taverns, these five highly recommended restaurants deliver the best of American cuisine, blending local flavors, creative twists, and classic comfort foods to create memorable dining experiences.

1. Lucky 32 Southern Kitchen: Known for its farm-to-table approach, this restaurant blends classic American and Southern cuisine, offering locally sourced comfort foods such as fried chicken, BBQ, and hearty salads in a stylish, rustic setting.

2. Academy Street Bistro: This neighborhood gem delivers a refined take on American favorites like burgers, steak, and seafood. Their contemporary ambiance complements a well-crafted menu, which frequently rotates to include seasonal, fresh ingredients.

3. Tribeca Tavern: A staple for upscale pub fare, Tribeca Tavern offers gourmet burgers, steaks, and sandwiches alongside a comprehensive craft beer selection. Their focus on locally sourced ingredients adds a regional twist to their classic dishes.

4. Danny’s Bar-B-Que: This joint epitomizes American comfort food, specializing in slow-cooked BBQ meats and offering generous portions of ribs, brisket, pulled pork, and chicken, paired with traditional sides like baked beans and coleslaw.

5. Dean’s Kitchen + Bar: Focused on modern American cuisine, Dean’s boasts creative twists on traditional fare like burgers, sandwiches, and steaks. Their casual yet sophisticated vibe and seasonal cocktails make it a versatile spot for both lunch and dinner.

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Caprese Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms 😋

This vibrant and healthy side dish combines root vegetables and zucchini with a flavorful garlic herb seasoning. Perfect for a wholesome family dinner or as a nutritious addition to your meal prep!

📋 Ingredients List:

• 4 large Portobello mushroom caps

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 2 large tomatoes, sliced

• 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced

• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves

• Balsamic glaze, for drizzling

📝 Instructions:

• Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

• Prepare Mushrooms:

  Gently clean the mushrooms with a damp cloth and remove the stems. Brush each mushroom cap with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.

• Bake the Mushrooms:

  Place the mushroom caps gill-side up on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until they are just tender.

• Stuff the Mushrooms:
  Remove the mushrooms from the oven. Layer each cap with slices of tomato, mozzarella, and basil leaves. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melty and bubbly.

• Serve:

  Drizzle with balsamic glaze and serve warm.

  These Caprese Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms are perfect as a hearty appetizer or a light main dish, combining the classic flavors of a Caprese salad with the earthy depth of roasted mushrooms.

Give it a try and let us know what you think.