In this Cary Spotlight Issue…

💭Spotlight Hook Trivia

🔥 Daily Quote

🧭 Travel Insurance Gains Importance Amid Hurricane Season

✈️RDU Celebrates Aeromexico's Arrival, Expands Global Reach

🧭 Explore the Cape Winelands: A Premier Wine Tour from Cape Town

😋 Celebrate Summer at Phillips Farms: Upcoming Events and Family Fun in Cary

😋Tasty Trend: Classic Italian Pastina Soup 😋

🏛️ Support Cary Local Businesses

Question: What is the most popular type of cuisine in the world?

(Answer at the bottom of the newsletter.)

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Travel Insurance Gains Importance Amid Hurricane Season

As Hurricane Beryl rips through the Caribbean, it serves as a powerful reminder of the benefits of travel insurance.

The storm, which set records as the earliest Category 5 hurricane in the Atlantic season, highlights the unpredictability of travel and the need for protection against potential disruptions.

Travel insurance can cover cancellations, interruptions, lost baggage, and medical emergencies, provided policies are purchased before storms are named.

In 2022, Americans spent $4.3 billion on travel insurance, reflecting its growing importance in an era of increasing extreme weather events. Travelers are advised to compare quotes, understand coverage details, and consider the value of flexible policies that allow cancellations for any reason.

Additionally, some credit cards offer travel protections, though coverage levels vary. With summer travel and climate change intensifying weather risks, securing travel insurance is a wise move. Read Full Article

RDU Celebrates Aeromexico's Arrival, Expands Global Reach

Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) celebrated the arrival of Aeromexico’s first flight from Mexico City on Monday, a significant addition to the airport’s expanding international services.

The event at Gate C17 included a mariachi band and a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by local leaders and dignitaries. This new route aims to boost tourism and business between the United States and Mexico, with strong initial demand for the service.

The launch of this flight is part of Aeromexico’s broader strategy to increase its presence in the U.S. market. This new service follows the recent introduction of nonstop flights from RDU to Germany and Panama, marking a month of substantial international growth for the airport. Read full story

Explore the Cape Winelands: A Premier Wine Tour from Cape Town

Discover the heart of South Africa's renowned Cape Winelands with a daily wine tour departing from Cape Town. This engaging tour through the storied region of Stellenbosch offers participants a comprehensive experience, featuring wine tastings, a cheese pairing, a cellar tour, and a delightful lunch at a scenic restaurant nestled in the vineyards. Guests can immerse themselves in the rich heritage and traditions that have shaped some of the world’s most celebrated wines.

Participants will traverse the picturesque landscape, visiting several esteemed wine estates and farms. The journey includes tastings of various wines, providing an opportunity to appreciate the nuanced flavors that define this famous wine-growing region. A guided cellar tour offers an insightful glimpse into the winemaking process, showcasing the meticulous techniques and time-honored practices that contribute to the region’s excellence.

The tour ensures a well-rounded culinary experience with a lunch stop at one of the region’s top-class restaurants. The menu caters to diverse dietary needs, ensuring that every guest can savor the local cuisine. The tour also features a cheese tasting, carefully paired with selected wines to highlight complementary flavors and enhance the tasting experience.

This well-organized and informative tour promises not only a delightful exploration of the Cape Winelands but also the chance to make new friends and enjoy a day of laughter and learning. Whether you are a seasoned wine connoisseur or a novice, this tour offers a memorable and enriching experience in one of South Africa’s most beautiful regions. Learn more here

Celebrate Summer at Phillips Farms: Upcoming Events and Family Fun in Cary

Phillips Farms, located in the heart of central North Carolina, epitomizes the enduring spirit of agriculture interwoven with a rich family legacy. With a history spanning over a century, this farm has evolved into a premier agritourism destination, seamlessly blending traditional charm with modern entertainment between Raleigh and Durham. Under the guidance of Lee Phillips and his son Michael, Phillips Farms has transitioned from its conventional roots to a year-round family retreat, featuring seasonal attractions that range from festive corn mazes in the fall to serene strawberry picking in the spring.

The farm's transformation into a comprehensive family park is a result of Michael Phillips’ innovative vision, realized upon his return in 2008. Now managed by Michael and his wife Melissa, the farm offers a variety of activities that ensure a memorable visit for all ages. Seasonal events include a corn maze, haunted attractions, strawberry fields, and a Christmas tree lot, with a commitment to inclusivity and accessibility evident in their pet policy and varied ticketing options.

Phillips Farms has also become a cornerstone of community engagement, particularly through initiatives like the Shop and Play Market Saturdays, which support local small businesses. The farm blends culinary delights such as Texas-style barbecue and homemade donuts with a wide array of activities suitable for all ages. This dedication to creating a joyful and communal space highlights Phillips Farms’ role as a vibrant testament to North Carolina’s agricultural heritage, offering a future where family entertainment and community bonds thrive together.

Upcoming events include a Friday night family fun park session, followed by an outdoor movie night screening of "Secondhand Lions" on July 12. The next day, the Shop and Play Watermelonfest market will feature a watermelon sprinkler patch, an obstacle course, and a watermelon eating contest with prizes. The market will include 20 makers and vendors, award-winning Texas BBQ, and beverages for adults. The market is free to enter, with food and activities available for purchase.

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

Classic Italian Pastina Soup 😋

What the reviewer said about this recipe: “It’s always best when it’s homemade wouldn’t have it no other way.” So, give it a try.

📋 Ingredients List:

• 1 whole chicken (3-4 lbs)

• 10-12 cups water

• 3 celery stalks, divided

• 2 onions, peeled, divided

• 3 large carrots, peeled, divided

• 1 tablespoon kosher salt, divided

• 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper, divided

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon reduced sodium chicken base

• 1 cup pastina or other tiny pasta

• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional)

• 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional

📝 Instructions:

1. Place chicken in a large pot and cover with water.

2. Roughly chop 2 celery stalks, 1.5 onions, and 2 carrots

3. Add to pot with chicken.

4. Season with 2 teaspoons of salt and 1 teaspoon of pepper.

5. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer for 1 hour, covered.

6. Remove chicken, let cool, and shred the meat.

7. Strain the stock, discard solids, and measure 12 cups of liquid.

8. Finely chop remaining celery, onion, and carrot.

9. Heat oil in a pot over medium-high heat.

10. Cook vegetables with remaining salt, pepper, and garlic until tender.

11. Add reserved stock and chicken base, bring to a boil, then reduce to simmer for 10 minutes.

12. Increase heat to high, add pasta, and cook for 15 minutes until tender.

13. Reduce heat, add chicken, and cook for 5 more minutes. Stir in parsley and serve with Parmesan.

    Source: CatchyMeals