In this Cary Spotlight Issue…

💭Spotlight Hook Trivia

🔥 Daily Quote

🧭 Shark Attack Rarity and Extreme Weather Challenges Travelers

✈️RDU Airport Soars with Expanded Destinations and New Airlines

🧭 Exploring North Carolina's Diverse Wine Trails and Vineyards

✅ Corrections: What We Got Wrong and How We Fixed It.

😀 CARYOPOLY: A Board Game Celebrating Cary's Local Charm

🏡 Explore Two Dream Homes in Cary Today

🏛️ Support Cary Local Businesses

Question: Who is the most famous painter in history?

(Answer at the bottom of the newsletter.)

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Shark Attack Rarity and Extreme Weather Challenges Travelers

While our fascination with sharks continues, unprovoked attacks are still a rarity, though three incidents were reported in Texas and Florida on July 4. At the same time, sharks face significant threats, with a third of species nearing extinction.

In other travel news, extreme weather events are causing major disruptions. Hurricane Beryl, the earliest Category 5 Atlantic hurricane on record, has hit popular Caribbean destinations and has also affected US Gulf Coast beaches.

Denali National Park in Alaska has officially reopened to visitors. The park was closed over a week ago due to the Riley Fire, which ignited near the entrance. Officials report that the wildfire is now 96% contained, allowing for the majority of the park to be safely reopened.

A landslide in Wyoming has caused highway closures near Grand Teton National Park. Additionally, Southern Europe is grappling with heat waves, impacting summer vacations. Read Full Article

RDU Airport Soars with Expanded Destinations and New Airlines

Raleigh-Durham International Airport has experienced a dramatic resurgence in air travel post-pandemic, now handling record passenger numbers.

RDU has expanded its network, offering nonstop flights to nearly 70 destinations, including new international routes to Frankfurt, Mexico City, and Panama City.

This growth is supported by the addition of nine airlines since 2021, increasing competition and providing more travel choices for passengers. American Airlines and Delta Air Lines remain dominant, but other carriers like Southwest, United, and JetBlue also contribute significantly.

Niche airlines, including Spirit, Alaska, and Air Canada, further diversify travel options. Upcoming inaugural flights from Lufthansa, Copa Airlines, and Aeromexico will extend RDU’s reach, cementing its role as a key hub for international travel. Read full report

Exploring North Carolina's Diverse Wine Trails and Vineyards

North Carolina, the birthplace of America’s first grape, boasts around 250 wineries and vineyards, offering a diverse array of wine experiences. From overnight stays in picturesque settings to unique encounters with llamas, the state provides an enticing journey for wine enthusiasts. Here are some notable wine trails and vineyards to explore.

1. Overnight Stays and Scenic Views: For those looking to extend their wine-tasting experience, Banner Elk Winery & Villa in the mountains offers luxurious suites with breathtaking views and Jacuzzi tubs. Another distinctive option is Treehouse Vineyards in Monroe, near Charlotte, where guests can enjoy a treetop stay.
   

2. Wine and Barbecue Pairing: The Southern Gateway Wine Trail in Lexington combines the region’s renowned Lexington-style barbecue with wine tasting. Childress Vineyards, established by NASCAR legend Richard Childress, is a highlight, featuring award-winning wines and a comprehensive visitor experience.
   

3. Exploring Yadkin Valley: The Yadkin Valley region is a prominent East Coast wine destination, home to over 40 vineyards and wineries. Visitors can plan their trips around the charming towns of Elkin, Pilot Mountain, Dobson, and Mount Airy. During winter, the Yadkin Valley Winter Wine & Beer Passport offers tastings at multiple wineries and breweries, along with local dining discounts.
   

4. Swan Creek Wine Trail: A smaller section of Yadkin Valley, the Swan Creek Wine Trail features five close-proximity vineyards. Each winery on this trail has its unique atmosphere and winemaking style, offering varietal wines and blends, such as the strawberry "shortcake" wine at Shadow Springs Vineyard.
   

5. Llama Companions in East Bend: Divine Llama Vineyards, located about half an hour northeast of Winston-Salem, is home to the Southeast’s largest llama farm. Visitors can enjoy award-winning wines and interact with llamas, making it a family-friendly destination. On weekends, llama treks are available, offering a unique walking experience over rolling hills.
   

6. Coastal Wine Experiences: Near the coast, Duplin Winery in Rose Hill features the largest wine production facility on the East Coast. Known for its popular labels like Carolina Red and Hatteras Red, Duplin offers tastings, tours, and live music, making it a lively destination for wine lovers.
   

7. Historic Grandeur and Wine: In Asheville, the Biltmore Estate, America’s largest private home, provides a grand tour experience with its 250 rooms and 8,000 acres of gardens. The Biltmore Winery, the country’s most-visited winery, offers an underground tour of its vast cellar.
   

8. Hard Cider Highlights: North Carolina, known for its wine and burgeoning craft beer scene, is also becoming a hub for hard cider. Bold Rock Hard Cider in Mills River, near Asheville, features a taproom and tasting bar, catering to those looking for a refreshing alternative.

✅ Corrections: What We Got Wrong
and How We Fixed It.

Most publications (newspapers, we’re looking at you) will hide their corrections in small print on the back page. We’re not a newspaper, when we get something wrong, we promptly make an edit to the online edition. Thanks for your emails, eagle-eyed Cary Spotlight subscribers. We’re all family here.

1. Issue #264 Open House Link. The link to the second property went to the wrong our website instead of the listing. The link was fixed in the online edition and republished in this issue since the open house is also today.

CARYOPOLY: A Board Game Celebrating Cary's Local Charm

Cary, North Carolina, has added a unique treasure to its collection of local delights—a board game named CARYOPOLY. Now available at Walgreens, this game offers residents and visitors a playful tour of the town’s notable landmarks, restaurants, and shops.

CARYOPOLY, a creative twist on the classic Monopoly game, allows players to purchase iconic locations such as Bond Park, Phillips Farms, Chatham Street, and the Triangle Aquatic Center. While these spots might be a revelation for newcomers, they are well-loved by locals.

This local version of the game is produced by Late for the Sky Production Company, which has been crafting specialty board games since 1984. Their portfolio includes a variety of OPOLY games themed around animals, colleges, and food.

The creation of CARYOPOLY underscores the pride residents have in their community, offering a tangible way to celebrate and share it. Players can find similar games for neighboring towns like Apex, Fuquay-Varina, and Raleigh.

On a personal note, I was delighted to receive CARYOPOLY as a birthday gift, reflecting my enthusiasm for Cary and my role as the founder of Cary Spotlight. The game even led me to virtually purchase Kababish Cafe, a restaurant we've been featuring in our newsletter. I encourage readers to visit Kababish Cafe in real life and mention Cary Spotlight for a warm welcome.

"Open House" – Your Window to the Triangle's Prime Real Estate

Welcome to "Open House," where we showcase exceptional properties both in Cary and across the broader Triangle area. This section is designed for everyone—from potential homebuyers scouting their next residence, to real estate enthusiasts tracking market trends, and investors looking for lucrative opportunities without planning to move.

Whether you’re interested in buying, selling, or investing, we bring the best of the Triangle’s real estate market right to your inbox. Open the door to new possibilities with each edition of "Open House."

Explore Two Dream Homes in Cary Today

If you're a realtor with standout listings in Cary or any surrounding communities, this is a perfect chance to highlight your properties to a captivated audience of local subscribers. Contact us today ([email protected]) to feature your listings and take advantage of this unique platform.