In this Cary Spotlight Issue…

💭Spotlight Hook Trivia

🔥 Daily Quote

🧭 Mystery Travel: The New Trend in Vacation Planning

✈️RDU Grapples with Flight Disruptions Following Global IT Glitch

🧭 Hemlock Bluffs: A Natural Sanctuary in Suburban Cary

🚢 Experience Norway's Rich Heritage on Hurtigruten's MS Trollfjord

🏛️ Support Cary Local Businesses

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Mystery Travel: The New Trend in Vacation Planning

In an age where spontaneity often takes a back seat to meticulously planned vacations, a new trend is emerging that brings back the thrill of the unknown. Mystery travel, orchestrated by companies like Journee, Magical Mystery Tours, and Pack Up and Go, is captivating jet-setters who crave a touch of unpredictability in their adventures.

The process is both simple and intriguing. Travelers begin by completing a survey detailing their interests, budget, and travel dates. From there, these companies take the reins, meticulously planning every aspect of the trip—from flights and accommodations to dining and activities—without revealing the destination until the last possible moment.

Pack Up and Go, one of the pioneers in this trend, offers three-night trips for two starting at $2,300. Clients receive packing suggestions and instructions on when and where to be at the airport. The pièce de résistance: a sealed envelope containing the destination, to be opened only upon arrival at the airport.

This allure of the unknown has attracted over 40,000 adventurous souls, with “Good Morning America” recently sending two couples on mystery getaways to test the waters of this burgeoning trend.

Anne and Doug Harris, seasoned mystery travelers since 2015, embarked on their latest adventure with their infant daughter Betsy. Their request for a family-friendly destination with ample running spots—Anne is training for a marathon—was met with a trip to Portland, Maine, unveiled live on air.

Jared Loftin and Alex Leyva, celebrating their second anniversary, also embraced the spirit of adventure, departing with packed suitcases for a destination unknown, ready to immerse themselves in the unexpected. Read Full Story

RDU Grapples with Flight Disruptions Following Global IT Glitch

Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) remains affected by the global IT outage that grounded flights on Friday. By Saturday morning, RDU reported 17 cancellations and 14 delays, indicating ongoing disruptions.

Travelers have faced significant frustration, hoping rebooked flights will proceed as scheduled over the weekend. Nationwide, 992 flights were canceled and 1,417 delayed, showing some recovery from the previous day.

The technical issue, identified by Microsoft and cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike, was due to a defect in a Windows update and impacted various services across the Triangle area, including hospitals and transit systems. CrowdStrike emphasized that it was not a security incident or cyberattack. Read Full Story

Experience Norway's Rich Heritage on Hurtigruten's MS Trollfjord

Marking its 130th anniversary, Hurtigruten has launched new voyages on the newly refurbished MS Trollfjord. The ship, which has played a significant role in Norway's coastal transportation since 1893, now offers two unique journeys. The North Cape Express runs from September to April, taking passengers on a 13-day trip from Oslo to Bergen, including a visit to the North Cape. In the summer, the Svalbard Express provides an eight-day expedition to the Arctic Circle and Longyearbyen.

The MS Trollfjord emphasizes Nordic culture, featuring regional Scandinavian and Sámi-influenced cuisine. The ship's luxurious staterooms and suites offer panoramic views, ensuring a comfortable experience. Passengers can enjoy authentic Nordic activities such as aquavit tastings and polar plunges, enhancing their exploration of Norway's natural and cultural wonders.

The 10-day sailings are priced from $3,082 per person.

Feel free to visit their website for current cruise dates and the details

Hemlock Bluffs: A Natural Sanctuary in Suburban Cary

Amid the suburban sprawl of Cary, North Carolina, lies a hidden gem of natural history and tranquility—Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve. Spanning 140 acres, this sanctuary is a testament to the area's commitment to preserving its natural heritage. The preserve, jointly managed by the state and the town, is home to a unique population of Eastern Hemlock Trees, relics from the last Ice Age that usually thrive in the cooler climates of the Appalachian Mountains.

These ancient trees owe their survival in Cary to the microclimate provided by the north-facing bluffs along Swift Creek. Visitors can explore the preserve’s well-maintained trails, discovering a variety of wildlife and enjoying the serenity of the forest. The Steven's Nature Center enhances the experience, offering educational programs about the local ecosystem.

The preserve offers a myriad of activities for nature enthusiasts and adventurers alike. Trails like the Swift Creek Loop, the Chestnut Oak Loop, and the Beech Tree Cove Trail lead visitors through diverse landscapes, from dense forests to serene creeksides, each offering a unique perspective of the preserve's ancient hemlocks, some of which are over 300 years old. These paths not only provide a glimpse into North Carolina's botanical history but also offer a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Beyond its botanical significance, Hemlock Bluffs is a haven of tranquility in the midst of Cary's suburban sprawl. The preserve's quiet atmosphere allows visitors to immerse themselves in the natural world, listening to the wind rustling through the trees and observing the diverse wildlife that calls this place home. From deer and lizards to the occasional fox or snake, the preserve is a vibrant ecosystem, showcasing the rich biodiversity of the region.

Hemlock Bluffs stands as a vital example of how urban areas can integrate natural spaces, providing residents and visitors with a peaceful retreat that connects them to the ancient natural world.

The preserve is a cherished community resource, reflecting Cary’s dedication to maintaining its natural beauty and historical significance. With well-maintained trails and a variety of wildlife, the preserve offers an enriching experience for families, nature lovers, and pets.

Get Directions Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve, 2616 Kildaire Farm Rd, Cary, NC 27518

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