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  • Cary Spotlight (Travel + Discover Edition): Issue #391

Cary Spotlight (Travel + Discover Edition): Issue #391

Your Ideal Island Getaway, Nonstop Flights to Bermuda, Discover Hickory Tavern

In this Cary Spotlight Issue…

💭Spotlight Hook Trivia

🧭 The Active Traveler’s Guide to Experiencing Bermuda in Five Days

✈️ RDU to Offer Nonstop Flights to Bermuda Starting April

😋 Savor Cary: Hickory Tavern

😋 Tasty Trend: Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta 😋

🏛️ Support Local Businesses

Question: When did the Wake County School System end segregation?

(Answer at the bottom of the newsletter.)

Discover Bee Banhmi, a local business sponsor of Cary Spotlight. They do catering, online ordering, home delivery and in-store. Great food made with quality ingredients.

“Dined with you today and had forgotten how fresh your ingredients are and how tasty the food is! Thanks for making me feel like I am visiting Family when I come in to eat. Friendly staff welcomes you in and eagerly share their knowledge about the choices to ensure you get exactly what you want/need! Love Bee BanhMi!” ~Lorraine Cross

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Credit: GoToBermuda.com

The Active Traveler’s Guide to Experiencing Bermuda in Five Days

Discover the magic of Bermuda with a five-day adventure that seamlessly blends outdoor excitement with island culture. From world-class golf and stunning ocean views to historic tours and serene beaches, this itinerary is perfect for the active traveler looking to experience the best of Bermuda. Here’s how to make the most of your days on this captivating island:

  • Day 1: Arrival and Island Introduction Start your Bermuda experience with a swim in the famous turquoise waters and a walk along the pink-sand beaches. Settle into your accommodations, like the tranquil St. George’s Club, and enjoy a waterfront dinner featuring traditional Bermudian dishes. End the evening with live music or a quiet stroll, taking in the serene island atmosphere.

  • Day 2: Golf and Sunset Cruise Rent an electric microcar to explore Bermuda’s picturesque coastal roads. Spend the morning playing a round at Port Royal Golf Course, home to a PGA TOUR event, and enjoy lunch at Bella Vista Bar & Grill. In the afternoon, visit the historic Royal Naval Dockyard, browse local boutiques, and cap the day with a Sunset and Swizzle Catamaran Boat Tour, followed by dinner at Sunken Harbor Club.

  • Day 3: Wildlife Encounters and Kayaking Begin the day with a game of tennis or pickleball, then head to Flatts Village for a local breakfast. Explore the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum & Zoo, and take a memorable kayaking tour in transparent kayaks, spotting marine life beneath you. Spend the afternoon in St. George’s for a historical tour and savor local cuisine at Munchies By the Sea. Finish with dinner at The Swizzle Inn, known for its iconic Rum Swizzle.

  • Day 4: Art and Cliff Jumping Ease into the day with a massage, then explore Hamilton’s art scene, either with a guided tour or on your own. Pick up lunch from Miles Market and head to Admiralty House Park for a picnic, followed by cliff jumping into clear blue waters. Wrap up the day with a gourmet dinner at a fine dining spot like Bolero Brasserie or Mad Hatters, enjoying a fusion of island and European flavors.

  • Day 5: Trails and Beach Bliss Conclude your trip with a walk or bike ride on the scenic Bermuda Railway Trail, making a stop at Gibbs Hill Lighthouse for panoramic island views. Spend your final afternoon soaking in the sun at Horseshoe Bay Beach, where you can snorkel, stroll, or simply unwind. End your adventure with a celebratory dinner at Thyme Restaurant and Bar, savoring the island’s vibrant culinary scene.

This five-day itinerary ensures that every moment in Bermuda is filled with thrilling experiences, cultural insights, and plenty of opportunities to unwind in paradise.
See Full Guide

Planning a trip to Bermuda involves gathering information on accommodations, activities, and travel logistics. Here are some valuable resources to assist you:

Official Tourism Website

  • Go To Bermuda: The official tourism site offers comprehensive details on attractions, events, accommodations, and travel tips.

    Go To Bermuda

Travel Guides

  • Lonely Planet: Provides in-depth information on Bermuda's culture, history, and top destinations.

    Lonely Planet

  • Travel + Leisure: Features articles on planning the perfect Bermuda trip, including hotel and restaurant recommendations.

    Travel + Leisure

RDU to Offer Nonstop Flights to Bermuda Starting April

In a move that broadens the Triangle area’s reach into new international territories, Raleigh-Durham International Airport will begin nonstop flights to Bermuda starting April 11.

The flights, operated by BermudAir, will run twice weekly on Fridays and Mondays, using the 70-seat Embraer E175 aircraft. Travelers can now book their island getaways, with the two-hour, five-minute flight providing an efficient connection between the Triangle and the pink-sand shores of Bermuda.

This new service marks BermudAir as the latest addition to the growing list of international airlines choosing RDU as their gateway into North Carolina. With this, RDU continues to elevate its standing as a global travel hub, offering new opportunities for both leisure and business travelers seeking direct routes to vibrant destinations.

BermudAir's entry into the RDU market underscores the increasing demand for convenient international travel options and reflects RDU's strategic growth. The service is expected to benefit a wide range of travelers, from students and families to professionals eager to experience the beauty of Bermuda or the energy of the Triangle region. Read Full Report

Just curious…

Your Ideal Island Getaway: What’s Your Favorite Type of Vacation Activity?

Click to cast your vote

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Food Bank of NC

Among the largest anti-hunger organizations in the United States, the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina works every day to provide food to people in need while advancing long-term solutions to end hunger in our communities.

Click here to volunteer or learn more

Credit: Hickory Tavern

Hickory Tavern

Hickory Tavern is one of the eateries that was nominated by the Cary Spotlight’s readers for our Discover Cary Giveaway. If you had a chance to sample their food, feel free to share your opinion below.

Check out their menu on their website: Hickory Tavern

Hickory Tavern

Click to share 3 things you love about this place or recommend an item people should try on their menu.

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Age Is Just a Number

It is concerning to see that there are many people that are waking up feeling tired, experiencing stiffness, and feeling the need for more support in staying healthy. Take the Thrive Wellness Blueprint Quiz.

Get recommendations designed to support your overall well-being.

Click here to take the quiz

Meet Diane Friedman, a 100-year-old powerhouse from Cleveland, Ohio, who’s showing the world that age is just a number!

Support Local Businesses: Cary Spotlight Directory

Cary, NC! Know anyone who would love a free listing on our new Cary Spotlight Directory? It's a community resource website for newcomers and long time residents. Let them know about our newest asset.

We are adding local businesses, charities and Veterans Organizations.

Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta 😋

Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta is a delicious and comforting Italian dish that features large pasta shells filled with a creamy ricotta and savory beef mixture. Topped with rich tomato basil sauce and melted mozzarella, this baked pasta dish is a hit for family dinners or gatherings. The combination of cheesy, meaty filling and tender pasta shells makes it a satisfying meal, perfect for pasta lovers and those looking for a hearty, home-cooked meal.

📋 Ingredients List:
- 20 large pasta shells
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ½ cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 2 ½ cups tomato basil sauce
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish

📝 Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking.

2. Cook Pasta: Boil the pasta shells in salted water until they reach an al dente texture. Drain them well and set them aside to cool slightly.

3. Prepare the Filling: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Add minced garlic and dried oregano, stirring until the garlic becomes fragrant. Remove from heat and allow it to cool a bit. In a bowl, combine the cooled beef mixture with ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, Pecorino Romano, the beaten egg, salt, and pepper. Mix until well blended.

4. Stuff and Assemble: Spread 1 cup of the tomato basil sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Fill each cooked pasta shell with the beef and cheese mixture, arranging them snugly in the dish. Pour the remaining tomato basil sauce evenly over the shells. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of mozzarella cheese on top.

5. Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

6. Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve warm.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes | Servings: 6

Serve with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal. Enjoy your meal! Helpful Notes (Recipes By Clare)

How tempting do you find today's recipe?

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The Answer to the Cary Spotlight Hook Trivia Question 👇👇👇

August 30, 1963 is when Wake County School System ended 90 years of segregation. This was nine years after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that separate schools for the races, even if equal, were unconstitutional. The initial reaction by whites to this decision was one of disbelief and defiance. But the Wake County Board of Education took the general position that the court’s decision was the law of the land.

Hill Road. (Source: Around About Cary, p121-122)

For more historical insights into Cary's development visit these resources: