In this Cary Spotlight Issue…

💭Spotlight Hook Trivia

🧭 Ciao, Rome! A Five-Day Journey Through History and Culture Awaits

✈️ Holiday Travel Tips to Navigate Thanksgiving Crowds (for Now or Next Time)

🧭 Ever Wonder How Astronauts Stay Fresh in Space?

🎁 Holiday Deals Made Easy: Cary Spotlight’s Cyber Monday Favorites

❤️ Discover Cary: Local Resident’s Generosity and Community Impact

🏛️ Support Local Businesses

Question: What percent of Cary has been built since the Centennial?

(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

You can read their Business Spotlight | Order Online | Catering Options

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Ciao, Rome! A Five-Day Journey Through History and Culture Awaits

Welcome to the Eternal City, where ancient ruins blend seamlessly with vibrant piazzas, and every corner tells a story of empires, artistry, and indulgence. Over the next five days, you’ll immerse yourself in the magic of Rome—from standing in awe of the Colosseum’s grandeur to savoring creamy gelato on bustling cobblestone streets.

Whether you’re a first-time explorer ready to tick off iconic landmarks or a seasoned Italophile seeking hidden trattorias and quiet courtyards, this itinerary is your passport to experiencing Rome like a local. Pack your appetite for history (and pasta!)—this is a journey you’ll never forget!

Day 1: Ancient Rome

• Morning: Start at the Colosseum, the iconic symbol of ancient Rome. Booking a skip-the-line ticket in advance is recommended to avoid long queues.

• Afternoon: Explore the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, both located near the Colosseum. These sites offer insights into Rome's imperial past and provide panoramic views of the city.

Day 2: Vatican City

• Morning: Visit St. Peter's Basilica, one of the world's largest churches, renowned for its stunning architecture and art. Climbing to the top of the dome offers breathtaking views of Rome.

• Afternoon: Tour the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel to admire masterpieces like Michelangelo's ceiling frescoes. Booking tickets in advance is advisable to skip the lines.

Day 3: Historic Center

• Morning: Discover the Pantheon, an ancient temple known for its impressive dome and oculus. Then, stroll to Piazza Navona, famous for its Baroque architecture and lively atmosphere.

• Afternoon: Visit the Trevi Fountain, where tossing a coin is said to ensure your return to Rome. Continue to the Spanish Steps, a popular spot for both tourists and locals.

Day 4: Borghese Gallery and Hidden Neighborhoods

• Morning: Explore the Borghese Gallery, home to a remarkable collection of art, including works by Bernini and Caravaggio. Advance reservations are required.

• Afternoon: Wander through lesser-known neighborhoods like Monti or Testaccio to experience local life, charming streets, and authentic Roman cuisine.

Day 5: Day Trip

• Option 1: Visit Ostia Antica, the ancient port city of Rome, to explore well-preserved ruins that offer a glimpse into daily life during the Roman Empire.

• Option 2: Take a trip to Tivoli to see Villa d'Este, renowned for its Renaissance gardens and fountains, and Villa Adriana, the expansive retreat of Emperor Hadrian.

This itinerary balances Rome's must-see attractions with opportunities to discover its hidden gems, providing a comprehensive experience of the Eternal City.

Travelling with the family is an adventure unlike any other, in all sorts of ways. Kids often have wildly different needs than adults. Little things like age-appropriate activities, hotels with amenities designed for families on the go, and CEOs that think like kids and adults alike are just a few of the things that set our Family trips apart. We believe that everyone deserves to have the time of their lives, no matter how old they are.

Learn about more family trips built for adventurers of all ages.

Official Tourism Website

• Turismo Roma: The official tourism website for Rome, Italy, is Turismo Roma. This comprehensive resource offers up-to-date information on attractions, events, accommodations, and practical tips to enhance your visit to the Eternal City.

Travel Guides

• Mama Loves Rome: 5 Days Perfect Itinerary for Your First Visit

• Rome Travel Guide by Rick Steves: This guide offers insights into Rome's rich history, major attractions, and practical travel advice. Website

  Read online (if you can’t see the whole newsletter)

Holiday Travel Tips to Navigate Thanksgiving Crowds (For Now or Next Time)

Thanksgiving travel is in full swing, with millions across North Carolina and the U.S. making their way to loved ones. AAA estimates 2.2 million travelers in North Carolina alone, while the TSA anticipates screening nearly 18 million passengers nationwide between November 26 and December 2.

Travelers are reuniting with family, some for milestone Thanksgivings, while others are delighting in surprise visits from friends. To make the journey as seamless as possible, preparation is essential, from planning driving routes to ensuring timely arrival at airports. Whether traveling near or far, the holiday spirit is alive and well, connecting people across the miles.

Holiday Travel Tips (For Now or Next Time):

• Plan Extra Time for Driving: Roads are busiest during late afternoons and evenings, so leave early to avoid delays.

• Reserve Parking in Advance: Book parking at least 24 hours ahead to secure a spot at your preferred lot. Check availability online if you don’t have a reservation.

• Arrive Early at Airports: Arrive two hours early for domestic flights and three hours for international flights. Airlines begin boarding 30–40 minutes before departure.

• Prepare for Security Checks: Review TSA guidelines to ensure you’re packing permitted items.

• Use RDU’s Free Cell Lot: Wait for arriving passengers at the free cell lot at 1000 Trade Drive. Allow 30 minutes for passengers to deplane and collect luggage before meeting them curbside.

• Check delays and cancelations at RDU here

Read Full Report

Ever Wonder How Astronauts
Stay Fresh in Space?

Space might be the final frontier, but hygiene up there is a whole new world! Former NASA astronaut Mike Massimino shares the surprising (and sometimes hilarious) ways astronauts tackle everyday routines like using the bathroom, brushing their teeth, and even "showering" in zero gravity.

• How do astronauts wash their hair without running water?

• What happens when nature calls in space?

• Can you pack your favorite toothbrush for the journey?

Get ready for a behind-the-scenes look at life aboard the International Space Station with insider insights from Massimino, a veteran astronaut, space program advisor, and Columbia University professor.

📽️ Watch now to uncover the secrets of staying clean in space!

Just curious…

The idea of venturing beyond Earth is no longer just science fiction. Companies are already planning commercial trips to space! But what about you?

Holiday Deals Made Easy: Cary Spotlight’s Cyber Monday Favorites

Cary Spotlight celebrates the holiday season by simplifying Cyber Monday shopping for its readers with a carefully curated list of 18 top deals. Each product combines practicality and fun, from tech favorites like Apple AirPods Pro and Wyze Cam v3 to home essentials like the Dyson V8 Cordless Vacuum and Instant Pot Duo.

Don’t miss your chance to snag these top-rated products before they sell out!

👉 Click here to see the top deals!

Local Resident’s Generosity
and Community Impact

As the holiday season approaches, one local resident (and Cary Spotlight reader) has chosen to redefine the spirit of giving by foregoing traditional Christmas presents in favor of donating to a diverse range of charitable organizations. Their thoughtful gesture underscores the true meaning of the season: generosity and community impact.

This act of kindness channels holiday funds toward charities supporting causes such as environmental conservation, social justice, animal welfare, and community development.

The recipient organizations range from globally recognized institutions to local initiatives in Western North Carolina and Cary.

By highlighting a breadth of causes, this reader’s generosity serves as a powerful reminder of how individual choices can ripple out to make a tangible difference. Their story encourages us all to rethink the holiday season as an opportunity to support the world we want to build.

Mentioned Charities

1. Episcopal Relief & Development: A faith-based organization partnering with local communities worldwide to alleviate hunger, create economic opportunities, promote health, and respond to disasters. Website
   

2. CORRAL Riding Academy: A Cary-based nonprofit offering equine-assisted therapy and education to empower at-risk girls, fostering personal growth and academic success. Website
   

3. Urban Ministries of Durham: Pro and support services to individuals and families in Durham, NC, aiming to end homelessness and alleviate poverty. Website
   

4. Cornell Lab of Ornithology: A study and conservation of birds, engaging in scientific research, education, and citizen science initiatives. Website
   

5. Eckhart Tolle Foundation: Charitable foundation dedicated to the awakening of human consciousness through the teachings of Eckhart Tolle, supporting initiatives that foster a more peaceful and harmonious world. Website
   

6. Greenpeace: An independent organization that uses peaceful protest and creative communication to expose environmental problems and promote solutions. Website
   

7. Center for Action and Contemplation: A educational nonprofit deepen spiritual understanding and strengthen compassionate engagement in the world. Website

8. National Farmworker Ministry: Supports advocacy, education, and direct services, aiming to improve their living and working conditions. Website
   

9. Dorcas Ministries: Provides community services in Cary, NC, including food assistance, financial aid, and job training, to help individuals achieve stability and self-sufficiency. Website

10. SPCA of Wake County: Dedicated to promoting animal welfare and preventing cruelty through adoption, education, and community outreach programs. Website
    

11. Kairos of North Carolina: Part prison ministry, it brings spiritual renewal and support to incarcerated individuals and their families through retreats and ongoing programs. Website
    

12. United Against Gun Violence | Brady: A national organization advocating for gun control legislation and education to reduce gun violence in the United States. Website

13. Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC): A nonprofit legal advocacy organization specializing in civil rights and public interest litigation, known for tracking hate groups and promoting tolerance. Website

These organizations represent a wide a local community support to global environmental advocacy, reflecting a commitment to diverse philanthropic efforts.

Just curious…

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.

Learn more here: https://caryspotlightdirectory.com/