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  • Cary Spotlight (Travel + Discover Edition): Issue #412

Cary Spotlight (Travel + Discover Edition): Issue #412

70 Best Christmas Gifts for Everyone on Your List, Pickleball vs. Tennis, RDU to Vancouver Nonstop Flights

In this Cary Spotlight Issue…

💭 Spotlight Hook Trivia

😀 Meme of the Day

🧭 Hello, London! A Five-Day Adventure Awaits

✈️ RDU to Vancouver: Nonstop Flights Begin June 2025

🧭 Pickleball vs. Tennis: The Racket Sports Revolution You Need to See!

🎁 Holiday Gift Shopping: 70 Best Christmas Gifts for Everyone on Your List

🏛️ Support Local Businesses

Question: What was Cary’s most significant housing development of the 1970’s?

(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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Meme of the Day.
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Winding through London

Hello, London! A Five-Day Adventure Awaits

Planning a 5-day trip to London offers a wonderful opportunity to explore the city's rich history, iconic landmarks, and vibrant neighborhoods. Here's a comprehensive itinerary to help you make the most of your visit:

Day 1: Historic and Political Landmarks

  • Morning: Begin at Westminster Abbey, a Gothic masterpiece and the site of numerous royal ceremonies. Afterward, walk to the nearby Houses of Parliament and admire the iconic Big Ben.

  • Afternoon: Stroll through St. James's Park to Buckingham Palace. Time your visit to witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony.

  • Evening: Head to the London Eye for panoramic views of the city, especially stunning at sunset.

Day 2: Museums and Cultural Experiences

  • Morning: Visit the British Museum, home to vast collections of art and antiquities from around the world.

  • Afternoon: Explore the bustling Covent Garden area, known for its markets, street performers, and boutique shops.

  • Evening: Catch a show in the West End, London's renowned theater district.

Day 3: The Tower and the Thames

  • Morning: Tour the historic Tower of London, where you can see the Crown Jewels and learn about its storied past.

  • Afternoon: Walk across the iconic Tower Bridge and visit the Tower Bridge Exhibition to learn about its engineering and history.

  • Evening: Dine at one of the many restaurants along the Southbank and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.

Day 4: Markets and Modern Attractions

  • Morning: Visit Borough Market, one of London's oldest food markets, offering a variety of gourmet foods.

  • Afternoon: Explore the Tate Modern, housed in a former power station, showcasing contemporary art.

  • Evening: Ascend to the Sky Garden for free panoramic views of London. Be sure to book your visit in advance.

Day 5: Royal Boroughs and Shopping

  • Morning: Travel to Greenwich to stand on the Prime Meridian at the Royal Observatory and explore the Cutty Sark.

  • Afternoon: Return to central London to visit the Victoria and Albert Museum in South Kensington, renowned for its art and design collections.

  • Evening: Stroll through the upscale Knightsbridge area and visit the famous Harrods department store.

Additional Tips:

Transportation: Consider purchasing an Oyster Card for convenient access to London's public transport system.

Accommodations: Staying in central areas like Covent Garden, Soho, or Southbank can reduce travel time between attractions.

Dining: London offers a diverse culinary scene. Don't miss traditional experiences like afternoon tea or dining in a classic British pub.

This itinerary provides a balanced mix of London's historical sites, cultural institutions, and modern attractions, ensuring a memorable 5-day visit to the UK capital.

What’s Your Must-Do Activity in London?

Let us know which activity you’d love to experience the most: Click to cast your vote

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Travel Guides

RDU to Vancouver: Nonstop Flights Begin June 2025

Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) continues to expand its global reach with the announcement of new nonstop service to Vancouver, Canada, set to begin in June 2025. Operated by Air Canada, this seasonal route will connect the Research Triangle to the vibrant West Coast city, known for its stunning natural beauty and global connectivity.

Flights to Vancouver International Airport (YVR) will run three times a week—on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays—using a Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. The journey, lasting approximately 5 hours and 20 minutes, offers travelers an efficient gateway not only to British Columbia but also to destinations across Western Canada, Asia, and the Pacific.

This new route is part of a broader push to enhance international travel options from RDU. Vancouver marks the third new international destination launching from RDU in 2025, further cementing the airport’s status as a hub for global connectivity.

Whether travelers are heading to Vancouver for its iconic landscapes or using it as a jumping-off point for international destinations, this service provides a seamless travel experience for the growing Research Triangle community.

Pickleball vs. Tennis: The Racket Sports Revolution You Need to See!

What’s making tennis purists rethink the court? Two fast-growing challengers—pickleball and padel—are turning heads, winning over players of all ages, and transforming the sports world. From celebrity endorsements to skyrocketing participation, these sports are sparking a movement that’s impossible to ignore.

📺 In this video: Discover why pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in America, why padel is booming in Europe, and what this means for the future of tennis. Will the classic game adapt—or is it game, set, match for tennis as we know it?

👉 Watch now and join the conversation!

Just curious…

We want to hear from YOU! With pickleball and padel gaining popularity, how do you feel about the future of tennis and racket sports?

The Future of Racket Sports

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Holiday Gift Shopping: 70 Best Christmas Gifts for Everyone on Your List

The days are getting cozier, and the air's turning frosty—yep, it’s officially gift-giving season! To sprinkle some extra magic into your holidays, we’ve rounded up the most amazing Amazon Christmas gifts for everyone on your list.

Whether it’s a white elephant giggle fest or a holiday shindig with your coworkers, we’ve got you covered. Stumped on what to get for your sister, your uncle who “already has everything,” or your gourmet grandpa? Not anymore! From tech lovers to cocktail crafters, plant parents to party hosts, we’ve got the perfect presents for them all. Let’s get gifting!

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.

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

Kildaire Farms was Cary’s most significant housing development of the 1970’s. Planned initially for 2,950 families, it dwarfed previous developments in size, and as Cary’s first planned unit development (PUD), it set standards by which most of the town has since been built.

Hill Road. (Source: Around About Cary, p134)

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