In this Cary Spotlight Issue…

💭 Spotlight Hook Trivia

😀 Meme of the Day

🧭 Hello, Iceland! A Five-Day Adventure Awaits

✈️ RDU Welcomes New Nonstop Flights to Western Canada Amid Fierce Rivalry

🧭 Can You Step Through a Regular Piece of Paper?

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

❤️ You’re So Sweet: Thank You, Robin!

🏛️ Support Local Businesses

Question: What was Cary’s most significant housing development of the 1980’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

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

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Meme of the Day.
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Hello, Iceland! A Five-Day Adventure Awaits

Planning a 5-day trip to Iceland offers a remarkable opportunity to experience the country's diverse landscapes and rich culture. Here's a comprehensive itinerary to help you make the most of your visit:

Day 1: Arrival and Reykjavik Exploration

• Morning: Arrive at Keflavik International Airport and transfer to Reykjavik. Begin your exploration with a visit to the iconic Hallgrimskirkja Church, where you can ascend the tower for panoramic city views.

• Afternoon: Stroll along the Sculpture & Shore Walk to see the Sun Voyager sculpture. Visit the Harpa Concert Hall, renowned for its modern architecture.

• Evening: Dine at one of Reykjavik's acclaimed restaurants, such as Dill, Iceland's only Michelin-starred establishment.

Day 2: The Golden Circle

• Morning: Drive to Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site where you can walk between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates.

• Afternoon: Proceed to the Geysir Geothermal Area to witness the Strokkur geyser erupting every few minutes. Continue to Gullfoss Waterfall, one of Iceland's most stunning natural features.

• Evening: Relax in the Secret Lagoon, a natural hot spring located in the village of Flúðir.

Day 3: South Coast to Vik

• Morning: Visit Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, where you can walk behind the cascading water. Nearby, explore the hidden Gljúfrabúi Waterfall.

• Afternoon: Stop at Skógafoss Waterfall, known for its impressive 60-meter drop. Then, visit the Sólheimajökull Glacier for a guided glacier hike.

• Evening: Arrive in the village of Vik and take a stroll on the black sand beach of Reynisfjara, famous for its basalt columns and sea stacks.

Day 4: Vik to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

• Morning: Drive to Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon, a picturesque canyon with walking paths offering stunning views.

• Afternoon: Continue to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon to witness floating icebergs. Cross the road to visit Diamond Beach, where icebergs wash ashore on the black sand.

• Evening: Stay overnight in the Höfn area, known for its lobster cuisine.

Day 5: Return to Reykjavik via the Blue Lagoon

• Morning: Begin the return journey to Reykjavik, stopping at scenic spots along the way.

• Afternoon: Visit the Blue Lagoon near Grindavík for a relaxing soak in the geothermal waters. It's advisable to book in advance due to its popularity.

• Evening: Return to Reykjavik for your final night, enjoying the city's vibrant nightlife or a Northern Lights tour if visiting during the aurora season.

Additional Tips:

• Accommodation: Book accommodations in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.

• Transportation: Renting a car provides flexibility, but ensure it's suitable for Iceland's varying road conditions.

• Weather: Iceland's weather can be unpredictable; pack layers and waterproof gear.

This itinerary offers a balanced mix of natural wonders and cultural experiences, providing a memorable 5-day adventure in Iceland.

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

Travel Guides - For comprehensive information to plan your Iceland adventure, consider these two resources:

• Guide to Iceland: This platform offers extensive travel information, including tours, car rentals, accommodations, and cultural insights. It provides practical advice and booking options to enhance your trip.

• Visit Iceland: As the official tourism website, it features details on attractions, activities, and events across the country. It's a valuable resource for up-to-date information on Iceland's offerings.

These resources will assist you in planning a memorable and well-informed journey to Iceland.

RDU Welcomes New Nonstop Flights to Western Canada Amid Fierce Rivalry

Raleigh-Durham International Airport is enhancing its international offerings with two new routes to Canada, fueling competition between WestJet and Air Canada. WestJet will introduce a trial nonstop flight to Calgary in June 2025, running three times a week and potentially expanding if successful. The airline is targeting RDU as one of western Canada’s largest unserved markets and is leveraging its partnership with Delta Air Lines to attract local flyers.

Meanwhile, Air Canada, which has operated at RDU since 1996, is launching a competing route to Vancouver, offering connections to major Asian destinations. With existing nonstop services to Toronto and Montreal, Air Canada’s legacy presence may give it an edge in the growing market.

These developments reflect broader strategies by both airlines. WestJet is transitioning from a leisure-focused model to serving business hubs like RDU, while Air Canada seeks to maintain and grow its dominance in the region. For RDU, the increased competition signals a bright future for international travel options.

Read Full Report

Can You Step Through a Regular Piece of Paper?

About StarTalk: Science meets pop culture on StarTalk! Astrophysicist & Hayden Planetarium director Neil deGrasse Tyson, his comic co-hosts, guest celebrities & scientists discuss astronomy, physics, and everything else about life in the universe. Keep Looking Up!

📺 In this video: Ready to blow your mind (and your next party guests' minds)? Watch as Neil deGrasse Tyson and Chuck Nice reveal Neil's favorite party trick—a wild way to walk through a simple piece of printer paper.

From cutting the impossible to pondering the possibility of squeezing the entire Earth through a single sheet, this video will stretch your imagination (and your paper-folding skills)!

Watch Now to learn:

• Neil's mind-bending paper trick (2:04)

• Just how BIG you can make it (4:28)

Your next party conversation starter awaits. Don’t miss it! 🚀

Video source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oGT4GBVSkpA

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!

👉 Click here to see the top deals!

You’re So Sweet: Thank You, Robin!

We’ve Got Chocolate—Do You Have a Minute?

It’s our way of saying thank you for being part of our community and spreading the joy of local stories, events, and connections in Cary. Enter to Win Godiva Chocolates Here Entries close on 17 Dec 2024.

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/