In this Cary Spotlight Issue…

💭 Spotlight Hook Trivia

😀 Meme of the Day

🧭 Hello, Sicily! A Five-Day Journey of Wonders Awaits

✈️ RDU Gears Up for Record Holiday Travel Season with New Routes and Innovations

🍴 Embark on the ULTIMATE Sicilian Food Journey!

❤️ You’re So Sweet: Thank You, Robin!

❤️ India.Arie - Prayer For Humanity

🏛️ Support Local Businesses

Question: Where did nearly everyone who lived in Cary work in 1945?

(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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Hello, Sicily! A Five-Day Journey of Wonders Awaits

Welcome to the Jewel of the Mediterranean, where ancient ruins meet sun-soaked coastlines and every corner bursts with history, flavor, and charm. Planning a 5-day trip to Sicily offers a rich blend of history, culture, and natural beauty—from exploring ancient Greek temples to savoring arancini and cannoli that redefine indulgence.

Pack your appetite for adventure (and a good pair of shades)—this is a trip you’ll never forget! Here's a suggested itinerary to help you experience some of the island's highlights:

Day 1: Palermo

• Morning: Explore Palermo, Sicily's vibrant capital. Visit the Palermo Cathedral and the Palazzo dei Normanni, notable for their Norman architecture. Wander through bustling markets like Ballarò or Vucciria to sample authentic Sicilian street food.

• Afternoon: Drive to Cefalù, a charming coastal town renowned for its beautiful beaches and the Norman Cathedral. Stroll through the quaint streets of the old town and relax on the beach.

Day 2: Agrigento and Piazza Armerina

• Morning: Head to Agrigento to explore the Valley of the Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring some of the best-preserved ancient Greek temples.

• Afternoon: Proceed to Piazza Armerina to visit the Villa Romana del Casale, famous for its extensive collection of Roman mosaics.

Day 3: Syracuse and Ortigia

• Morning: Travel to Syracuse and explore the Archaeological Park of Neapolis, which includes the Greek Theatre, Roman Amphitheatre, and the Ear of Dionysius.

• Afternoon: Visit Ortigia, the historic center of Syracuse. Wander through its narrow streets, see the Piazza del Duomo, and enjoy the vibrant local market.

Day 4: Mount Etna and Taormina

• Morning: Embark on an excursion to Mount Etna, Europe's highest and most active volcano. Consider taking a cable car and jeep tour to explore its lunar landscapes and craters.

• Afternoon: Drive to Taormina, a picturesque town perched on a mountainside. Visit the ancient Greek Theatre for breathtaking views of Mount Etna and the coast. Stroll along Corso Umberto, the main street filled with shops and cafes.

Day 5: Aeolian Islands or Relaxation

• Option 1: Take a day trip to the Aeolian Islands. From Milazzo, ferries can take you to islands like Lipari or Vulcano, where you can enjoy swimming in crystal-clear waters, visit volcanic mud baths, or explore charming streets.

• Option 2: Spend a relaxing day in Taormina or nearby beaches such as Isola Bella, enjoying the local cuisine and leisurely exploring the town.

This itinerary provides a balanced mix of cultural exploration, historical sites, and natural wonders, offering a comprehensive experience of Sicily's diverse attractions.

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

Travel Guides - Here are two comprehensive travel guides to help you plan your trip to Sicily:

• Rick Steves' Sicily Travel Guide: This resource offers detailed itineraries, travel tips, and insights into Sicily's top attractions, including historical sites, cultural experiences, and practical advice for travelers.

• Lonely Planet's Sicily Guide: This guide provides extensive information on destinations, activities, accommodations, and transportation options across Sicily, along with expert recommendations to enhance your travel experience.

RDU Gears Up for Record Holiday Travel Season with New Routes and Innovations

Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) is wrapping up a milestone year with a bustling holiday season, marked by over 1.2 million passengers in November—a near two percent increase from 2023. The airport has steadily expanded its international offerings, with Avelo Airlines introducing routes to Montego Bay and Punta Cana in February and Air Canada launching a connection to Vancouver in June. These additions join existing flights to destinations like Mexico City, Frankfurt, and Panama City, making RDU a growing hub for international travel.

To manage increased passenger traffic during the holidays, RDU has expanded Terminal 2, increasing capacity by 40% since 2019. The airport also offers TSA PreCheck and CLEAR for faster security screening. Future plans include additional terminal expansions and gates to meet rising demand.

RDU is also making strides in environmental leadership with its John Brantley Boulevard Extension project, which exceeds standard compliance measures. The airport hosted a public workshop to gather feedback and will continue engaging the community in 2025.

With its robust plans and recent innovations, RDU is positioning itself as a premier travel hub for the Research Triangle region and beyond. Read Full Report

🍴 Embark on the ULTIMATE Sicilian Food Journey!

Welcome to Sicily, where every bite tells a story. From pistachios to seafood and world-famous cannoli, Sicilian cuisine is unlike anything else in Italy. Join us on a mouthwatering adventure as we dive into 12 must-try dishes with the locals who know them best!

Highlights Include:

• Discovering the secrets of Sicilian arancine

• Indulging in authentic, melt-in-your-mouth cannoli

• A food tour packed with flavors, history, and culture

Get inspired for your next trip or savor Sicily from home. Don’t miss the dish-by-dish guide to foodie paradise!

🎥 Watch Now and bring Sicily to your plate! 🍷

Video source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_77bU2UPUY

We just took a delicious journey through Sicily, exploring 12 iconic dishes. Now, we want to hear from you!

You’re So Sweet: Thank You, Faye!

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India.Arie - Prayer For Humanity

Editor’s Note: Wishing you happy holidays. I was jamming this heartfelt and inspiring song while putting together today’s issue. I share the sentiment of this song. Enjoy!

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/