In this Cary Spotlight Issue…

💭 Spotlight Hook Trivia

😀 Meme of the Day

🧭 Hello, Budapest! A Five-Day Adventure Awaits

✈️ RDU Reaches New Heights: 14 International Destinations by 2025

🍴 Hungry for Hungary? Discover the Top 10 Must-Try Dishes in Budapest!

❤️ You’re So Sweet: Thank You, Dawn!

🏛️ Support Local Businesses

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Hello, Budapest! A Five-Day Adventure Awaits

Welcome to the Pearl of the Danube, where history, culture, and breathtaking views come together in perfect harmony. Over the next five days, you’ll immerse yourself in the magic of Budapest—from exploring grand castles and thermal baths to savoring rich goulash and sweet chimney cakes. Whether you’re a first-time visitor ready to tick off iconic landmarks or a seasoned traveler eager to uncover the city's hidden treasures, this itinerary will guide you through the heart and soul of Hungary’s vibrant capital.

Planning a 5-day trip to Budapest offers a rich blend of history, culture, and relaxation. Here's a suggested itinerary to help you make the most of your visit:

Day 1: City Park and Széchenyi Thermal Bath

• Morning: Begin your trip at City Park, a vast green space ideal for leisurely walks. Visit the Széchenyi Thermal Bath, Budapest's largest thermal bath, featuring both hot and cold pools suitable for year-round enjoyment. Consider indulging in a massage for ultimate relaxation.

• Afternoon: Explore the Mőcsényi Mihály Botanical Garden and the Budapest Zoo within the park. Don't miss Vajdahunyad Castle, which houses the Museum of Hungarian Agriculture, the largest of its kind in Europe.

• Evening: Stroll along Andrássy Avenue, Budapest's most glamorous boulevard, lined with high-end boutiques and charming cafes. If time permits, catch a performance at the Hungarian State Opera.

Day 2: Pest's Historic and Cultural Sights

• Morning: Start with a visit to the Hungarian Parliament Building, an architectural masterpiece. Guided tours are available to explore its opulent interiors.

• Afternoon: Visit St. Stephen’s Basilica, one of Hungary's most important religious buildings. Climb to the top of the dome for panoramic city views. Afterward, explore Liberty Square and consider a themed walking tour to delve deeper into the city's history.

• Evening: Head to the Jewish Quarter to see the Dohány Street Synagogue, the largest in Europe. Stay in the area to experience Budapest's vibrant nightlife, including its famous ruin pubs like Szimpla Kert.

Day 3: Buda Castle and Surroundings

• Morning: Cross the Chain Bridge to Buda and take the Castle Hill Funicular up to Buda Castle. Explore the castle grounds and visit the Hungarian National Gallery.

• Afternoon: Wander through the historic streets to Matthias Church and the Fisherman's Bastion, offering some of the best views of the city.

• Evening: Enjoy a traditional Hungarian dinner in the Buda Castle District. Afterward, consider a Danube River cruise to see the city's illuminated landmarks from the water.

Day 4: Margaret Island and Museums

• Morning: Spend time on Margaret Island, a tranquil retreat in the heart of the city. Rent a bike or simply stroll through its gardens, visit the small zoo, and see the musical fountain.

• Afternoon: Visit the Museum of Fine Arts near Heroes' Square, which boasts an impressive collection of European art.

• Evening: Explore the lively Váci Street, a bustling shopping area with numerous cafes and restaurants. It's an excellent place to unwind and people-watch.

Day 5: Day Trip to Szentendre

• Morning: Take a short train ride to Szentendre, a charming town known for its art galleries, museums, and cobblestone streets.

• Afternoon: Explore the town's unique shops and perhaps visit the Open-Air Ethnographic Museum (Skanzen) nearby.

• Evening: Return to Budapest for a farewell dinner, savoring Hungarian specialties like goulash or chicken paprikash.

This itinerary offers a balanced mix of Budapest's major attractions, cultural experiences, and relaxation, ensuring a memorable 5-day visit.

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 Budapest:

• Nomadic Matt's Budapest Travel Guide: This updated guide offers insights into Budapest's rich history and culture, along with practical tips on the best attractions, accommodations, and transportation options

• Lonely Planet's Experience Budapest: Explore Budapest's art nouveau architecture, vibrant ruin bars, and historic bathhouses with Lonely Planet's expert advice. This guide provides information on top attractions, neighborhoods, day trips, and practical travel tips.

RDU Reaches New Heights: 14 International Destinations by 2025

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

🍴 Hungry for Hungary? Discover the Top 10 Must-Try Dishes in Budapest! 

Get ready to take your taste buds on a journey through the heart of Hungarian cuisine! Whether you're planning a trip to Budapest or just dreaming of its culinary delights, this video is your ultimate food guide.

🎥 What’s Inside:
✅ Classic favorites like Gulyás, Pörkölt, and Chicken Paprikash
✅ Hidden gems like Hortobágyi Crepe, Fisherman’s Soup, and Mátrai Borzaska
✅ Local tips to savor authentic flavors like a true Hungarian

Don’t miss out on the best dishes you NEED to try in Hungary! Click below to watch and start planning your foodie adventure.

Watch Now: 10 BEST Hungarian Foods in Budapest You MUST Try

Video source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ISbyP_0jbBE

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, Dawn!

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