In this Cary Spotlight Issue…

💭 Spotlight Hook Trivia

😀 Meme of the Day

🧭 Hello, Venice! A Five-Day Adventure Awaits in Italy

😋 Must-Try Foods in Venice

✈️ RDU Expands International and Domestic Routes as Passenger Traffic Grows

😋🍴 Discover Cary (East & Drink): Bocci Trattoria & Pizzeria Review

❤️ You’re So Sweet: Thank You, Haley!

🏛️ Support Local Businesses

Question: Who was the first African American woman to have her own TV show?

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Hello, Venice! A Five-Day Adventure Awaits in Italy

Welcome to the Floating City, where every winding canal and hidden alleyway tells a story of grandeur, intrigue, and timeless beauty. Over the next five days, you’ll lose yourself in the magic of Venice—from gliding through its iconic waterways to savoring cicchetti at a tucked-away bacaro.

Whether it’s your first time marveling at St. Mark’s Basilica or you’re a seasoned traveler seeking the city’s secret corners, this itinerary is your passport to experiencing Venice like a true Venetian. Pack your sense of adventure (and your best walking shoes)—this is going to be a journey you’ll never forget!

To complement your 5-day Tokyo itinerary, here's a video that is the “The Best Things to do in Venice, Italy”

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

Here's a suggested 5-day itinerary to explore Venice and its surroundings:

Day 1: San Marco District

• Morning: Begin at Piazza San Marco (St. Mark's Square), the heart of Venice. Visit St. Mark's Basilica, renowned for its stunning architecture and mosaics.​

• Afternoon: Explore the Doge's Palace, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture that offers insights into Venice's political history. Don't miss the Bridge of Sighs, connecting the palace to the historic prisons.​

• Evening: Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the Riva degli Schiavoni waterfront, taking in views of the lagoon.​

Day 2: Rialto and San Polo

• Morning: Visit the iconic Rialto Bridge, one of Venice's most famous landmarks. Nearby, explore the bustling Rialto Market, vibrant with fresh produce and seafood.​

• Afternoon: Wander through the San Polo district, known for its narrow streets and artistic heritage. Stop by the Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari, which houses masterpieces by Titian and Bellini.​

• Evening: Experience a traditional Venetian dinner at a local osteria.​

Day 3: Dorsoduro and Accademia

• Morning: Cross the Accademia Bridge to the Dorsoduro district. Visit the Gallerie dell'Accademia, home to an extensive collection of Venetian paintings.​

• Afternoon: Explore the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, showcasing modern art in a unique setting.​

• Evening: Relax at a café in the charming Campo Santa Margherita, a lively square popular with locals and students.​

Day 4: Cannaregio and Jewish Ghetto

• Morning: Discover the Cannaregio district, one of Venice's most authentic areas. Visit the historic Jewish Ghetto, established in 1516.​

• Afternoon: Take a leisurely walk along the Fondamenta della Misericordia, lined with quaint shops and eateries.​

• Evening: Consider a gondola ride through the serene canals, offering a unique perspective of the city.​

Day 5: Islands of Murano and Burano

• Morning: Take a vaporetto (water bus) to Murano, famous for its glassmaking. Visit a glass factory to witness artisans at work.​

• Afternoon: Continue to Burano, known for its brightly colored houses and lace-making tradition. Stroll through the picturesque streets and perhaps purchase some handmade lace as a souvenir.​

• Evening: Return to Venice and savor your final evening with a sunset walk along the Zattere promenade, offering views of the Giudecca Canal.​

This itinerary offers a balanced mix of Venice's major attractions and its lesser-known gems, ensuring a comprehensive and memorable experience. Enjoy your trip!

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

G Adventures is the leader in small group and solo travel for 30 years, they know how to do it right: flexible itineraries, freedom to roam, safety, peace of mind, and locally based guides. Check out the Online Deals: The Whole World is on sale! Shop Travel Deals

Venice is a city full of enchanting experiences, but if you had to pick just one, which would it be? Vote below and let us know!

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

• Rick Steves' Venice Travel Guide
  Renowned travel expert Rick Steves offers an in-depth guide to Venice, covering must-see attractions, local experiences, and practical travel tips. This resource provides detailed information on Venice's neighborhoods, transportation, and cultural highlights, ensuring you make the most of your visit.

• Lonely Planet's Venice Travel Guide
  Lonely Planet provides expert guidance to help you plan your trip to Venice. Their guide includes essential information on things to know before you go, the best neighborhoods to explore, and insightful articles to enhance your travel experience.

😋 Must-Try Foods in Venice

Venice isn’t just about canals and gondolas—it’s a paradise for food lovers! Join this ultimate Venice Food Tour as they dive into pasta perfection, mouthwatering pizza, crunchy cicchetti, and the most heavenly tiramisu you’ll ever taste!

From fresh takeaway pasta at Dal Moro’s to savoring cicchetti by the canal and indulging in Venice’s best gelato —this video will have you booking your flight ASAP!

Hit play now and let your taste buds wander through Venice!

Warning: This video may cause extreme food cravings! Watch now and let us know which dish you'd try first! 😋 

Video source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IqsAY1Tj3N0

Just curious…

RDU Expands International and Domestic Routes as Passenger Traffic Grows

Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) continues to see strong passenger growth, with January 2025 recording a 7% increase over the previous year. More than one million travelers passed through RDU last month, a sign of steady recovery despite the post-holiday travel slowdown. With new international and domestic routes launching, the airport is poised for further expansion throughout the year.

Avelo Airlines has made its international debut at RDU, launching flights to Montego Bay, Jamaica, in January, with service to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, beginning on February 22. These twice-weekly flights will run from mid-November through September, catering to leisure travelers seeking warm-weather destinations. Additionally, BermudAir will introduce nonstop service to Bermuda in April, appealing to both business and vacation travelers.

On the domestic front, Breeze Airways is expanding its presence at RDU, adding five new routes this spring. Starting in late April, Breeze will offer flights to Pensacola, Memphis, Rochester, Orlando, and Albany. With Memphis previously the largest unserved market for RDU, this new addition helps close a major gap in the airport’s network. Since entering the Triangle market in 2023, Breeze has grown rapidly, now serving 26 cities from RDU.

With a diverse range of new routes, increasing demand, and ongoing expansion, RDU is strengthening its position as a major travel hub for both domestic and international travelers. As more airlines invest in the airport, passengers in the Raleigh-Durham area will have more convenient and affordable options for their journeys. Read Full Report

Bocci Trattoria & Pizzeria Review

Bocci Trattoria & Pizzeria is one of the local restaurants nominated by Cary Spotlight’s readers for our Discover Cary project. If you had a chance to sample their food, feel free to share your opinion below.

Bocci Trattoria & Pizzeria in Cary, NC, is a family-owned Italian restaurant offering classic dishes and a variety of pizzas in a charming, old-world atmosphere.

Here are the results from our last reader poll (see below). Check out their menu on their website: Bocci Trattoria & Pizzeria

Address: 2425 Kildaire Farm Rd, Cary, NC 27518 | Get Directions

Reader Poll Results

Bocci Trattoria & Pizzeria (6 Votes)

🟨🟨🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️ 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 Love this place! (2)
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 😊😊😊 I have never been there but I might give it a try (4)

Cary Spotlight Reader’s Feedback (Issue # 349):

“Great food Bruschetta and the pizza! Convenient, unpretentious and consistent service and food. ”

“Their outside dining and half priced bottle of wine is hard to beat! Bring your pup. ”

You’re So Sweet: Thank You, Haley!

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