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  • Cary Spotlight (Travel + Discover Edition): Issue #496

Cary Spotlight (Travel + Discover Edition): Issue #496

A Five-Day Adventure Awaits in Czech Republic, Air France Adjusts Raleigh-Paris Route, Discover Cary's FRESH. Local Ice Cream

In this Cary Spotlight Issue…

💭 Spotlight Hook Trivia

😀 Meme of the Day

🧭 Hello, Prague! A Five-Day Adventure Awaits in Czech Republic

😋 Must-Try Foods in Prague

✈️ Air France Adjusts Raleigh-Paris Route with Aircraft Change in March

😋🍴 Discover Cary (East & Drink): FRESH. Local Ice Cream

❤️ You’re So Sweet: Thank You, Leah!

🏛️ Support Local Businesses

Question: What is the deepest ocean in the world?

(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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Prague, Czech Republic

Hello, Prague! A Five-Day Adventure Awaits in Czech Republic

Welcome to the heart of Central Europe, where medieval charm meets vibrant modern culture. Over the next five days, you’ll uncover the magic of Prague—from exploring centuries-old castles and strolling across historic bridges to indulging in world-famous Czech beer and hearty local cuisine.

Whether you're a history buff eager to walk in the footsteps of kings, a romantic drawn to the city's fairytale-like streets, or a curious traveler in search of hidden gems, this itinerary is your key to experiencing Prague like a pro. Pack your curiosity (and a good pair of walking shoes)—this is a journey you won’t forget!

To complement your 5-day Prague itinerary, here's a video that is the “PRAGUE, Czech Republic | Europe's BEST City”

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

Day 1: Historic Old Town & Astronomical Clock

Morning: Start your adventure in Old Town Square (Staroměstské náměstí), the heart of Prague. Marvel at the famous Astronomical Clock (Orloj), one of the oldest functioning clocks in the world, and watch the hourly show. Visit the Church of Our Lady before Týn, with its iconic Gothic towers.

Afternoon: Walk towards Josefov, Prague’s Jewish Quarter, and explore the Old Jewish Cemetery and the Spanish Synagogue, renowned for its breathtaking Moorish Revival architecture.

Evening: Dine at a traditional Czech restaurant like U Modré Kachničky, where you can try duck or svíčková (marinated beef with creamy sauce). Stroll along the Vltava River, soaking in the city’s illuminated skyline.

Day 2: Prague Castle & Lesser Town

Morning: Cross the Charles Bridge, a historic 14th-century bridge adorned with statues, and head towards Prague Castle. Visit St. Vitus Cathedral, known for its intricate stained-glass windows, and explore the charming Golden Lane, where alchemists and craftsmen once lived.

Afternoon: Wander through Lesser Town (Malá Strana), a picturesque district with baroque architecture. Stop by Wallenstein Garden, a peaceful retreat featuring peacocks and ponds.

Evening: Enjoy a Czech beer tasting at Strahov Monastery Brewery, one of the oldest breweries in the city.

Day 3: Petrín Hill & Kampa Island

Morning: Take the Petrín Funicular up Petrín Hill and climb the Petrín Tower, often compared to the Eiffel Tower for its stunning panoramic views of Prague. Visit the Mirror Maze for a fun and quirky experience.

Afternoon: Walk down to Kampa Island, a scenic area by the river. Stop by the Lennon Wall, covered in colorful graffiti and messages of peace.

Evening: Enjoy a Vltava River dinner cruise, offering breathtaking views of the city's illuminated landmarks.

Day 4: Vyšehrad & Local Experiences

Morning: Visit Vyšehrad, a historic fortress overlooking the Vltava River. Explore the Vyšehrad Cemetery, the resting place of famous Czech figures, and take in the serene atmosphere.

Afternoon: Immerse yourself in Prague’s café culture at Café Louvre, a historic café once frequented by Franz Kafka and Albert Einstein. Then, head to Náplavka, a lively riverbank area with street markets and local food stalls.

Evening: Watch a classical music concert at Rudolfinum or experience a traditional marionette theater performance, a unique Czech tradition.

Day 5: Day Trip to Kutná Hora or Karlštejn Castle

Morning: Take a day trip to Kutná Hora, a UNESCO-listed town famous for the Sedlec Ossuary (Bone Church), decorated with thousands of human bones. Alternatively, visit Karlštejn Castle, a Gothic fortress nestled in the countryside.

Afternoon: Explore the charming streets of Kutná Hora or Karlštejn, enjoying local specialties at a cozy Czech tavern.

Evening: Return to Prague and enjoy your last evening with a sunset view from Letná Park, offering one of the best panoramic views of the city.

This itinerary blends Prague’s iconic landmarks with hidden gems, ensuring a well-rounded and unforgettable experience. Enjoy your trip!

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

Prague is a city full of history, charm, and unforgettable experiences! If you could pick just one, which activity would top your list? Vote below! 👇

🏰 Prague Favorites Poll: What’s Your Must-Do Activity?

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

  • Rick Steves’ Prague & The Czech Republic Guidebook
    Rick Steves provides in-depth historical context, walking tours, and insider tips for navigating Prague efficiently. His guidebook covers everything from must-see attractions to hidden gems, along with budget-friendly recommendations..

  • Prague Travel Guide by Lonely Planet
    Lonely Planet offers comprehensive travel advice, including maps, cultural insights, and recommendations for food, nightlife, and off-the-beaten-path experiences. It's a great resource for both first-time visitors and seasoned travelers.

😋 Must-Try Foods in Prague

Prague is more than just castles, bridges, and cheap beer—your experience here can be a million times better (or worse) depending on what you eat! 😲

Before you set off to admire the Astronomical Clock or cross the Charles Bridge, make sure you’re fueled up with the best Czech cuisine! In this must-watch video, you'll discover:

 6 traditional Czech dishes you can’t leave without trying
 Authentic local restaurants where the real magic happens
 Insider food tips (like why ordering water might get you a beer instead!

Ready to eat your way through Prague like a local? Click below to watch now!

Prague isn’t just a feast for the eyes—it’s a paradise for food lovers! If you could pick just one traditional Czech dish to try, what would it be? Vote below!

Prague Foodie Poll: What’s Your Must-Try Czech Dish?

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Air France Adjusts Raleigh-Paris Route with Aircraft Change in March

Air France is making adjustments to its nonstop Raleigh-Durham to Paris route this spring, replacing the Airbus A350-900 with a Boeing 777-200 starting March 31. The change follows a previous upgrade in summer 2024, when the airline transitioned to the A350-900 and expanded the service from five weekly flights to daily service in preparation for the Paris Olympics.

The aircraft transition marks a return to Boeing operations on the route, making Air France the second airline at RDU to regularly fly the Boeing 777 internationally. American Airlines also operates the aircraft on its daily flights to London Heathrow.

The Paris route remains Air France’s only direct service in and out of North Carolina, providing a vital link to one of Europe’s major travel hubs. With this latest change, passengers can expect a slightly different onboard experience while maintaining direct access to France’s capital from RDU. Read Full Report

Credit: FRESH. Local Ice Cream

FRESH. Local Ice Cream

FRESH is one of the local ice cream shops 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.

FRESH. Local Ice Cream in Cary, NC, is a beloved shop known for its handcrafted, small-batch ice cream made with locally sourced ingredients, offering a variety of classic and creative flavors.

Check out their menu on their website: FRESH. Local Ice Cream

Address: 138 E Chatham St, Cary, NC 27511 | Get Directions

FRESH. Local Ice Cream

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You’re So Sweet: Thank You, Leah!

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

The Pacific Ocean is the deepest ocean in the world, with an average depth of about 12,080 feet (3,682 meters) and a maximum depth of 36,161 feet (11,022 meters) at the Mariana Trench’s Challenger Deep. Covering more than 63 million square miles, the Pacific is also the largest ocean, spanning from the Arctic Ocean in the north to the Southern Ocean in the south. Its vast depths hold some of the least explored regions on Earth, home to mysterious deep-sea creatures and unique ecosystems.

For more information, visit NOAA’s Ocean Exploration.