• Cary Spotlight
  • Posts
  • Cary Spotlight (Travel + Discover Edition): Issue #510

Cary Spotlight (Travel + Discover Edition): Issue #510

Hello, Corn Islands! Anthony Bourdain Explored the Vibrant Food of Nicaragua, Hank’s Downtown Dive in Cary

In this Cary Spotlight Issue…

💭 Spotlight Hook Trivia

🧭 Hello, Corn Islands! A Five-Day Adventure Awaits in Nicaragua

🧭 Anthony Bourdain Explored the Vibrant Food of Nicaragua

✈️ Fly Nonstop to the Bahamas from RDU Starting in June

😋🍴 Discover Cary (East & Drink): Hank’s Downtown Dive

😀 Meme of the Day

❤️ Thank You, Patricia!

🏛️ Support Local Businesses

Question: Who was the first female U.S. Supreme Court Justice?

(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

📚 TWO FREE AUDIOBOOKS! 📚
To get two free audiobooks from Audible, just follow this link: Learn more

Partner with us to reach our local audience in Cary, NC.

Start here to advertise with us.

Credit: Corns Islands, Nicaragua

Hello, Corn Islands! A Five-Day Adventure Awaits in Nicaragua

Welcome to the Corn Islands, where time slows down, and the Caribbean breeze carries the scent of salt and adventure. Over the next five days, you’ll swap the hustle of daily life for white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a rhythm set by the ocean’s tide.

Whether you're snorkeling alongside vibrant marine life, savoring the freshest lobster straight from the sea, or simply swaying in a hammock under the swaying palms, this itinerary is your guide to island bliss. Pack your swimsuit, embrace the island vibe, and get ready for an unforgettable tropical escape!

To complement your 5-day itinerary, here's a video that is the “CORN ISLAND: How to Get There and How to Get Around”

Here's a suggested itinerary to help you make the most of your visit:​

Day 1: Arrival and Island Exploration

  • Morning/Afternoon: Fly into Augusto C. Sandino International Airport (MGA) in Managua, then take a domestic flight with La Costeña Airlines to Big Corn Island (approximately 1.5 hours total travel time). Upon arrival, check into your accommodation and soak in the island’s relaxed vibe.

  • Evening: Enjoy a beachfront dinner at Casa Canada or The Buccaneer and watch the sunset with a cocktail in hand.

​Day 2: Snorkeling and Beach Relaxation on Big Corn Island

  • Morning: Take a snorkeling tour around the island’s coral reefs, teeming with colorful fish, stingrays, and nurse sharks. Popular snorkeling spots include Sally Peachy Beach and the reefs near Long Bay.

  • Afternoon: Relax at Arenas Beach or Otto Beach, two of the best stretches of white sand on Big Corn. Rent a bike or golf cart to explore more of the island at your own pace.

  • Evening: Dine at Fisher’s Cave for fresh seafood and Caribbean flavors.

Day 3: Ferry to Little Corn Island and Diving Adventure

  • Morning: Take the 30-minute panga (boat) ride to Little Corn Island. Check into a beachside cabana at Yemaya Reefs or Little Corn Beach & Bungalow.

  • Afternoon: Go scuba diving with Dive Little Corn or Dolphin Dive—Little Corn is known for its spectacular coral reefs, underwater caves, and marine life, including sea turtles and hammerhead sharks.

  • Evening: Enjoy a candlelit dinner at The Turned Turtle or Tranquilo Café, known for its fresh lobster dishes and tropical drinks.

Day 4: Jungle Trails and Kayaking

  • Morning: Hike the island’s jungle trails to the lighthouse for a breathtaking panoramic view of the Caribbean.

  • Afternoon: Kayak or paddleboard around the island, stopping at hidden beaches like Otto Beach. Alternatively, book a fishing tour with a local guide to catch your own dinner.

  • Evening: Join a beach bonfire at Desideri Café or Three Brothers Hostel, where travelers gather for live music and a relaxed island atmosphere.

Day 5: Departure

Morning: Enjoy a final swim in the turquoise waters before taking the panga back to Big Corn Island. From there, catch your domestic flight back to Managua for your departure.

This itinerary balances adventure, relaxation, and cultural immersion, making your trip to the Corn Islands an unforgettable experience.

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

La Fortuna is packed with epic experiences—from thrilling adventures to relaxing escapes. We want to know your favorite way to explore this tropical paradise! Cast your vote below! 👇

What’s Your Favorite Corn Island Adventure to Try?

Click to cast your vote

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

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

Anthony Bourdain Explored the Vibrant Food of Nicaragua

From sizzling salpicon to the slow-cooked, flavor-packed vaho, Anthony Bourdain dives fork-first into Nicaragua’s bold and authentic flavors. In this unforgettable episode of No Reservations, he ventured beyond the typical tourist path—eating where the locals eat, learning the stories behind each dish, and capturing the spirit of a nation through its food.

But Nicaragua’s story isn’t just about its cuisine. As Bourdain explores bustling markets and humble kitchens, he also confronts the stark reality of La Chureca, where families survive by scavenging in a massive landfill. It’s a powerful contrast that makes this journey both a feast for the senses and a sobering reflection on resilience.

Editor’s Note: I miss his humanity and down to storytelling so much.

🍲 Flavors, history, and eye-opening moments—don’t miss this one. Watch now.

Fly Nonstop to the Bahamas from RDU Starting in June

Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) continues to expand its offerings with three new nonstop routes through Avelo Airlines, including an international flight to Nassau, Bahamas, and domestic service to Wilmington, Delaware, and Grand Rapids, Michigan.

The new Nassau route begins on June 11, operating twice weekly on Wednesdays and Saturdays, marking a record-setting 15 international destinations for RDU. This expansion reflects the airport’s growing connectivity and the increasing demand for leisure travel options from the Triangle region.

Avelo is also launching nonstop flights to Wilmington, Delaware, on May 22 and Grand Rapids, Michigan, on May 23, with both routes offering twice-weekly service. These additions provide more direct access to the Philadelphia metro area and the Midwest, catering to both business and leisure travelers.

As the only airline offering nonstop service to Nassau, Wilmington, and Grand Rapids from RDU, Avelo continues to expand its footprint at the airport, making it more convenient and cost-effective for travelers to explore new destinations.

RDU is adding three new nonstop destinations with Avelo Airlines! Which one are you most excited about?

Which of these new nonstop flights from RDU would you be most likely to take?

Click to cast your vote

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

Credit: Hank’s Downtown Dive

Hank’s Downtown Dive

Hank’s Downtown Dive is one of the local food places 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.

Hank's Downtown Dive is a cozy and casual restaurant with a fun, artistic vibe in downtown Cary, NC, offering a seasonal menu of creative dishes and craft cocktails in a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere.

Check out their menu on their website: Hank’s Downtown Dive

Address: 111 E Chatham St Suite A, Cary, NC 27511 | Get Directions

Hank's Downtown Dive

Click to share 3 things you love about this place or recommend an item people should try on their menu.

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

Meme of the Day.
Brought to you by Cary's Daily Newsletter.

What’s faster than word of mouth? Cary Spotlight! Keeps you updated on what is going on locally and connects businesses to our vibrant community.

Who else do you know in Cary who might also want enjoy reading the Cary Spotlight?

Meme-o-meter

Click to cast your vote (see live results)

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

Thank You, Patricia!

Spread The Word

If you want to help Cary Spotlight even more, share Cary Spotlight with your friends and neighbors.

Support Local Businesses

Do you know a Cary business or nonprofit whose story deserves to be shared with our Cary Spotlight readers in Cary, NC? Here is our offer: Be featured on our podcast and connect with our audience. Let’s share your story.

✅ No fancy equipment needed
✅ No video—just audio recorded on a phone call!
✅ Takes only 20 minutes

This is your chance to connect with the Cary community and share what makes your business unique—all for FREE.

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

Sandra Day O’Connor made history in 1981 as the first female U.S. Supreme Court Justice, appointed by President Ronald Reagan. A trailblazer in law, she served on the Court for 24 years, becoming a key swing vote in major decisions on issues such as abortion rights, affirmative action, and states' rights.

Known for her pragmatic and independent approach, O’Connor played a crucial role in shaping modern American jurisprudence. After retiring in 2006, she focused on promoting civic education and judicial independence.