In this Cary Spotlight Issue…

💭 Spotlight Hook Trivia

🧭 Hello, Kauai! A Five-Day Island Escape Awaits in Hawaii

🧭 9 Must-Try Kauai Food Spots Loved By Locals

✈️ RDU Takes Off: Record Year Expected With New International Routes

😋🍴 Discover Cary (East & Drink): Lucky 32 Southern Kitchen Review

😀 Meme of the Day

❤️ Thank You, Rick!

🏛️ Support Local Businesses

Question: Which former UNC player won the NCAA championship in 1982 and went on to become an NBA legend?

(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, Kauai! A Five-Day Island Escape Awaits in Hawaii 🌺

Welcome to the Garden Isle, where emerald cliffs meet sapphire seas and time seems to slow down just enough for you to breathe it all in. Over the next five days, you’ll soak up the soul of Kauai—from navigating rivers that wind through the rainforest to cruising beneath the towering peaks of the legendary Nā Pali Coast.

Whether you're chasing waterfalls, hiking red dirt canyons, or simply unwinding on sun-drenched beaches, this itinerary is your passport to adventure, relaxation, and aloha spirit. Pack your swimsuit, your hiking sandals, and your sense of awe—Kauai is ready to dazzle you.

To complement your 5-day itinerary, here's a video that is the “21 Things to Do Around Kauai, Hawaii”.

.Video source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ku24z0mhxpY

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

Day 1: Arrival and Sunset at Poipu

• Morning/Afternoon: Arrive at Lihue Airport (LIH), pick up a rental car (highly recommended for flexibility), and drive to your accommodation on the South Shore in Poipu or Kapa’a.

• Evening: Enjoy dinner at Keoki’s Paradise in Poipu and cap off your first day with a breathtaking sunset at Spouting Horn or Poipu Beach Park.

Day 2: Waimea Canyon and Koke’e State Park

• Morning: Drive to Waimea Canyon, known as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific.” Hike the Canyon Trail to Waipo’o Falls for jaw-dropping views and photo ops.

• Afternoon: Continue up to Koke’e State Park to explore native flora and panoramic lookouts like Kalalau Lookout.

• Evening: Return to Poipu and enjoy casual island fare at The Shrimp Station or Puka Dog for something quick and local.

Day 3: Na Pali Coast Adventure

• Morning: Take a boat or catamaran tour of the Na Pali Coast departing from Port Allen or Hanalei. You'll see sea cliffs, waterfalls, and possibly dolphins or sea turtles.

• Afternoon: Most tours include snorkeling and lunch onboard, so relax and soak in one of the most iconic views in Hawaii.

• Evening: Return and unwind with dinner at The Beach House Restaurant for oceanfront dining.

Day 4: Wailua River and Secret Falls

• Morning: Rent a kayak or book a guided tour along the Wailua River. Paddle to the trailhead leading to Secret Falls (Uluwehi Falls), then hike about 1 mile through rainforest to reach the stunning 100-foot waterfall.

• Afternoon: After your adventure, visit Opaekaa Falls or Fern Grotto nearby for easy sightseeing.

• Evening: Head to Kapa’a for dinner and browse boutiques or local art shops along the main strip.

Day 5: Sunrise and Departure

• Morning: Catch the sunrise at Lydgate Beach or Hanalei Bay if you're on the North Shore. Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at Java Kai or Living Foods Market.

• Late Morning: Head back to Lihue Airport, allowing time to return your rental car and check in for your flight.

This itinerary offers a blend of hiking, coastal cruising, and cultural discovery, giving you a true taste of Kauai’s natural charm and aloha spirit.

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

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! 👇

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

🌺 Hawaii Guide – Kauai Itinerary & Travel Tips

Website: hawaii-guide.com/kauai
This is one of the most comprehensive and user-friendly resources for Kauai travel planning. You'll find:

• Detailed daily itineraries (including a 5-day version)

• Best times to visit each region

• Hiking trail guides and safety tips

• Interactive maps and travel advisories

Great for first-time visitors and seasoned island-hoppers alike.

🏄‍♂️ Rachel Off Duty – 5-Day Kauai Itinerary for Outdoor Lovers

Website: racheloffduty.com
A beautifully written blog packed with practical info and local flavor. Highlights include:

• Personal insights and photos

• Tips on where to stay, eat, and explore

• Adventure-focused ideas (kayaking, hiking, boat tours)

• A traveler's perspective on balancing downtime with must-see sights

Perfect if you want an itinerary that blends active exploration with beach vibes.

9 Must-Try Kauai Food Spots Loved By Locals

Before you pack your bags for Kauai, pack your appetite—because this local knows exactly where to find the most delicious eats on the island.

From juicy poke bowls to smoky BBQ, tropical juices to sizzling fish tacos, this video tour of 9 Must-Try Kauai Food Spots is your insider guide to the island’s hidden culinary gems—hosted by a born-and-raised Hawaii foodie who doesn’t hold back.

🔥 Local favorites
🌊 Beachside bites
🍍 Tropical flavor bombs
🌮 Budget-friendly gems

🎥 Watch now and bookmark your foodie bucket list:.

Video source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JWameCKY9_4

After watching our local foodie's guide to the 9 Must-Try Kauai Eats, we want to know—what’s at the top of your island cravings list?

RDU Takes Off: Record Year Expected With New International Routes

Raleigh-Durham International Airport is entering a new era of growth as it prepares for a record year in 2025. Passenger traffic is climbing steadily, and the airport is responding with new nonstop flights to international destinations such as the Bahamas, Jamaica, Bermuda, the Dominican Republic, and Canada. Airlines like Avelo, BermudAir, Air Canada, and WestJet are expanding their presence, providing Triangle-area travelers with more global connections than ever before.

Domestically, airlines including Spirit, Frontier, and Avelo are adding routes to cities across the U.S., such as Dallas, Newark, Baltimore, Denver, and more. These additions are designed to meet the growing demand for both business and leisure travel while keeping ticket prices competitive.

To support this growth, RDU has committed over half a billion dollars to infrastructure upgrades, workforce development, and sustainable design. Its Park Economy 3 project recently became the first airport initiative in North Carolina to receive Platinum-level recognition for sustainability. With new travel options and a forward-looking investment strategy, RDU is reinforcing its position as a leading airport in the Southeast.

Read Full Report

RDU is adding new nonstop flights to some exciting international and domestic destinations. If you had to pick one to visit in 2025...

Lucky 32 Southern Kitchen

Lucky 32 Southern Kitchen 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.

Lucky 32 Southern Kitchen offers Upscale Southern fare made with local ingredients in a warm, stylish atmosphere.

Check out their menu on their website: Lucky 32 Southern Kitchen

Address: 7307 Tryon Rd, Cary, NC 27518 | Get Directions

Reader Poll Results

Lucky 32 Southern Kitchen (21 Votes)

🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 Love this place! (13)
🟨🟨🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️ 😊😊😊 I have never been there but I might give it a try (8)

Cary Spotlight Reader’s Feedback:

“The food is good and so is the service. ”

“Great food, great menu and service every time!”

“The food is good. I especially like the fried chicken”

“We had just moved here from New York earlier this year and on our daughter's recommendation tried Lucky 32 with some old friends visiting us -- wonderful meal, creative cocktail list, amazing fried green tomato appetizer, charming staff! We'll be back!”

“Very good food, varied menu and good service!”

“Great food and cocktails. Outdoor seating. ”

“Interesting menu with seasonal changes. Really like this.”

Meme of the Day.
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