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- Cary Spotlight (Travel + Discover Edition): Issue #538
Cary Spotlight (Travel + Discover Edition): Issue #538
Hello, Montego Bay! Cary Local Bucket List, Pro's Epicurean Review
Chris Coetzer
13 Apr
In this Cary Spotlight Issue…
💭 Spotlight Hook Trivia
🧭 International Travel: Hello, Montego Bay!
🧭 Cary Local Bucket List: Hike Umstead State Park
😋🍴 Discover Cary (East & Drink): Pro's Epicurean Review
😀 Meme of the Day
❤️ Thank You, Mark!
🏛️ Support Local Businesses
Question: What is the largest desert in Africa?
(Answer at the bottom of the newsletter.)
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Credit: Montego Bay, Jamaica
Hello, Montego Bay! A Five-Day Island Escape Awaits in Jamaica
Welcome to Montego Bay, where the rhythms of reggae meet the sparkle of turquoise waters and every sunset feels like a personal invitation to unwind. Even better? You can fly there direct from RDU Airport, right near Cary, NC—making paradise closer than you think.
Over the next five days, you’ll dive headfirst into the heart of Jamaica—chasing waterfalls, savoring spicy jerk chicken, and soaking up the island’s legendary warmth.
Whether you’re a first-timer ready to explore iconic beaches or a seasoned traveler looking for new adventures, this itinerary is your passport to island bliss. Pack your sun hat and your best laid-back vibes—paradise awaits!
Here's a suggested itinerary to help you make the most of your visit:
Day 1: Arrival and Relaxation
Settle into your accommodation and unwind after your journey.
Day 2: Dunn’s River Falls
Embark on an excursion to Ocho Rios to climb the famous Dunn’s River Falls.
Day 3: Negril Village
Visit Negril for beach activities, bamboo rafting, and cliff jumping.
Day 4: Resort Day
Spend the day enjoying the amenities of an all-inclusive resort like Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall.
Day 5: Departure
Make the most of your last day with a gourmet breakfast, a yoga or aquatic class, and some final relaxation before your flight.
This itinerary offers a mix of activities suitable for various interests, from natural attractions to leisure and cultural experiences.
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
Just curious…
Tell us how you’d spend your dream day in Jamaica’s sun-soaked paradise! 👇
Travel Guides - Here are two comprehensive travel guides to help you plan your trip.
1. Visit Jamaica Official Tourism Guide
Website: visitjamaica.com
This is the official site of the Jamaica Tourist Board, and their Montego Bay section is a goldmine. You’ll find everything from top attractions like Doctor’s Cave Beach and the Rose Hall Great House, to cultural insights, event calendars, and travel tips (like when to go, local customs, and safety advice). They also feature hotel deals and tour packages, making it a fantastic planning hub.
2. Lonely Planet – Montego Bay Travel Guide
Website: lonelyplanet.com
Lonely Planet brings that trusted, global explorer vibe. Their Montego Bay guide covers top things to do, food & drink recommendations, and off-the-beaten-path experiences. It’s especially handy if you want more depth beyond resorts—like local eats, day trips, and cultural experiences with practical advice for transportation and budgeting.
Cary Local Bucket List:
Hike Umstead State Park
Credit: William B. Umstead State Park
Tucked between the urban edges of Cary and Raleigh, William B. Umstead State Park is a haven for outdoor lovers seeking a breath of fresh air without venturing too far from home. Spanning over 5,500 acres, this beloved state park offers a peaceful retreat into nature, with more than 22 miles of hiking trails that meander through shady hardwood forests, alongside gentle streams, and around serene lakes.
Whether you're in the mood for a casual family stroll or a longer, heart-pumping trek, Umstead delivers. Popular trails like Company Mill Trail (about 5.8 miles round trip) reward hikers with quiet creek crossings and scenic footbridges, while the Loblolly Trail offers a moderate challenge with lush surroundings and the occasional glimpse of local wildlife.
One of the park’s highlights is the accessibility of its trail system. Well-marked paths and varying difficulty levels make it welcoming for beginners, kids, and experienced hikers alike. Dogs are welcome too, as long as they’re leashed, making it a favorite for four-legged adventurers.
Beyond hiking, Umstead is also known for its multi-use paths, perfect for trail running, cycling, or even horseback riding. If you need a post-hike picnic, the park offers well-maintained shelters and scenic spots by the water to relax and refuel.
Spring blooms, summer shade, crisp fall colors, or quiet winter walks — there’s really no bad time to explore Umstead. And while it feels like a wilderness escape, you’re only minutes away from the heart of Cary.
Good to Know:
Location: 8801 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh, NC 27617 (Reedy Creek entrance is closest to Cary residents)
Hours: 7:00 AM to sunset (hours vary by season)
Amenities: Parking, restrooms, picnic areas, boat rentals (seasonal), camping
Entry: Free!
Tip: Weekends can be busy, so arrive early for easier parking.
Fun Fact:
Umstead’s history dates back to the 1930s, when the Civilian Conservation Corps helped build the park during the Great Depression. You’ll still spot traces of their craftsmanship in stonework and old trail markers along your hike.
So lace up your hiking boots, grab a water bottle, and hit the trails — Umstead State Park is your backyard escape to North Carolina’s natural beauty.
Learn more: Umstead State Park
We’re curious! Have you ever hiked or visited William B. Umstead State Park, right here in our backyard?
Have You Explored Umstead State Park?Click to cast your vote |
Credit: Pro's Epicurean
Pro's Epicurean
Pro's Epicurean 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.
Pro's Epicurean in Cary, NC is a relaxed eatery offering an amazing selection of gourmet Italian/French foods, craft cocktails, and a curated wine list in an intimate setting perfect for food lovers.
Check out their menu on their website: Pro's Epicurean | Facebook
Address: 211 E Chatham St, Cary, NC 27511 | Get Directions
Reader Poll Results
Pro's Epicurean (17 Votes)
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 Love this place! (11)
🟨🟨🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️ 😊😊😊 I have never been there but I might give it a try (6)
Cary Spotlight Reader’s Feedback:
“The absolute best restaurant in Cary. Atmosphere is wonderful, food is excellent, service is exemplary.”
“Pro, Karen and the staff are great. Service is personal and excellent. Food is my favorite in Cary. Try the Sausage Pie, Lamb Chops or Tortellini...Enjoy!”
“We LOVE going to Pro's. Karen and Rick are warm and welcoming, the staff is friendly. They offer signature cocktails, sandwiches and a variety of entrees. Some of our favorites, Lamb Chops, Porchetta, and the Mussels. Seating inside, at the bar, or outside.”
“Food and service excellent! Inside tight and loud; courtyard on a nice day or night magical!”
Pro's EpicureanClick to share 3 things you love about this place or recommend an item people should try on their menu. |
one-of-kind cat boutique | Shop Online or VIsit Cary Location
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The Answer to the Cary Spotlight Hook Trivia Question 👇👇👇
The Sahara Desert is the largest desert in Africa and the largest hot desert in the world, spanning about 9.2 million square kilometers (3.6 million square miles) across North Africa. Stretching across 11 countries, including Algeria, Egypt, Libya, and Morocco, the Sahara is famous for its vast sand dunes, rocky plateaus, and dramatic landscapes.
The climate of the Sahara has undergone enormous variations between wet and dry over the last few hundred thousand years. At present, it is in a dry period, but it is expected that the Sahara will become green again in 15,000 years.
For more information, visit Sahara Desert.
How Did We Do With This Issue?Click to cast your vote |