In this Cary Spotlight Issue…

💭 Spotlight Hook Trivia

🧭 International Travel: Hello, Vancouver!

🧭 Cary Local Bucket List: Visit Raleigh Rose Garden in Peak Bloom

😋🍴 Discover Cary (East & Drink): La Grassa Pastificio

😀 Meme of the Day

❤️ Thank You, Luna!

🏛️ Support Local Businesses

Question: What’s the phobia of long words ironically called?

(Answer at the bottom of the newsletter.)

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Hello, Vancouver! A Five-Day West Coast Adventure Awaits in Canada

Welcome to Vancouver — a vibrant city where ocean views, snow-capped mountains, and lush forests collide with a thriving arts scene and global culinary delights. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a foodie, or a culture seeker, Vancouver offers a little something for everyone.

Over the next five days, you’ll dive into the very best the city has to offer. Pack your hiking boots and your appetite—this is a trip you’ll never forget!

Direct flight from RDU (near Cary) to Vancouver, Canada (YVR): Air Canada is set to commence nonstop service to Vancouver in June 2025.

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

Day 1: Arrival and Downtown Exploration

• Afternoon: Arrive in Vancouver and check into your accommodation downtown. Take a relaxing walk along the Vancouver Seawall, enjoying stunning waterfront views.

• Evening: Explore historic Gastown. See the famous Steam Clock, browse boutique shops, and dine at a local favorite like L’Abattoir or Miku.

Day 2: Mountain Views and Rainforest Walks

• Morning: Head to Grouse Mountain. Take the Skyride gondola to the summit for panoramic views or hike the challenging Grouse Grind.

• Afternoon: Visit Capilano Suspension Bridge Park to walk among the treetops and explore the rainforest trails.

• Evening: Return downtown and enjoy dinner in Yaletown, a trendy district known for its vibrant patios and upscale restaurants.

Day 3: Markets, Museums, and Art

• Morning: Visit Granville Island Public Market for fresh foods, handmade crafts, and lively atmosphere.

• Afternoon: Explore the Museum of Anthropology at UBC for a deep dive into Indigenous art and culture, or visit the Vancouver Art Gallery for contemporary exhibits.

• Evening: Savor a Pacific Northwest dinner at restaurants like Forage or Nightingale in the West End.

Day 4: Day Trip to Victoria or Stanley Park Adventure

• Option 1: Take a ferry or floatplane to Victoria. Visit the famous Butchart Gardens, stroll the Inner Harbour, and enjoy high tea at the Fairmont Empress.

• Option 2: Stay local and explore Stanley Park by bike. Visit the Vancouver Aquarium, walk the Seawall, and relax at Third Beach.

Day 5: Gardens, Shopping, and Farewell Brunch

• Morning: Walk through VanDusen Botanical Garden or Queen Elizabeth Park for a peaceful start to the day.

• Midday: Enjoy a leisurely brunch at Jam Cafe or Medina Cafe. If time allows, shop along Robson Street before heading to the airport.

This itinerary balances Vancouver’s outdoor splendor with cultural highlights, offering a rich and memorable West Coast experience.

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 Vancouver? 👇

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

🌐 Destination Vancouver - Official Visitor Guide
This is the city's official tourism website. It offers updated information on attractions, events, local tips, maps, and seasonal highlights — perfect for both first-time visitors and return travelers.

🌐 Lonely Planet – Vancouver Travel Guide
Lonely Planet provides a detailed guide with insider tips, itinerary suggestions, restaurant and hotel recommendations, and practical advice for getting around the city.

Cary Local Bucket List:

Visit Raleigh Rose Garden in Peak Bloom

If you're looking for a storybook setting this spring, the Raleigh Rose Garden is calling your name. Tucked behind Raleigh Little Theatre, this charming public garden bursts into a spectacular show of color every year — with over 1,200 roses representing more than 60 varieties.

Peak bloom typically arrives in late May to early June, filling the air with a sweet perfume and painting the garden with vibrant reds, pinks, yellows, and whites. Walking through the neatly arranged beds feels like stepping into a secret garden, where every path leads to a new breathtaking view.

Built in 1951, the Raleigh Rose Garden remains one of only a few certified All-America Rose Selections public gardens in the state. It’s a popular spot for quiet afternoon strolls, impromptu photo shoots, proposals, and outdoor picnics under the shade of tall hardwoods. And thanks to its proximity to Raleigh’s historic neighborhoods and art venues, it’s the perfect addition to a full day of local exploration.

Good to Know:

• Location: 301 Pogue St, Raleigh, NC 27607 (behind Raleigh Little Theatre)

• Best time to visit: Late May through early June for peak rose bloom

• Admission: Free!

• Parking: Free lot available next to the theatre

• Pro Tip: Visit early in the morning or late in the day for the best lighting (and fewer crowds!)

Fun Fact:
In addition to roses, you’ll also find seasonal blooms like daffodils, azaleas, and irises — making the garden a beautiful place to visit well beyond spring.

Whether you're a flower enthusiast, a photographer, or just someone who appreciates a quiet moment in nature, the Raleigh Rose Garden is one of the Triangle’s most enchanting springtime treasures.

Learn more: Raleigh Rose Garden

We’re curious! Have you ever taken a stroll through the blooming beauty of WRAL Azalea Gardens?

La Grassa Pastificio

La Grassa Pastificio 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.

​La Grassa Pastificio in Cary, NC, is an intimate Italian restaurant led by Chef Robert “Bobby” Reynaud, offering hand-crafted pasta, house-made sauces, and refined dishes like saffron linguine with seafood and braised short ribs with gnocchi, all served in a warm, minimalist setting that celebrates authentic Italian flavors.

Check out their menu on their Google Profile: La Grassa Pastificio

Address: 908 NE Maynard Rd, Cary, NC 27513 | Get Directions | Order Online

Do you have a
favorite place to eat in Cary, NC?

We want to hear about it! Cary Spotlight readers are always on the lookout for delicious local gems, and your recommendation could be the next must-try spot in town. Whether it’s a cozy café or a brand-new restaurant with flavors worth sharing, let us know!

Share your favorite finds and help fellow food lovers explore the Cary’s dining scene.

Meme of the Day.
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