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  • Cary Spotlight (Travel + Discover Edition): Issue #566

Cary Spotlight (Travel + Discover Edition): Issue #566

Hello, Cancún, The 3 Farmers Markets in a Day Challenge, FRESH. Local Ice Cream

In this Cary Spotlight Issue…

💭 Spotlight Hook Trivia

🧭 International Travel: Hello, Cancún

🧭 Cary Local Bucket List: The 3 Farmers Markets in a Day Challenge

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

😀 Meme of the Day

❤️ Thank You, Megan!

🏛️ Support Local Businesses

Question: Which profession used to include "knocker-uppers"?

(Answer at the bottom of the newsletter.)

Discover NC Snake Catcher, today’s local business sponsor of Cary Spotlight.
They offer 24/7 humane removal of snakes and free species identification to help keep your home and yard safe. Mention Cary Spotlight when you call, we are grateful for their support.

Highly recommend. Arrived quickly and captured the copperhead in our garage to relocate. Loved that the snake was described as a “nuisance” on the relocation form and hope he is living happily far away from me.” - Susan Schock

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Credit: Cancún, Mexico

Hello, Cancún! A Five-Day Tropical Escape Awaits in Mexico

From sun-drenched beaches to ancient ruins and cenote adventures, Cancún is more than just a spring break hotspot—it’s a gateway to rich culture, turquoise waters, and unforgettable memories. Here’s your 5-day itinerary to soak in the best of Mexico’s Caribbean jewel. There are direct flights from RDU (near Cary) to Cancún, Mexico.

  • Day 1: Arrival and Beachfront Bliss

    • Afternoon: Touch down in Cancún and check into your beachfront hotel or all-inclusive resort in the Hotel Zone. Drop your bags, change into your swimwear, and head straight to the sand.

    • Evening: Stroll along Kukulcán Boulevard for an introduction to local nightlife. Grab a welcome margarita and enjoy fresh fish tacos at a beachside restaurant like El Fish Fritanga. Catch the sunset from Playa Delfines—Cancún’s iconic public beach.

  • Day 2: Mayan Ruins and Jungle Vibes

    • Morning: Take a guided day trip to Chichén Itzá, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Explore the Temple of Kukulkan, the Great Ball Court, and the Sacred Cenote.

    • Afternoon: On the way back, stop for a swim at Cenote Ik Kil, a magical freshwater sinkhole ringed by vines.

    • Evening: Enjoy dinner at La Parrilla Cancún downtown for traditional Yucatecan dishes and live mariachi music.

  • Day 3: Island Adventure in Isla Mujeres

    • Morning: Hop on a ferry from Puerto Juárez to Isla Mujeres. Rent a golf cart and cruise the island.

    • Afternoon: Snorkel at Garrafon Natural Reef Park or relax on the powdery shores of Playa Norte, known for its calm, crystal-clear waters.

    • Evening: Return to Cancún for a relaxed evening, or stay on the island for a romantic seaside dinner and take a later ferry back.

  • Day 4: Jungle Thrills and Cenote Dips

    • Morning to Afternoon: Head to Xplor Park or Selvatica Adventure Park for ziplining, ATV rides, underground rivers, and cave exploration.

    • Late Afternoon: Cool off with a dip in a cenote or enjoy a relaxing spa session back at your resort.

    • Evening: Try something upscale—dinner at Lorenzillo’s for Caribbean lobster or Porfirio’s for a modern twist on Mexican cuisine.

  • Day 5: Markets, Museums, and a Fond Farewell

    • Morning: Visit Mercado 28 in downtown Cancún to shop for local handicrafts and souvenirs.

    • Midday: Stop by the Mayan Museum of Cancún for a final dose of culture, including real Mayan artifacts and ruins.

    • Afternoon: Return to your hotel for one last stroll along the beach or a quick dip in the sea before heading to the airport.

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…

Let us know what tops your list when visiting Mexico’s beachside paradise! 👇

🌴 What’s Your Favorite Thing to Do in Cancún?

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

Why it’s useful:

  • Trusted destination insights, including off-the-beaten-path spots

  • Detailed day trips, including Chichén Itzá, Tulum, and cenotes

  • Recommendations for food, accommodations, and cultural etiquette

Why it’s useful:

  • Up-to-date info on events, safety, and eco-tourism options

  • Suggested itineraries and interactive maps

  • Highlights of cultural experiences and local traditions

The 3 Farmers Markets in a Day Challenge: A Triangle Taste Tour You’ll Love

Credit: Downtown Cary Farmers Market

Think you can only fit in one farmers market per weekend? Think again. The Triangle’s compact geography and overlapping Saturday morning hours make it totally doable — and totally delicious — to visit three farmers markets in one day. We call it the 3 Farmers Markets in a Day Challenge, and it’s the perfect way to support local vendors, stock your fridge, and experience the unique flavor of three different communities — all before lunch.

Why It Works:

 Short Drive Times: Cary, Morrisville, and Raleigh are neighbors. With markets 15–30 minutes apart, you can make a smooth loop without backtracking.

 Saturday Synergy: Most markets open by 8 a.m. and wrap up around noon, giving you a generous 4-hour window to explore.

 Local Vibes, Three Ways: From the artisan vendors of Cary to the massive variety at Raleigh’s State Farmers Market, each stop has something unique — live music, food trucks, handmade goods, heritage produce, and more.

The Route: Your 3-Stop Triangle Adventure

🥐 8:00 a.m. – Western Wake Farmers Market (Morrisville) | Directions & Info
Start early at this lively community market. Expect heirloom veggies, fresh eggs, handmade breads, and often a local musician to kick off your morning.

☕ 9:30 a.m. – Downtown Cary Farmers Market | Directions & Info
Next, swing by this walkable, hyperlocal gem nestled in the heart of Cary. Grab a cold brew, chat with growers, and don’t miss the homemade jams or seasonal flowers.

🍅 11:00 a.m. – State Farmers Market (Raleigh) | Directions & Info
End big at one of the largest farmers markets in the Southeast. With permanent vendors and open-air stalls, you’ll find everything from NC peaches to smoked sausage. Hungry? There’s a BBQ spot on-site perfect for lunch.

🏆 Bonus Challenge

Can you make it home with a full week’s worth of meals sourced from local farms and artisans? Bonus points if you meet a new vendor at each stop!

📸 Share the Journey

Try the challenge? Snap a photo at each stop and tag it #TriangleMarketChallenge to share your haul and highlights!

🥕 Have You Ever Tried the 3 Farmers Markets in a Day Challenge?

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Credit: FRESH. Local Ice Cream

FRESH. Local Ice Cream

FRESH. Local Ice Cream 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.

​FRESH. Local Ice Cream in Cary, NC, is a family-owned scoop shop serving creamy, handcrafted ice cream made weekly from locally sourced, hormone-free milk, offering a variety of classic and creative flavors in a cheerful downtown setting.

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

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

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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.

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

Before alarm clocks became common, the profession of "knocker-uppers" was essential in industrial Britain and parts of Ireland. These human alarm clocks were hired to wake people up for work by tapping on bedroom windows with long sticks, canes, or even pea-shooters. The job was especially popular during the 19th and early 20th centuries, playing a crucial role in keeping factory workers punctual during the rise of the Industrial Revolution.