• Cary Spotlight
  • Posts
  • Cary Spotlight (Travel + Discover Edition): Issue #580

Cary Spotlight (Travel + Discover Edition): Issue #580

Hello, Panama City! NC Museum of History + Natural Sciences, Discover Taste of Jamaica in Cary, NC


 Here’s what’s in today’s issue:

🧠 Trivia Challenge: Spotlight Hook
😋🍴 Discover Cary (Eat & Drink): Taste of Jamaica
• ✈️ International Travel: Hello, Panama City!
🚗 Drivable Destinations: NC Museum of History + Natural Sciences
😄 Meme of the DayJust for laughs
• ❤️ Shout-out: Thank You, Jill Dunham!
📅 Events: Planning your week in Cary?

👉 Browse the highlights. Skip to your favorites.

Did someone forward you our Cary newsletter? Then subscribe here

Question: Which animal can hold its breath longer than a dolphin; up to 40 minutes?

(Answer at the bottom of the newsletter.)

Trust and Local Awareness

Discover how Cary Spotlight Connect, a free podcast, helps local businesses in Cary share their story with an engaged audience.

Credit: Taste of Jamaica

Taste of Jamaica

Taste of Jamaica 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.

Taste of Jamaica in Cary, NC, is a family-owned eatery offering authentic Caribbean flavors with dishes like jerk chicken, curry goat, and oxtails, served in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.

Check out their menu on their website: Taste of Jamaica

Address: 600 E Chatham St # C, Cary, NC 27511 | Get Directions

Taste of Jamaica

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.

Do you have a favorite place to eat in Cary, NC? Click to share your pick.

Hello, Panama City!
Gateway to Rainforests and the Canal

Welcome to Panama City, a place where rainforest meets skyline, where old-world charm collides with cutting-edge modernity, and where the Atlantic and Pacific oceans are just a short drive apart. With direct flights from RDU (Raleigh-Durham) to Panama City’s Tocumen International Airport (PTY), getting to this Central American capital has never been easier. Whether you're drawn by engineering marvels, tropical biodiversity, or rich cultural heritage, Panama City offers a world of discovery in one vibrant destination.

Why Visit Panama City?

  • The Panama Canal:
    One of the greatest feats of modern engineering, the Panama Canal connects two oceans and the world. Visit the Miraflores Visitor Center to watch massive ships pass through the locks and gain a deeper appreciation for Panama’s pivotal role in global trade.

  • Casco Viejo’s Colonial Charm:
    This historic district is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that blends Spanish colonial architecture with colorful street life, rooftop bars, and artisanal markets. It’s the perfect place to wander cobblestone streets and feel the heartbeat of Panama’s past and present.

  • Rainforest Within Reach:
    Just 30 minutes from the city center, Soberanía National Park offers a lush escape into the tropics. Spot toucans, sloths, and monkeys on guided nature walks or boat rides along the Chagres River—proof that adventure lives just beyond the skyline.

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

Website: www.lonelyplanet.com/panama/panama-city
Insider tips on hidden gems, safety, and day trips like the Panama Canal and beyond.

Website: www.hecktictravels.com/things-to-do-in-panama-city-panama/
Dalene and Pete Heck dive deeper into unique local experiences and must-sees.

G Adventures is the leader in small group and solo travel for 30 years, they know how to do it right. Check out the Online Deals: Shop Travel Deals

NC Museum of History + Natural Sciences

Looking for something fun and educational to do with your family? Just a short drive from Cary, downtown Raleigh has two amazing museums right next to each other. Even better, both are free to visit.

🎩 NC Museum of History (Temporarily Closed for Renovation)
Learn all about North Carolina’s past, from Native American history to the Civil War and the Civil Rights Movement. You’ll find real artifacts, fun videos, and cool displays. You can even see a lock of George Washington’s hair. The exhibits change regularly, so there’s always something new to see. Website for details

🦖 NC Museum of Natural Sciences
Right next door, you’ll discover dinosaurs, live animals, and exhibits about nature in North Carolina. Kids love the hands-on science labs and watching real scientists at work in the Nature Research Center. It’s a great way to explore topics like geology, astronomy, and wildlife. Website for Details

These two museums are perfect for a fun day out. Whether it's sunny or rainy, they offer something for everyone—kids and adults alike.

Good to Know:

Location: 5 East Edenton St. (History) + 11 West Jones St. (Science), Raleigh, NC
Hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (closed Mondays)
Entry: Free! (Special exhibits may have a small fee)
Parking: Street parking and nearby lots (free on weekends)
Food: On-site cafés available; or walk to local spots nearby in downtown Raleigh
Tip: Plan at least 2–3 hours for each museum, especially if you have curious kids in tow. If you’re only doing one in a day, the Science Museum is usually the more interactive experience for younger visitors.

Tuesday

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.

Thank You, Jill Dunham!

Spread The Word

We appreciate your referrals. The highest compliment you can pay us is the referral of a friend, neighbor or family member in Cary, NC.

📅 Planning your week in Cary?


To save space in your inbox, we’ve moved the full list of events online — now you can plan ahead with access to today’s events and next week! See Upcoming Events

Buy a Coffee for Cary Spotlight

Hey, neighbor! If you enjoyed this newsletter and want to share some appreciation, then consider adding to the coffee fund. We run on coffee. 😄

The Answer to the Cary Spotlight Hook Trivia Question 👇👇👇
Surprisingly, the sloth can hold its breath longer than a dolphin—up to 40 minutes at a time. While dolphins typically hold their breath for about 10 to 15 minutes, sloths slow their heart rate dramatically when submerged, conserving oxygen and extending their breath-holding capacity. This unexpected skill helps sloths avoid predators in the water, showcasing just one of many unique adaptations that support their slow-paced, tree-dwelling lifestyle.

Learn more here: 10 Facts About Sloths