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  • Cary Spotlight (Travel + Discover Edition): Issue #601

Cary Spotlight (Travel + Discover Edition): Issue #601

Hello, Montréal! Movies Under the Stars at Koka Booth Amphitheatre, Szechuan Garden


 Here’s what’s in today’s issue: Happy Father’s Day!

• 🧠 Trivia Challenge: Spotlight Hook
• 😋🍴 Discover Cary (Eat & Drink): Szechuan Garden
• ✈️ International Travel: Hello, Montréal!
• 🚗 Drivable Destinations: Movies Under the Stars at Koka Booth Amphitheatre
• 😄 Meme of the Day – Just for laughs
• ❤️ Shout-out: Thank You, Suzy Schmidt!
• 📅 Events: Planning your week in Cary?

👉 Browse the highlights. Skip to your favorites.

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Question: What part of the brain controls balance and coordination?

(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.

Szechuan Garden

Szechuan Garden 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.

Szechuan Garden offers authentic Chinese cuisine with traditional Szechuan dishes featuring bold spices and fresh ingredients, including specialties like cumin lamb and tri-pepper chicken that showcase the restaurant's commitment to genuine flavors. Technically Morrisville, but practically Cary—Szechuan Garden is so close to the border, your GPS won't even notice… but your taste buds definitely will!

Check out their menu on their website: Szechuan Garden

Address: 10285 Chapel Hill Rd #300, Morrisville, NC 27560 | Get Directions

Szechuan Garden

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? Click to share your pick.

Hello, Montréal!
 French Culture and Urban Adventure

Welcome to Montréal, Canada, a place where European charm meets North American energy, where cobblestone streets lead to modern festivals, and where two languages create one unforgettable experience. With direct flights from RDU (Raleigh-Durham) to Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL), reaching this Quebec metropolis is surprisingly convenient. Whether you're drawn by world-class cuisine, historic architecture, or year-round cultural celebrations, Montréal offers an authentic taste of French Canada without crossing the Atlantic.

Why Visit Montréal?

  • Old Montréal (Vieux-Montréal): This historic district feels like stepping into 17th-century France right in North America. Wander through narrow stone streets, visit the stunning Notre-Dame Basilica, and enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides past centuries-old buildings that now house cozy cafés and boutique shops.

  • Mount Royal Park: This green oasis in the heart of the city offers the best views of Montréal's skyline and the St. Lawrence River. Climb to the Kondiaronk Belvedere for photos, enjoy summer picnics, or experience winter activities like cross-country skiing and ice skating.

  • Plateau Mont-Royal Neighborhood: Just minutes from downtown, this trendy area showcases Montréal's famous outdoor staircases, colorful murals, and local life. Explore unique shops on Saint-Laurent Boulevard, sample bagels from century-old bakeries, and discover why locals consider this the cultural heart of the city.

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

Lonely Planet Montreal This guide provides detailed neighborhood breakdowns and insider tips for experiencing the city like a local.

Montreal Tourism Official Guide The city's official resource offers current event listings, seasonal recommendations, and practical travel information.

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

Movies Under the Stars at Koka Booth Amphitheatre

There's something magical about watching movies under a canopy of stars, and Koka Booth Amphitheatre's "Movies by Moonlight" series brings that enchanting experience to life right here in Cary. This beloved summer tradition transforms the amphitheatre's sprawling lawn into a giant outdoor cinema where families and friends gather on blankets and chairs for an unforgettable evening. Set among 14 wooded acres bordering Symphony Lake and surrounded by towering pines, this outdoor movie experience feels like stepping into your own private forest theater.

The spacious lawn comfortably accommodates thousands of movie-goers, giving everyone plenty of room to spread out blankets, set up folding chairs, and enjoy picnic dinners before the show begins. Most screenings feature family-friendly films rated PG or PG-13, making this the perfect outing for parents looking to create special memories with their kids. Gates typically open at 7 PM, giving families time to find the perfect spot and watch the sky slowly darken as anticipation builds for the movie to begin at dusk.

As you walk down the well-maintained path through the pretty pine forest from the parking area, you'll catch glimpses of Symphony Lake shimmering beside the amphitheatre. Keep an eye out for herons, ducks, and other wildlife that call the lake home – you might spot them during the quieter moments before the movie starts. The best part? You're encouraged to bring your own picnic, making this an affordable and fun family night out.

Good to Know:

Location: 8003 Regency Pkwy, Cary, NC 27518 | Directions

Hours: Gates open at 7:00 PM, movies start at dusk (approximately 8:30 PM in summer)

Amenities: Free parking, restrooms, concessions, spacious lawn seating, accessible facilities

Entry: Adults $10, Ages 6-12 $5, Ages 5 and under free (2022 pricing - check current rates)

Tip: Bring blankets or chairs, pack a picnic (no outside alcohol), and arrive early for the best lawn spots. A portion of proceeds benefits WakeMed Children's Hospital.

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.

Which one is which?

Thank You, Suzy Schmidt!

Spread The Word

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📅 Planning your week in Cary?


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The Answer to the Cary Spotlight Hook Trivia Question 👇👇👇
The cerebellum, located at the back of the brain beneath the occipital lobes, is primarily responsible for balance, coordination, and precise motor control. While it doesn’t initiate movement, it fine-tunes signals from other brain areas to ensure your actions are smooth and accurate. Damage to the cerebellum can lead to clumsiness, tremors, or difficulty walking.