Here’s what’s in today’s issue:

• 🧠 Trivia Challenge: Spotlight Hook
• 😋🍴 Discover Cary (Eat & Drink): Taste Vietnamese Cuisine
• ✈️ International Travel: Hello, Paris, France!
• 🚗 Drivable Destinations: Explore Pleasant Park
• 😄 Meme of the Day – Just for laughs
• ❤️ Shout-out: Thank You, Ross Crawford!
• 📅 Events: Planning your week in Cary?

👉 Browse the highlights. Skip to your favorites.

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Question: Which type of exercise has been shown to boost brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)

(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.

Taste Vietnamese Cuisine

Taste Vietnamese Cuisine 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 Vietnamese Cuisine offers authentic Vietnamese dishes including traditional pho, fresh spring rolls, banh mi sandwiches, and grilled specialties in a family-owned restaurant that brings the flavors of Vietnam to North Carolina. Technically Morrisville, but practically Cary—Taste Vietnamese Cuisine 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: Taste Vietnamese Cuisine

Address: 152 Morrisville Square Way, Morrisville, NC 27560 | Get Directions

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

Hello, Paris, France!
Art, History, and Romance

Welcome to Paris, France, a place where centuries-old architecture lines tree-shaded boulevards, where world-class museums showcase humanity's greatest masterworks, and where café culture thrives on every corner. With direct flights from RDU (Raleigh-Durham) to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) via Air France, reaching the City of Light has never been more convenient. Whether you're drawn by iconic landmarks, culinary excellence, or artistic heritage, Paris offers timeless magic in every arrondissement.

Why Visit Paris?

• The Eiffel Tower: The iron lady herself stands as the world's most recognizable symbol of romance and French engineering. Take the elevator to the top for breathtaking city views, or enjoy a picnic in the Champ de Mars gardens below while watching the tower sparkle each evening.

• The Louvre Museum: Home to the Mona Lisa and countless masterpieces, this former royal palace houses the world's largest art collection. Wander through halls filled with ancient sculptures, Renaissance paintings, and Egyptian artifacts that span thousands of years of human creativity.

• Montmartre District: Just a short metro ride from central Paris, this hilltop neighborhood captures the bohemian spirit of old Paris. Explore the winding streets where Picasso and Renoir once painted, visit the stunning Sacré-Cœur Basilica, and watch street artists create portraits in Place du Tertre.

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

Rick Steves Paris This trusted guidebook offers practical walking tours and insider tips for navigating the city like a local.

Lonely Planet Paris This detailed guide covers everything from hidden bistros to day trips outside the city.

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. Check out the Online Deals: Shop Travel Deals

Explore Pleasant Park

Pleasant Park is Apex's newest outdoor playground, spanning 92 acres of family fun that opened in November 2023. This isn't just another neighborhood park - it's a complete outdoor experience where families can easily spend an entire day. The park features six full-size multi-purpose athletic fields, tennis courts, pickleball courts, and basketball courts, plus the crown jewel: a magical 1.5-acre playground called the Enchanted Forest with nine inclusive play villages and an impressive 35-foot tall green slide.

The park's athletic fields are made of artificial turf, making them playable year-round regardless of weather conditions. Families with young children will love the inclusive design of the playground, which works for all ages and abilities. The colorful, bouncy rubber surface is much safer than traditional mulch, and there are plenty of seating areas for parents. One of the coolest features is a musical play spot where children can play a giant xylophone and musical flowers with soft mallets.

The park added its first-ever splash pad, called Splashlantis, which opened in May 2024. This small but perfect splash pad is ideal for younger children and includes shaded spots so families don't have to bake in the Carolina summer heat. The park also includes a field house with meeting rooms, restrooms, and concession areas, plus it has hosted major tournaments that welcomed thousands of visitors in its first months of operation.

Good to Know:

Location: 3400 Pleasant Plains Road, Apex, NC 27502 | Directions
Hours: 6:30 AM to 10:00 PM year-round (basketball and pickleball courts open at sunrise and close 30 minutes after sunset)
Amenities: Multi-purpose athletic fields, tennis courts, pickleball courts, basketball courts, Enchanted Forest playground, Splashlantis splash pad, field house, meeting rooms, restrooms, concession area
Entry: Free!
Tip: For the splash pad, bring towels, sunscreen, and consider water shoes as the non-slip surface can be rough on little feet. Parking closest to the splash pad is accessed by turning left after entering the park and following Recreation Drive.

Official Website: https://www.apexnc.org/1163/Pleasant-Park

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, Ross Crawford!

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📅 Planning your week in Cary?

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