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  • Cary Spotlight (Travel + Discover Edition): Issue #678

Cary Spotlight (Travel + Discover Edition): Issue #678

Hello, Toronto! FRESH. Local Ice Cream, Explore Bond Park's Boathouse


 Here’s what’s in today’s issue:

• 🧠 Trivia Challenge: Spotlight Hook
• 😋🍴 Discover Cary (Eat & Drink): FRESH. Local Ice Cream
• ✈️ Airline Travel: Hello, Toronto!
• 🚗 Drivable Destinations: Explore Bond Park's Boathouse
• 😄 Meme of the Day – Just for laughs
• ❤️ Shout-out: Thank You, Nikhil Bhatewara!
• 🎁 Adventure starts close to home: Show your support
• 📅 Events: Planning your week in Cary?

👉 Browse the highlights. Skip to your favorites.

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Question: Which country has the most natural lakes?

(Answer at the bottom of the newsletter.)

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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've had a chance to sample their food, feel free to share your opinion below.

FRESH. Local Ice Cream is a mom and pop ice cream shop serving unique handmade flavors and ice cream cakes made from locally-sourced, fresh ingredients delivered weekly from local dairy farms.

Check out their menu on their website: FRESH. Local Ice Cream

Address: 138 East Chatham Street, 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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Hello, Toronto!
Urban Culture and Waterfront Beauty

Welcome to Toronto, Canada, a place where gleaming skyscrapers rise alongside historic neighborhoods, where world-class museums sit next to bustling markets, and where Lake Ontario's shoreline offers endless recreation just minutes from downtown. With direct flights from RDU (Raleigh-Durham) to Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ), reaching Canada's largest city is simple and convenient. This cosmopolitan hub blends British colonial history with modern innovation, creating a destination that satisfies culture seekers, foodies, and urban explorers alike.

Why Visit Toronto?

  • CN Tower and Harbourfront: This iconic 1,815-foot tower defines Toronto's skyline and offers breathtaking views of the city and lake. Take the glass elevator to the observation deck, dine in the revolving restaurant, or test your nerves on the EdgeWalk experience around the tower's exterior ledge.

  • Distillery District: This cobblestone quarter showcases perfectly preserved Victorian industrial architecture transformed into galleries, boutiques, and cafes. Wander through car-free streets lined with public art, sample local spirits at craft distilleries, and catch live performances in this pedestrian-friendly cultural hub.

  • Toronto Islands: Just a short ferry ride from downtown, this chain of small islands provides a peaceful escape with beaches, parks, and stunning city views. Rent bikes to explore the car-free paths, visit Centreville Amusement Park with the family, or simply relax on the sandy shores of Ward's Island Beach.

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

Lonely Planet Toronto Guide: This trusted resource offers detailed neighborhood breakdowns, restaurant recommendations, and practical tips for navigating the city's efficient public transit system.

Tourism Toronto Official Guide: The city's official tourism site provides up-to-date event listings, seasonal activity suggestions, and insider recommendations from local experts.

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 Bond Park's Boathouse

Fred G. Bond Metro Park is one of the largest municipal parks in Wake County at 310 acres, like an oasis in the middle of town. The park's crown jewel is its 42-acre Bond Lake, a man-made freshwater lake perfect for paddling, fishing, or just enjoying a peaceful afternoon by the water. Bond Park's Boathouse provides the perfect home base for your waterfront adventure.

The Boathouse has boat rentals for all ages and abilities, including pedal boats, kayaks, canoes, and Sunfish sailboats, with all life preservers included. Kayaks and canoes are $8 per hour while sailboats are $12 per hour. The park's 4.2 miles of trails include the popular 2.1-mile Lake Trail that circles Bond Lake through natural wooded settings. These trails connect to several greenways, making the park accessible to bikers and walkers from throughout the region.

Look up to spot bald eagles fishing at the far end of the lake—visitors see them several times a week! Bring binoculars to catch glimpses of the 32 bird species found here, from hermit thrushes in the woods to eastern bluebirds in the meadows. The peaceful setting among towering pines makes this spot perfect for early morning paddles when the lake is calm and wildlife is most active.

The park features the Lazy Daze playground, picnic shelters, restrooms, a 300-seat amphitheater, and a challenge rope course. You can find snacks, ice cream, drinks, and fishing supplies for sale at the beautiful Boathouse nestled among the pines, plus enjoy a break on the screened porch overlooking the forest.

Good to Know:

Location: 801 High House Road, Cary, NC 27513 | Directions
Hours: Park gates open 7:30 AM to sunset daily; Boathouse hours vary seasonally (typically 10 AM-6 PM weekends in spring/fall, 9 AM-7 PM weekends in summer)
Amenities: Boat rentals, fishing pier, restrooms, picnic shelters, 4+ miles of trails, playground, amphitheater, challenge course, screened porch
Entry: Free park admission; boat rentals $8-12 per hour
Tip: Boat rentals are first come, first served and cannot be reserved in advance. The lake is closed December-January, and may occasionally close for other reasons, so check posted signs. Dogs must be on leashes no longer than 6 feet and are not allowed on rental boats.

Tuesday

Meme of the Day.
Brought to you by Cary's Daily Newsletter.

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Thank You, Nikhil Bhatewara!

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📅 Planning your week in Cary?


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The Answer to the Cary Spotlight Hook Trivia Question 👇👇👇
Canada has the most natural lakes of any country in the world, with an estimated two million lakes, including about 31,000 that are larger than three square kilometers. These lakes cover nearly 9% of Canada’s total land area, contributing to the country's rich freshwater resources and breathtaking natural beauty. Iconic lakes like Lake Superior, Lake Louise, and Great Bear Lake are just a few examples of the diverse aquatic landscapes that support ecosystems, recreation, and cultural heritage across the country.