Here’s what’s in today’s issue:

• 🧠 Trivia Challenge: Spotlight Hook
• 😋🍴 Discover Cary (Eat & Drink): Hank's Downtown Dive Reviews
• ✈️ Airline Travel: Hello, Istanbul!
• 🚗 Drivable Destinations: Make a Difference at the Food Bank
• 😄 Meme of the Day – Just for laughs
• ❤️ Shout-out: Thank You, Sue Harley!
• 🎁 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: Who was the first Boy Scout to become President in the United States?

(Answer at the bottom of the newsletter.)

FOOD ASSISTANCE CONCERNS?

If you or someone you know needs help locally with food assistance in the coming days, please reach out to my Drew Klutz email: [email protected]. Mama Edna's Thrift Shop by The Mama Edna Project has an emergency pantry and they will provide an emergency bag to folks as a bridge until a more sustainable solution can be found.

If you are in a position to contribute, please help as you can. Here is their Thanksgiving Food Drive list along with eggs, milk, and cereal. Food may be dropped off at the store at 1393 Maynard Rd SE Cary, NC 27511.

Learn more: Give the Gift of Food Security 

If you have questions email: [email protected]

Hank's Downtown Dive Reviews

Hank's Downtown Dive 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.

Hank's Downtown Dive in Cary, NC, is a modern bohemian neighborhood bistro featuring a rotating seasonal menu with scratch-made dishes like gluten-free fried chicken, wood-roasted brisket tacos, griddled octopus, and draft cocktails, all served in a bright, welcoming space with a sunlit patio.

Check out their menu on their website: Hank's Downtown Dive

Address: 111 E Chatham St, Ste A, Cary, NC 27511 | Get Directions

Reader Poll Results

Hank's Downtown Dive (19 Votes)

🟨🟨🟨🟨⬜️⬜️ 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 Love this place! (8)
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 😊😊😊 I might give it a try (11)

Cary Spotlight Reader’s Feedback:

“Nice atmosphere; delicious food. The only area in which it failed when I visited was the cocktail. I could make a better one myself.”

“All the small plates are always amazing, I recommend doing tapas style and getting a few to share! Everything is so fresh, the atmosphere is classy but cozy, the drinks are great, and the service has always been top-notch. Best nicer sit-down restaurant in DT Cary, in my opinion!”

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

Hello, Istanbul!
Gateway to Two Continents

Welcome to Istanbul, Turkey, a place where East meets West, where ancient mosques stand alongside modern cafes, and where you can literally walk between two continents in a single day. While there are no direct flights from RDU to Istanbul, you can easily connect through major hubs like New York, Atlanta, or Washington D.C. to reach Istanbul Airport (IST). This magical city straddles Europe and Asia across the shimmering Bosphorus strait, offering travelers an unforgettable mix of history, culture, and cuisine that spans thousands of years.

Why Visit Istanbul?

• Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque:
  These architectural masterpieces represent Istanbul's rich layered history, from Byzantine empire to Ottoman rule. Walk through soaring domes decorated with intricate mosaics and tiles, feel the weight of centuries beneath your feet, and understand why this city has captivated travelers for generations.

• The Grand Bazaar:
  This is one of the world's oldest and largest covered markets, a maze of over 4,000 shops dating back to 1461. Lose yourself among colorful lanterns, hand-woven carpets, spices, jewelry, and ceramics while practicing your bargaining skills with friendly shopkeepers over sweet apple tea.

• Bosphorus Cruise:
  Right in the heart of the city, the Bosphorus strait separates Europe from Asia and offers stunning waterfront views. Take a sunset boat ride past Ottoman palaces, wooden mansions, and impressive bridges while enjoying fresh fish sandwiches from floating vendors—an experience that perfectly captures Istanbul's unique geographic magic.

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

Lonely Planet Istanbul: This trusted guide offers detailed neighborhood breakdowns, historical context, and practical tips for navigating the city like a local.

Rick Steves Istanbul Guide: Rick's signature approach gives you honest advice on what's worth your time and money, plus cultural insights that help you connect with Turkish traditions.

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

Make a Difference at the Food Bank

When 1 in 5 people in our region struggles to put food on the table, every act of kindness counts. The Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina has been fighting hunger since 1980, and they need your help now more than ever. Whether you have an hour to spare or want to make a bigger commitment, this local nonprofit makes it easy to give back to neighbors who need it most.

Serving 34 counties across central and eastern North Carolina, the Food Bank works through a network of more than 900 partner agencies including soup kitchens, food pantries, shelters, and programs for children, adults, and seniors. With six facilities and over 120 staff members, plus thousands of volunteers contributing 249,000 hours annually, this organization distributed 109 million pounds of food last year. That's 91 million meals for families in our community.

Did you know that in just one volunteer shift, a single person can pack enough food to provide more than 160 meals for local families? From sorting food in warehouses to distributing resources in the community to speaking up for stronger safety nets, volunteers are truly the heart and soul of this work. You don't need special skills or training — just a willingness to help. The Food Bank makes it simple to find opportunities that fit your schedule at any of their six locations across the region.

Ways to Get Involved:

• Volunteer Your Time: Sign up for shifts at the Raleigh headquarters or at one of five other locations in Durham, Greenville, New Bern, Southern Pines, and Wilmington. You can sort and pack food, help at community distributions, or support special events.

• Host a Food Drive: Gather donations from your neighborhood, workplace, school, or faith community. The Food Bank provides everything you need to organize a successful drive.

• Donate: Financial contributions help purchase food, especially fresh produce and protein. Every dollar makes a real difference.

• Become an Advocate: Use your voice to support public policies that help end hunger in North Carolina.

• Good to Know:

• Main Location: 1924 Capital Boulevard, Raleigh, NC 27604 | Directions

• Phone: (919) 875-0707

• Hours: Monday – Friday: 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM

• Volunteer Registration: Available online through their volunteer portal at volunteer.foodbankcenc.org

• Locations: Raleigh (headquarters), Durham, Greenville, New Bern, Southern Pines, and Wilmington

• Who They Serve: More than 607,000 individuals facing hunger across the region Foodbankcenc

Tip: Individual volunteers and groups are both welcome. Court-ordered community service is accepted only for minor traffic violations (excluding DUIs/DWIs) and must be approved in advance.

Official Website: https://foodbankcenc.org/

Volunteer Portal: https://volunteer.foodbankcenc.org/

The Food Bank's vision is simple but powerful: "No one goes hungry." Right now, they're working harder than ever to meet increased need in our community. Your time, donations, or voice can help make that vision a reality for families right here in central and eastern North Carolina.

Meme of the Day.
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Thank You, Sue Harley!

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📅 Planning your week in Cary?

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