Here’s what’s in today’s issue:

🧠 Trivia Challenge: Spotlight Hook
😋🍴 Discover Cary (Eat & Drink): Asali Desserts & Café
• ✈️ Airline Travel: Hello, Stockholm!
🚗 Drivable Destinations: Explore Fred G. Bond Metro Park
😄 Meme of the DayJust for laughs
• ❤️ Shout-out: Thank You, Paula Sears!
🎁 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: What city, located in the Sonoran desert, was once called Arizona City?

(Answer at the bottom of the newsletter.)

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Asali Desserts & Café

Asali Desserts & Café 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.

Asali Desserts & Café in Cary, NC, is a Mediterranean-inspired bakery and coffeehouse offering award-winning specialty desserts like baklava cheesecake and lemon pistachio dome, savory small plates including hummus and cheese pie with za'atar, and expertly crafted coffees and teas in a modern, elegant setting at MacGregor Village.

Check out their menu on their website: Asali Desserts & Café

Address: 107 Edinburgh S Dr, Suite 106-A, Cary, NC 27511 | Get Directions

Asali Desserts & Cafe

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Hello, Stockholm!
Gateway to Islands and Nordic Culture

Welcome to Stockholm, Sweden, a city where modern innovation meets medieval charm, where cobblestone streets wind through colorful old quarters, and where 14 islands spread across pristine waterways create one of Europe's most stunning capitals.

While there are no direct flights from RDU (Raleigh-Durham) to Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN), convenient connecting flights through major hubs make reaching this Scandinavian treasure straightforward and accessible. Whether you're drawn to Viking history, world-class museums, or the peaceful beauty of thousands of archipelago islands, Stockholm offers a perfect blend of culture, nature, and Nordic cool.

Why Visit Stockholm?

  • Gamla Stan's Medieval Magic:
    This Old Town is one of Europe's best-preserved medieval centers, founded in 1252. Wander narrow cobblestone streets lined with colorful buildings, visit the Royal Palace and Stockholm Cathedral, and soak in the charm of centuries-old squares where history comes alive at every turn.

  • The Vasa Museum:
    Home to a 17th-century warship that sank on its maiden voyage and was recovered 333 years later, this museum is unlike anything else. The massive ship stands 52 meters tall across seven floors of exhibits, offering a fascinating glimpse into Sweden's maritime past and one of history's most dramatic naval disasters.

  • Stockholm Archipelago:
    Just 30 minutes from downtown, over 30,000 islands dot the Baltic Sea, creating a natural paradise within reach. Take a ferry tour, rent a kayak, or simply cruise through this stunning waterscape where rocky shores meet pine forests and charming island villages offer peaceful escapes from city life.

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

Lonely Planet Stockholm: This trusted guide offers expert tips on navigating neighborhoods, finding hidden gems, and experiencing the best of Swedish culture.

The Blonde Abroad Stockholm Guide: Kiersten shares insider advice on exploring Stockholm's islands, neighborhoods, and local experiences with practical tips for budget-friendly travel.

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 Fred G. Bond Metro Park

Fred G. Bond Metro Park is like a breath of fresh air right in the heart of Cary. This 310-acre park is one of the largest in Wake County and feels like a peaceful escape from everyday life. With a beautiful 42-acre lake, miles of trails, and activities for everyone, it's no wonder locals call it "an oasis in the middle of town."

Credit: Fred G. Bond Metro Park

You can walk, run, or bike on over 4 miles of scenic trails that wind through wooded areas and around Bond Lake. The paths are mostly flat and well-maintained, making them perfect for families, beginners, and leashed dogs. The 2.1-mile Lake Trail is especially popular for its peaceful lake views and shady forest setting.

Love being on the water? The boathouse rents kayaks, canoes, pedal boats, rowboats, and even sailboats. You can also fish from the shore or the pier — the lake is stocked with trout! If you prefer to stay on dry land, there's a huge playground, picnic shelters with grills, an amphitheater, athletic fields, and even an 18-hole disc golf course.

For those who love adventure, Fred G. Bond Metro Park has a basic orienteering course that lets you practice finding your way through the woods. You can use a simple map or a more detailed one to get from point to point, challenging yourself along the way. The park also has the Bond Park Challenge Course, where you can work on teamwork and push your limits with fun and exciting physical and mental activities. Even if there aren’t any scheduled group events, you can still use the Challenge Course Shelter whenever you want.

Credit: Fred G. Bond Metro Park

The park offers much more than just fun activities. You can catch a live show at the Sertoma Amphitheatre, learn about composting at the Compost Education Center, walk along the Tree ID Trail to spot local trees, or have a blast at the Lazy Daze Playground. Athletic fields are also spread throughout the beautiful park, giving everyone a place to play.

Keep your eyes open for wildlife! You might spot herons, waterfowl, or even a bald eagle fishing over the lake. The boathouse sells snacks and ice cream, so you can grab a treat while you enjoy the waterfront views from the rocking chairs on the deck.

Good to Know:

Location: 801 High House Rd, Cary, NC 27513 | Google Maps directions to Bond Park
Hours: Gates open by 7:30 AM and close at sunset
Amenities: 4.2 miles of trails, boathouse with boat rentals, fishing pier, 200-foot boardwalk, Lazy Daze Playground, picnic shelters with grills, restrooms, amphitheater, athletic fields, disc golf course, community center
Entry: Free! (Boat rentals have a fee)
Tip: Dogs are welcome on a leash (6 feet or less), but they're not allowed on rental boats. The boathouse offers classes in canoeing, kayaking, and sailing for all ages — check their schedule if you want to learn something new!

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, Paula Sears!

Trust and Local Awareness

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🎁 Adventure starts close to home.

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📅 Planning your week in Cary?


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The Answer to the Cary Spotlight Hook Trivia Question 👇👇👇
A: Yuma, Arizona 🌵

The city of Yuma, located in the Sonoran Desert. The settlement was founded in 1854 as Colorado City, then renamed Arizona City in 1862, and finally became Yuma in 1873.

🔗 Learn more about Yuma, Arizona.

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