Here’s what’s in today’s issue:
• 🧠 Trivia Challenge: Spotlight Hook
• 😋🍴 Discover Cary (Eat & Drink): Asali Desserts & Cafe
• 🚗 Drivable Destinations: Explore the Dix Park Sunflower Field
• ✈️ Airline Travel: Hello, Bern!
• 😄 Meme of the Day – Daily Chuckle
• 🎁 Adventure starts close to home: Thank You For Your Gift
• 📅 Events: Planning your week in Cary?
👉 Browse the highlights. Skip to your favorites.
Did someone forward you our Cary newsletter? Then subscribe here
Question: What does FM stand for (radio)?
(Answer at the bottom of the newsletter.)
7 Days Until Issue #1000!
Help us celebrate 1000 daily issues and get a chance to win a Godiva Chocolatier Gold Ballotin Gift Box (8-piece)!
Your words may become part of our 1,000th issue and help preserve the story of Cary Spotlight's first 1,000 mornings—not just for today's readers, but for future readers who discover our community.
Btw, if chocolate isn't your thing, that's perfectly okay.
You don't have to be interested in the giveaway to participate.
If your name is selected and you'd rather pass on the chocolates, we'll simply draw another winner.
The chocolates are just our way of saying thank you.
Your story is what really matters.
If you have questions about advertising, email: [email protected]
Asali Desserts & Cafe
Asali Desserts & Cafe 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.
Asali Desserts & Cafe is a Mediterranean-inspired bakery and coffee shop in MacGregor Village, known for baklava cheesecake, kunafa, and a full menu of specialty coffee and tea.
Check out their menu on their website: Asali Desserts & Cafe
Address: 800 W Williams St, Suite #100, Apex, NC 27502 | Get Directions
Asali Desserts & Cafe
Explore the Dix Park Sunflower Field
Photo Credit: Dix Park
One of Raleigh's most popular summer stops is back in bloom. The Sunflower Field at Dorothea Dix Park covers about five acres with more than 100,000 sunflowers, and it's free to visit seven days a week. The field sits inside Dix Park, a 308-acre park near downtown Raleigh, and it draws tens of thousands of visitors every July who come to snap photos and soak up some sunshine.
Getting up close to the flowers is easy. Marked paths run right through the field, so you can wander among the blooms without trampling them. The paths are flat and simple to walk, which makes this a great outing for kids, grandparents, or anyone who just wants a relaxed stroll. Leashed pets are welcome too, so the whole family, four legs and all, can come along for the visit.
The field is also a busy spot for wildlife. Bees and butterflies work the blooms all day, and once the petals fade, birds move in to feast on the seeds through the fall. For the best photos and cooler temperatures, plan your visit for early morning or evening. When you're ready for a break from the flowers, Dix Park has plenty more to offer nearby, including the shaded lawns of Harvey Field, the playgrounds and skyline views at Gipson Play Plaza, and wide open space for a picnic or a game of catch.
Good to Know:
Location: 1700 Umstead Dr, Raleigh, NC 27603 | Directions
Hours: Open dawn to dusk, seven days a week
Amenities: Walking paths through the sunflowers, free parking, portable restrooms near the field, indoor restrooms at Gipson Play Plaza and the Stone Houses, nearby playgrounds and picnic lawns
Entry: Free!
Tip: Peak bloom only lasts about two weeks, so don't wait too long to visit once the flowers open. Weekday mornings before 9 a.m. tend to be the least crowded.
Official Website: https://dixpark.org/sunflowers
Hello, Bern!
Gateway to Medieval Streets and Alpine Views
Welcome to Bern, Switzerland, a place where sandstone towers, colorful fountains, and a fast-flowing river wrap around one of Europe's best-preserved medieval old towns.
There's no direct flight from RDU to Bern, but getting here is still simple: you'll fly from Raleigh-Durham to Zurich Airport (ZRH) with one connection, then hop on a quick train ride into Bern, which takes about an hour. Airlines like United, Delta, American, and Lufthansa all offer connecting service on this route, so you've got plenty of options.
Once you arrive, you'll find a city that mixes small-town charm with big political importance, since Bern is Switzerland's capital, and it's packed with covered arcades, quirky fountains, and a river the locals actually swim in.
Why Visit Bern?
The Zytglogge Clock Tower and Old Town:
This medieval clock tower is the heart of Bern's beautifully preserved old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Watch the tower's mechanical figures perform their little show a few minutes before each hour, then wander the arcaded streets nearby, where you'll spot colorful 16th-century fountains around every corner.The Bundeshaus (Swiss Parliament Building):
This is where Switzerland's government meets, and it says a lot about the country that visitors can just walk right up and take a look around. The building overlooks the Aare River and the Alps beyond, and free guided tours let you peek inside the halls where Swiss lawmakers get down to business.Floating the Aare River:
Just steps from downtown, the Aare River curls around the city in a dramatic bend, and on a warm day, you'll see Bernese locals jumping in to float the current back into town. It's a beloved local tradition and a fun way to see the city from a totally different angle, plus the riverside paths make for a great stroll even if you'd rather stay dry.
Travel Guides – Here are two comprehensive travel guides to help you plan your trip.
Lonely Planet's Bern guide covers the city's top sights, neighborhoods, and hidden gems, all mapped out for easy trip planning.
Rick Steves' Bern guide gives you a personal, detailed look at the city with tips on sights, self-guided walks, and side trips throughout the region.
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
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.
🎁 Adventure starts close to home.
If Cary Spotlight has made you smile, sparked a conversation, or helped you find a new favorite spot, consider a small gift to keep the good going.
📅 Planning your week in Cary?
To save space in your inbox, we’ve moved the full list of events online — now you can plan ahead with access to today’s events and next week! See Upcoming Events
The Answer to the Cary Spotlight Hook Trivia Question 👇👇👇
A) Frequency Modulation
The most common meaning of "FM" is Frequency Modulation, which is a broadcasting method used for high-fidelity radio transmissions, particularly music.
For radio, Frequency Modulation works by altering the frequency of a carrier wave to encode audio information. It is widely preferred for music and high-quality audio because it is much less susceptible to static and electrical interference than its counterpart, AM (Amplitude Modulation).
Learn more, FM broadcasting