📘A Top-Rated Italian Restaurant

Hey Cary, how are ya?

Before we get into the scheduled programming, I have a question for you: are you, or do you know, a talented graphic designer? Cary Digest is due for an overhaul, and I’m looking for somebody local to help me out, and of course we’ll pay you.

Cary Digest’s assets were made in Canva late Sunday night when I realized Cary needed more local news, and while they have worked wonderfully so far, it’s time for a more professional upgrade.

If you’re a graphic designer who can help turn a logo concept art and ideas into real, digital assets, or you know somebody local to Cary who can do that, please reply to this email directly! You’ll be helping design Cary Digest—literally.

Anyway, here’s what you can expect in Today’s issue:

• 4 New Schools

• PFAS Testing

• Top-Notch Italian Food

• Awesome events and things to do this week

— Jake from Cary Digest

News

“Trumendous Growth” Brings 4 New Schools to Wake County!

Southern Wake County is booming, and so is its need for classroom space. This August, four brand new schools will open their doors to keep pace with the surge in families moving into the area.

Felton Grove High School in Apex is the biggest addition. Crews are in the final stretch, landscaping is wrapping up, the Certificate of Occupancy is in progress, and classroom furnishings are still stacked on pallets, ready to be moved in.

Joining Felton Grove are three new elementary schools:

• Bowling Road Elementary (Fuquay-Varina)

• Rex Road Elementary (Holly Springs)

• Pleasant Plains Elementary (Apex)

The Wake County Public School System says these projects are just the beginning. More subdivisions are planned in the southern and western parts of the county, which means more seats and more schools will be needed in the near future.

Sponsored by The Young Writers' Institute!

The Young Writers’ Institute offers workshops and mentorship for kids and teens who want to grow as writers. It’s a place where they can explore fiction, poetry, and personal storytelling with real guidance and support from experienced educators.

The focus is on building confidence, improving their craft, and helping them find their voice. There are no grades, no rigid rules, just a creative space where young writers can thrive. If you know someone with a passion for writing, this is worth a look.

P.S. Want to advertise in Cary Digest this fall? Reply to this email or reach out at [email protected]!

Restaurant Spotlight: La Grassa Pastificio!

Tucked into Cary’s Reedy Creek Square, La Grassa Pastificio is a 14 table Italian gem where everything is made from scratch and hospitality feels personal. Chef owner Bobby Reynaud brings serious culinary chops and Chicago roots to the Triangle, crafting seasonal menus that highlight fresh handmade pasta and rich comforting flavors. You will often find him making the rounds in the dining room, checking in on guests like old friends.

The menu is small but purposeful. Starters like rosemary focaccia with olive tapenade and golden arancini set the tone, while standout pastas such as tagliatelle Bolognese or saffron linguini with scallops and shrimp showcase the kitchen’s finesse. Desserts are equally memorable with oversized tiramisu and decadent budino. With just a handful of wines to choose from, each one carefully selected, the focus stays squarely on the food.

Warm, intimate, and deeply satisfying, La Grassa Pastificio has quickly earned a reputation as one of the best Italian restaurants in North Carolina. If you can get a reservation, go hungry and be ready to fall in love.

Town Updates

💧 Cary Tests New Tech to Destroy Toxic PFAS

North Carolina is fighting to remove PFAS, toxic “forever chemicals” linked to cancer and found in water systems across the state. Cary-based Invicta Water says it has a cleaner, cheaper solution. Instead of capturing PFAS and sending it elsewhere for disposal, their system removes and destroys the chemicals on-site.

Since April, the pilot system at Jordan Lake has treated nearly 11 million gallons of water for Cary and Apex, using foam to collect PFAS and UV light to break them apart with no harmful waste left behind. Early lab tests show promising results, and the town will review the data before deciding on next steps.

Things to Do This Week

Tuesday, August 5

Bond Brothers Run Club
Time: 6:30 PM
Location: Bond Brothers Beer Company, 202 E Cedar St, Cary, NC
Description: Social run with 2–5 mile routes for all paces, followed by craft beer.
Link: https://www.bondbrothersbeer.com/food-trucks-happenings

Children’s Bingo in the Park
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: Great Lawn Pavilion, Downtown Cary Park, Cary, NC
Description: Free drop-in bingo games for kids with fun prizes.
Link: https://downtowncarync.org/event/childrens-bingo/

Open Mic Night at Salem Street Music Club
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Salem Street Music Club, 209 N Salem St, Apex, NC
Description: Local musicians perform at a relaxed open mic night.
Link: https://allevents.in/apex/salem-street-music-club-open-mic/

Regal Summer Movie Express
Time: 10:00 AM (first show)
Location: Regal Crossroads 20, 501 Caitboo Ave, Cary, NC
Description: $1 family movie screenings for kids and parents.
Link: https://www.regmovies.com/static/en/us/promotions/summer-movie-express

Wednesday, August 6

Summer Vibes in the Park – Shannon Baker & Sometime Soon
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Harold D. Ritter Park, 301 Lochmere Dr W, Cary, NC
Description: Free outdoor bluegrass concert with food trucks and local beer.
Link: https://www.visitraleigh.com/event/summer-vibes-in-the-park-shannon-baker-%26-sometime-soon/98884/

Free Wednesday Night Movie at Halle Cultural Arts Center
Time: 7:30 PM
Location: Halle Cultural Arts Center, 237 N Salem St, Apex, NC
Description: Free evening film screening for teens and adults.
Link: https://www.apexnc.org/Calendar.aspx?EID=4279

Music Bingo at Downtown Cary Park
Time: 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Location: Bark Bar Pavilion, Downtown Cary Park, Cary, NC
Description: Music-themed bingo with prizes and plenty of tunes.
Link: https://downtowncarypark.com/things-to-do/calendar/w_music-bingo

Bond Brothers Trivia Night
Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Bond Brothers Beer Company, 202 E Cedar St, Cary, NC
Description: Free team trivia night with prizes.
Link: https://www.bondbrothersbeer.com/food-trucks-happenings

Regal Summer Movie Express
Time: 10:00 AM (first show)
Location: Regal Crossroads 20, 501 Caitboo Ave, Cary, NC
Description: $1 family movie screenings for kids and parents.
Link: https://www.regmovies.com/static/en/us/promotions/summer-movie-express

Bailey’s Wine Wednesday
Time: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: Bailey’s Fine Jewelry, 21 Fenton Main St, Cary, NC
Description: Complimentary wine tastings and specials while you shop.
Link: https://fentonnc.com

Thursday, August 7

40 Acres (Film)
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: The Cary Theater, 122 E Chatham St, Cary, NC
Description: R-rated post-apocalyptic drama about survival and trust.
Link: https://thecarytheater.com/event/40-acres-7/the-cary/cary/

Pinoy BBQ at Cotton House
Time: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Cotton House Craft Brewers, 307 S Academy St, Cary, NC
Description: Authentic Filipino barbecue from the Pinoy BBQ food truck.
Link: https://allevents.in/cary/pinoy-bbq-cotton-house-cary/200028484693638

Sirsy Live at Bombshell Beer
Time: 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Location: Bombshell Beer Company, 120 Quantum St, Holly Springs, NC
Description: Free outdoor concert by indie pop-rock duo Sirsy.
Link: https://www.bombshellbeer.com/Events

Bombshell Beer Run/Walk Club
Time: 6:30 PM
Location: Bombshell Beer Company, 120 Quantum St, Holly Springs, NC
Description: Free social run/walk for all paces with post-run brews.
Link: https://www.bombshellbeer.com/Events/Bombshell-Beer-Run-Club

Drop-in Art Cart
Time: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Location: Downtown Cary Park, Cary, NC
Description: Free creative arts and crafts activities for kids.
Link: https://downtowncarypark.com

Line Dancing at Sports & Social Cary
Time: 8:00 PM
Location: Sports & Social, 301 Fenton Gateway Dr, Cary, NC
Description: Free country line dancing lesson and social (21+).
Link: https://fentonnc.com

Friday, August 8

Guardians of the Galaxy – Movie Night
Time: Activities at 6:00 PM, Movie at Sunset (~8:15 PM)
Location: Great Lawn, Downtown Cary Park, Cary, NC
Description: Free outdoor movie screening with pre-show activities.
Link: https://downtowncarypark.com/things-to-do/calendar/w_movie-night-9

Oh, Hi! (Film)
Time: 8:00 PM
Location: The Cary Theater, 122 E Chatham St, Cary, NC
Description: Dark romantic comedy exploring the ups and downs of dating.
Link: https://thecarytheater.com/event/oh-hi-4/the-cary/cary/

Eddington (Film)
Time: 1:30 PM
Location: The Cary Theater, 122 E Chatham St, Cary, NC
Description: Western drama about a sheriff-mayor standoff in 2020.
Link: https://thecarytheater.com/event/eddington/the-cary/cary/

Chico Bean Stand-Up Comedy
Time: 7:00 PM and 9:15 PM
Location: Raleigh Improv, 1224 Parkside Main St, Cary, NC
Description: Live stand-up comedy by Chico Bean of “Wild ’N Out.”
Link: https://improv.com/raleigh/comic/chico+bean/

Summer at the Springs – Joe Hero Band
Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Holly Springs Cultural Center Lawn, 300 W Ballentine St, Holly Springs, NC
Description: Free Foo Fighters tribute concert with food trucks and drinks.
Link: https://www.hollyspringsnc.gov/1417/Summer-at-the-Springs

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