📘An Important Notice About Your Utility Bills

Good morning Cary,

In case you hadn’t heard just yet— Cary was ranked the fifth best place to live in the U.S., and it was also the largest town out of the top 25! I’m not surprised.

Anyway, there are a ton of things going on in the town this week, including some important charity events!

Here’s what you can expect in Today’s issue:

• Cary’s new ranking

• Important update about your utility bill

• Must-try tacos

• A charity golf tournament

— Jake from Cary Digest

News

🏆 Cary Ranked #5 Best Place to Live in the U.S.

Big news: Cary has been named the #5 Best Place to Live in the entire country by U.S. News & World Report in their 2025–2026 rankings and #1 in North Carolina. The list evaluated 850+ cities based on job market, quality of life, cost of living, and more.

Mayor Harold Weinbrecht summed it up:

Cary stood out for its strong job market (thanks in part to nearby RTP), excellent public schools, and the rare combo of big-city amenities with small-town comfort. We also ranked #27 nationally for college readiness and landed in the top 5% for job market strength.

This recognition adds to an already strong year for Cary with Niche.com also naming it the #1 Best Place to Raise a Family in NC, and USA Today calling The Nest at Downtown Cary Park the #1 Public Playground in America.

Brought to you by Refined Realty Group at Compass Cary!

Thinking about buying or selling a home in Cary? May’s your moment.

With ideal weather, the school year wrapping up, and the summer rush just around the corner, this is prime time to make your move.

That’s where Marcy and the Refined Realty team shine. As longtime Cary pros, they’ll guide you through pricing, prepping, and navigating the market like locals—because they are.

Whether you're looking for more space, less space, or your first place, now’s the time. Let’s make it happen.

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

Restaurant of the Week: La Victoria

Nestled in The Arboretum at Weston, La Victoria Mexican Food brings a vibrant taste of Mexico to Cary. Co-owned by Salvador Alvarez and his aunt Maria Ibarra, the restaurant's name, meaning "the victory," reflects Ibarra's journey from server to restaurateur. La Victoria emphasizes fresh, high-quality ingredients, with many dishes made to order, including their signature guacamole prepared at a front-and-center station .

Must-Try Dishes:

• Shrimp Queso Fundido: A rich blend of shrimp and cheese served with salsa verde tortillas and pico de gallo.

• Chicken Flautas: Crisp rolled corn tortillas filled with seasoned shredded chicken, topped with chipotle cream, queso fresco, lettuce, pico de gallo, and salsa verde.

• Pineapple Fajitas: A hearty mix of grilled steak, chicken, shrimp, bacon, bell peppers, onions, fresh pineapple, and cheese, served with rice and beans.

• Quesabirria Tacos: Slow-cooked lamb tacos with Oaxaca cheese, cilantro, and onions, accompanied by rice and beans.

The restaurant's ambiance is enhanced by earth-toned walls, a polished cement floor, and a striking mural of Mexican actress Yalitza Aparicio Martínez. Guests can enjoy their meals indoors or on the spacious patio. La Victoria is open daily for lunch and dinner, and reservations are accepted .

For more information or to view the full menu, visit lavictoriamex.com

Town Updates

📬 Delayed Paper Utility Bills

Heads up: If you're waiting on your Cary utility bill in the mail, it might arrive later than usual. A regional print shop unexpectedly closed, which is causing delays for paper bills—including those for Morrisville customers.

The good news? Bills are still being generated on time, and you can view yours online anytime at carync.gov/digipay. While the Town works through the mailing issues, late fees are being waived for anyone affected by the delay.

✅ View your bill online: carync.gov/digipay 
📨 No action needed if your paper bill is late
💡 Stay updated by following @caryncgov on social media

Community Events

🇺🇸 VFW Memorial Day Charity Golf Tournament

Tee up for a good cause this Memorial Day! VFW Post 7383 is hosting a Charity Golf Tournament to support local veterans and community assistance programs.

📍 Location: The Club at 12 Oaks (2004 Green Oaks Pkwy, Holly Springs, NC)
📅 Date: Monday, May 26, 2025
⏰ Check-In: 8:00 AM | Shotgun Start: 9:00 AM
💲 Entry: $150 per player | $300 per team
🎯 Open to the public!

• Prizes for 1st & 2nd place teams

• Raffle prizes and giveaways for all players

• Lunch included, served at the club

• Space is limited — register soon!

• Sponsors are still needed!

👉 Sign up or get more info: caryvfw7383.org/golf.php
📧 Contact: [email protected]

100% of proceeds go directly to local veterans and community programs. Swing by and show your support!

Things to Do This Weekend

🎉 Free Events

Big Top Circus Band
Time: Sat, May 24 @ 7:00–8:30 PM
Location: Downtown Cary Park (327 S. Academy St.)
Description: Free live performance of vintage circus music by a 20-piece band. Fun and lively for all ages.
Link: https://downtowncarypark.org/event/big-top-circus-band/

Stretch & Refresh Class
Time: Mon, May 27 @ 10:00–11:00 AM
Location: Downtown Cary Park
Description: A free, low-impact mobility class led by a licensed physical therapist.
Link: https://downtowncarypark.org/event/stretch-refresh/

Paws and Pals: Adoption Event with Perfectly Imperfect Pups
Time: Sunday, May 25, 2025, 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Location: Downtown Cary Park – Park Street Arena (327 S. Academy St, Cary, NC 27511)
Description: Meet adoptable pups and enjoy a family-friendly afternoon with food trucks and dog-themed fun.
Link: https://www.carync.gov/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/24277/

Memorial Day Remembrance
Time: Monday, May 26, 2025, 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Location: Veterans Freedom Park (1513 N. Harrison Ave, Cary, NC 27513)
Description: A moving tribute with live music, guest speakers, and a moment of reflection for fallen service members.
Link: https://www.carync.gov/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/23931/1636

Meet the Artists: Dean Sauls and Linda Starr
Time: Friday, May 30, 2025, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Page-Walker Arts & History Center (119 Ambassador Loop, Cary, NC 27513)
Description: View artwork and chat with local painter Dean Sauls and photographer Linda Starr at this free reception.
Link: https://www.carync.gov/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/23883/1344

Discover Dance: DISHOOM
Time: Friday, May 30, 2025, 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Location: Downtown Cary Park – Great Lawn (327 S. Academy St, Cary, NC 27511)
Description: High-energy Bollywood dance party with live drumming, food trucks, and family-friendly fun.
Link: https://www.carync.gov/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/24278/1344

🎬 Film

Movie Night at Downtown Cary Park: Moana 2
Time: Fri, May 23 @ 4:00–10:00 PM
Location: Downtown Cary Park (327 S. Academy St.)
Description: Family movie night with crafts, food trucks, and a free outdoor screening of Moana 2. Pre-show fun starts at 6 PM with live music and character visits.
Link: https://downtowncarypark.org/event/movie-night-moana-2/

The Ballad of Wallis Island
Time: Fri, May 23 @ 2:00 PM
Location: The Cary Theater (122 E. Chatham St.)
Description: Indie comedy about a lottery winner who tries to recreate a legendary concert on a private island.
Link: https://thecarytheater.com/event/the-ballad-of-wallis-island/

A Nice Indian Boy
Time: Fri, May 23 @ 5:00 PM
Location: The Cary Theater
Description: A heartwarming rom-com about love, culture, and clashing expectations.
Link: https://thecarytheater.com/event/a-nice-indian-boy/

Breaking Away
Time: Fri, May 23 @ 8:00 PM
Location: The Cary Theater
Description: A classic coming-of-age sports film about underdogs and identity.
Link: https://thecarytheater.com/event/breaking-away/

Maya and the Wave
Time: Wed, May 28 @ 7:00 PM
Location: The Cary Theater
Description: Inspiring surf documentary about big-wave surfer Maya Gabeira.
Link: https://thecarytheater.com/event/maya-and-the-wave/

The Legend of Ochi
Time: Thu, May 29 @ 2:00 PM
Location: The Cary Theater
Description: A gorgeously animated fantasy tale of friendship and myth.
Link: https://thecarytheater.com/event/the-legend-of-ochi/

The Wedding Banquet
Time: Fri, May 30 @ 2:00 PM
Location: The Cary Theater
Description: Classic cultural comedy about a sham marriage that spins out of control.
Link: https://thecarytheater.com/event/the-wedding-banquet/

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Friendly

Paws & Pals Pet Adoption
Time: Sun, May 25 @ 4:00–6:00 PM
Location: Downtown Cary Park (Park Street Arena)
Description: Meet and adopt adorable pups, hosted by Perfectly Imperfect Pups. Great for families.
Link: https://downtowncarypark.org/event/paws-and-pals/

Discover Dance: DISHOOM
Time: Fri, May 30 @ 7:00–10:00 PM
Location: Downtown Cary Park
Description: Family-friendly Bollywood-inspired dance night with DJ Rang and live drumming.
Link: https://downtowncarypark.org/event/discover-dance-dishoom/

Board Game Social
Time: Thu, May 29 @ 4:00–8:00 PM
Location: Downtown Cary Park (Great Lawn)
Description: Free drop-in board game event for all ages. Tables, games, and good vibes provided.
Link: https://downtowncarypark.org/event/board-game-social/🍺 21+ Events

NC Team Trivia at Bond Brothers
Time: Wed, May 28 @ 7:00–9:00 PM
Location: Bond Brothers Beer Co. (202 E. Cedar St.)
Description: Free trivia night with prizes. Great beer, better bragging rights.
Link: https://www.bondbrothersbeer.com/events

Bluegrass Open Jam
Time: Sun, May 25 @ 4:00–7:00 PM
Location: Bond Brothers Eastside (602 E. Chatham St.)
Description: Weekly bluegrass jam. Bring an instrument or just enjoy the tunes.
Link: https://www.bondbrothersbeer.com/events

Open Mic Night
Time: Wed, May 28 @ 6:30–10:30 PM
Location: Bond Brothers Eastside
Description: Weekly open mic with comedy, music, and drinks. No cover.
Link: https://www.bondbrothersbeer.com/events

Jazz Jam Open Mic
Time: Thu, May 29 @ 8:00–11:00 PM
Location: Bond Brothers Eastside
Description: Freeform jazz night. Come solo, sit in, or sip and chill.
Link: https://www.bondbrothersbeer.com/events

Thanks for reading Cary Digest! If you enjoyed the newsletter, please share it! I’ll send you another email in a few days. If you’ve read a few issues, and want to support local news and the Cary community, please considering buying a paid subscription to show your support.