📘$540M Hospital Coming to Cary?!

Happy Friday, Cary.

Today’s issue is full to the brim. I’ve got all kinds of things for you today ranging from local news stories, city updates, and tons of ways to spend the weekend in Cary!

But first, here are some kind words from your fellow readers. If you want to see your messages here, make sure to answer the poll at the bottom of the email!

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

• Large scale hospital expansion

• Cary student heading to the national spelling bee!

• Spotlight on Tribeca Tavern

• Dozens of ways to spend your weekend

— Jake from Cary Digest

News

🏥 Major Hospital Expansion Coming to Cary

Duke Health has secured a whopping $540 million in bond financing to fund a major new medical campus in west Cary. This project will bring a full-service hospital to one of the Triangle’s fastest-growing areas. The new site will include an inpatient tower, emergency department, outpatient services, and advanced surgical facilities. It's designed to meet the explosive population growth in western Wake County and provide better access to healthcare without forcing residents to drive into Raleigh or Durham.

The bonds will cover land acquisition, design, and construction, and the facility is expected to open within the next few years. This move marks a significant expansion of Duke’s footprint in the Triangle and reaffirms Cary’s status as a growing hub for innovation and quality of life.

🐝 Cary Student Heads to National Spelling Bee!

Sach Akella, an eighth grader at Mills Park Middle School in Cary, will represent North Carolina at the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C. This year’s competition features eight students from across the state, and Sach is bringing his A-game.

The Bee returns with a few new twists this year, including expanded judging criteria and a greater emphasis on vocabulary and poise. In previous years, tiebreakers often came down to rapid-fire spelling, but now judges can factor in a student’s overall command of language when determining a winner.

The event kicks off in late May and will be broadcast nationally. Sach earned his spot by winning a series of regional contests and will now compete against some of the country’s brightest young minds.

A Message From… Cary Digest!

Our Local Readers Want Your Local Services!

You’re reading Cary Digest, so you get it—people around here support local, want real recommendations, and not spammy ads.

That’s exactly why we’re opening up a few spots for trusted local businesses to advertise.

If you offer a service and take pride in doing it right—whether it’s landscaping, massage, cleaning, financial services, or something else entirely—there’s a good chance our readers are looking for you.

And since you're already here, you know we keep things local, useful, and honest. But we’re careful about who we partner with. Our readers trust us, and only want services in Cary that:

• We’d recommend to a family member

• Have a great reputation and are local to Cary

• Actually love and care about the work and services they provide

So if that sounds like you, we’d love to discuss partnering up. We’ve had to tell a lot of sketchy companies to get lost…

➡️Reach out at [email protected]
Let’s help Cary citizens support exceptional Cary businesses!

Restaurant of the Week: Tribeca Tavern!

Located at 500 Ledgestone Way in Cary, Tribeca Tavern is a locally owned restaurant renowned for its commitment to a "pasture-to-plate" philosophy. They source pasture-raised beef from Chatham Meat Co., grind it in-house daily, and serve it on fresh brioche buns from Pittsboro Bread Shop.

🍔 Menu Highlights:

• Tribeca Burger: A classic with lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickle.

• The Wolfpack: Features pepper jack cheese, peppered bacon, house-made BBQ sauce, and crispy onion straws.

• Mastering Augusta: Topped with house-made pimento cheese, fried green tomatoes, and bacon.

• Better Than Ted: A bison patty with blue cheese, bacon, roasted red peppers, and fried avocado.

Beyond burgers, the menu offers dishes like NC grass-fed bison meatloaf, shrimp & grits, and pan-seared salmon.

🍺 Drinks & Atmosphere:
Tribeca Tavern boasts a selection of craft beers from its sister establishment, The Mash House Brewery, and offers a rotating menu of specialty cocktails. The ambiance is warm and inviting, with multiple private dining areas, including The Lodge, The Mezzanine, and The Fireplace Room, catering to various group sizes and events.

📅 Hours:
Open daily from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

📞 Contact & Reservations:

• Phone: (919) 465-3055

• Website: tribecatavernnc.com

• Online Ordering: Order Here

Whether you're in the mood for a hearty burger, a refreshing craft beer, or a cozy dining experience, Tribeca Tavern offers a taste of local flavor and hospitality in the heart of Cary.

Town Updates

💬 Last Call to Shape Cary’s 2026 Budget!

Want a say in how Cary spends its money? Now’s the time to speak up: budget planning for FY 2026 is almost wrapped. Whether it's parks, roads, or public safety, your input helps decide what gets funded.

Share your thoughts via Cary 311, social media using #CaryBudget, or speak at an upcoming Town Council meeting in May or June. Don’t wait! learn how to make your voice heard.

🌿 Last Chance to Grab Cheap Compost Bins + Rain Barrels!

Heads up, gardeners: Cary’s compost bin and rain barrel sale ends May 10. This is your final shot to snag these eco-tools at below-wholesale prices. Each one comes with a guide to help you start composting and collecting rainwater like a pro.

Once the sale’s over, that’s it. Don’t miss your chance, learn more here.

Community Events

🏒 Canes Look to Bounce Back — Round 2 Starts Saturday!

The Canes are coming off a tough loss, but it’s time to rally. Round 2 kicks off this Saturday, May 10 at 6 PM as the Hurricanes take on the Capitals at home in the Lenovo Center.

This is Home Game 1 of the series — and a chance to reset the tone. Expect big energy, hard hits, and a team hungry to make a statement.

Tickets start at $255 and are selling fast. Only residents of NC, SC, and southern VA can buy. Get yours now and be there to cheer the Canes back to victory.

🍹 Mocktails, Massages & Music for Mom – This Sunday!

Treat Mom (and yourself) to something special this Mother’s Day, May 11 from 10 AM – 3 PM at Downtown Cary Park.

Umbrella Dry Bar is serving up handcrafted non-alcoholic cocktails, plus there’ll be live chamber music, free chair massages for moms, creative activities at the Art Cart, and tasty bites from a local food truck.

Umbrella will be slinging drinks from 11 AM – 2 PM, with live music at 12 PM and 1 PM.

More info here.

Things to Do This Weekend

🌸 Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day Buffet at Chef’s Palette (More info)

• Time: Sun, May 11 @ 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM

• Location: Chef’s Palette (3460 Ten Ten Rd.)

• Description: Buffet-style lunch with shrimp & grits, fried chicken, New York strip, and desserts. Reservations required.

Mother’s Day: Music & Pampering in the Park (More info)

• Time: Sun, May 11 @ 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM

• Location: Downtown Cary Park (327 S. Academy St.)

• Description: Live music, free massages, and art activities in a family-friendly setting.

Peck & Plume Mother’s Day Brunch (More info)

• Time: Sun, May 11 @ 8:00 AM – 2:15 PM

• Location: Peck & Plume (301 S. Academy St.)

• Description: Southern-inspired brunch buffet with carving stations, pancakes, and eggs Benedict. Reservations highly recommended.

Herons at The Umstead Mother’s Day Brunch (More info)

• Time: Sun, May 11 @ 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

• Location: Herons at The Umstead Hotel (100 Woodland Pond Dr.)

• Description: Luxurious four-course brunch in a five-star setting. Reservations required.

Doherty’s Irish Pub Mother’s Day Buffet (More info)

• Time: Sun, May 11 @ 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM

• Location: Doherty's Irish Pub (1979 High House Rd.)

• Description: Irish-American brunch buffet with carving station, oyster bar, omelets, and more. Family-friendly.

a’Verde Mother’s Day Brunch (More info)

• Time: Sun, May 11 @ 10:30 AM – 3:00 PM

• Location: a’Verde Cocina & Tequila Library (2300 Walnut St.)

• Description: Chef-curated modern Mexican brunch with creative cocktails. Reservations recommended.

Naos Mother’s Day Brunch (More info)

• Time: Sun, May 11 @ 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM

• Location: Naos (1105 Parkside Main St.)

• Description: Elegant brunch menu with Mediterranean flair celebrating both Mother’s Day and graduations.

Mother’s Day Mocktails, Music & More (More info)

• Time: Sun, May 11 @ 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM

• Location: Downtown Cary Park (327 S. Academy St.)

• Description: Celebrate with non-alcoholic cocktails, live music, and free mini massages in the park.

Waverly Place Mother’s Day Celebration (More info)

• Time: Sun, May 11 @ 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

• Location: Waverly Place (302 Colonades Way)

• Description: Paint pottery with Mom at Color Me Mine. BOGO studio fees for Mother’s Day.

🎉 Free Events

Cary Downtown Farmers Market (More info)

• Time: Sat, May 10 @ 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM

• Location: Downtown Cary Park (160 E. Park St.)

• Description: Shop local produce, artisanal foods, and crafts at Cary’s weekly open-air farmers market. Enjoy live music and family-friendly activities.

Ritmo Latino Festival (More info)

• Time: Sat, May 10 @ 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

• Location: Downtown Cary (316 N. Academy St.)

• Description: A free, family-friendly festival celebrating Latino culture with live music, dance performances, art, and delicious Latin American food.

Carpenter Community Garden Open House (More info)

• Time: Sat, May 10 @ 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM

• Location: Carpenter Park Community Garden (Cary)

• Description: Tour the community garden and meet local gardeners. Learn about urban gardening techniques and see spring plantings. Light refreshments provided.

🎬 Film

The Penguin Lessons (More info)

• Time: Fri, May 9 @ 5:00 PM

• Location: The Cary Theater (122 E. Chatham St.)

• Description: An uplifting indie drama about the healing bond between a man and his pet penguin. 110 min, PG-13.

Björk: Cornucopia (More info)

• Time: Fri, May 9 @ 8:00 PM

• Location: The Cary Theater (122 E. Chatham St.)

• Description: Concert-film screening of Björk’s Cornucopia, recorded live in Lisbon. Immersive visuals and music from the artist’s acclaimed show.

Lilly (More info)

• Time: Sat, May 10 @ 8:00 PM

• Location: The Cary Theater (122 E. Chatham St.)

• Description: Independent drama based on Lilly Ledbetter’s fight for equal pay. Directed by Rachel Feldman, 93 min, PG-13.

Other

Cary Players – Sonia Flew (More info)

• Time: Fri, May 9 & Sat, May 10 @ 7:30 PM; Sun, May 11 @ 3:00 PM

• Location: Cary Arts Center (101 Dry Ave.)

• Description: Poignant play exploring identity, family, and the immigrant experience, told through a Cuban-American lens. Community theater at its finest.

Downtown Cary Park – Music & Pampering in the Park (More info)

• Time: Sun, May 11 @ 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM

• Location: Downtown Cary Park (327 S. Academy St.)

• Description: Live classical music, free chair massages for moms, kids’ crafts, and food trucks in a relaxing park setting. Free event for all ages.

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