📘Controversial RDU Development's First Public Hearing

Good Morning, Cary!

How is your week going? This week has been the hottest on record as far as we have data, so I hope you’re staying inside and staying cool.

There are also some big events coming up. Lazy Dayz is just around the corner, and so is the first public forum to discuss the potential RDU expansion into the area off of 40 near Lake Crabtree. If you’re passionate about this expansion, this is your time to speak up!

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

• Details on the RDU expansion meeting

• A snake in the drive-thru

• Another amazing Mexican restaraunt

• Dozens of fun events this week

— Jake from Cary Digest

News

First Meeting on RDU Expansion Upcoming

Raleigh-Durham International Airport wants to turn 136 acres near Aviation Parkway and I-40 into a commercial “recreation and wellness” destination. Think restaurants, lodging, event space, and curated outdoor experiences. The problem is, that land sits right next to Lake Crabtree and is currently used by the public for hiking, biking, and enjoying the outdoors.

The Airport Authority, working with developer Pacific Elm Properties, says the goal is to create something that serves the community and brings in revenue. But many locals see it as a land grab, replacing freely accessible green space with private profits.

If you’ve got an opinion, and plenty of people do, you can make your voice heard. Public workshops are being held to gather community input and shape the future of the site. Now’s the time to speak up before the trails are paved over.

The first meeting is set for August 19th. No time or location has been picked yet, but when it is, I’ll include it in the next email.

🐍 Surprise! There’s a Snake in Your Drive-Thru

Ordering a McChicken in Cary recently came with a scaly side surprise. Employees at a local McDonald's spotted something unusual just beneath the drive-thru window — a boa constrictor, calmly coiled and soaking up the heat like it was on vacation.

Luckily, this wasn’t a horror story. The 4-foot boa turned out to be surprisingly chill, more likely an abandoned pet than a wild intruder. A local snake catcher arrived on the scene and safely relocated the snake. After no one claimed her, one of the rescue team members adopted her!

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

Restaurant the Week: Meche Cocina Mexicana!

Meche Cocina Mexicana in Cary delivers straightforward, high-quality Mexican food with a focus on fresh ingredients and traditional recipes. The menu includes standouts like steak tacos, quesabirria, mole enchiladas, and chilaquiles nachos. Proteins are cooked properly, salsas are balanced, and nothing feels overly processed or dressed up for effect.

The space is modern and clean, with a layout that works well for both date nights and group meals. Service is attentive without hovering, and food comes out quickly. Prices are reasonable for the quality, and the cocktail list is short but well done. Meche doesn’t rely on gimmicks or oversized portions. It just gets the fundamentals right.

Tuesday, July 30

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

“ONE TREE HILL” Trivia
Time: 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Location: Southern Peak Brewery, 950 Windy Rd #100, Apex, NC
Description: Themed trivia night for fans of the teen drama series.
Link: https://www.facebook.com/events/1409845676819130

Drop-by Art Workshop
Time: 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Holly Springs Cultural Center, 300 W Ballentine St, Holly Springs, NC
Description: Messy art fun for kids – all supplies included.
Link: https://www.hollyspringsnc.gov/Calendar.aspx?EID=10096&month=7&year=2025

Music Bingo at My Way Tavern
Time: 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Location: My Way Tavern, 301 W Center St, Holly Springs, NC
Description: Free DJ-hosted music bingo with drink specials.
Link: https://mywaytavern.com/holly-springs/events/

Wednesday Walking Club
Time: 6:30 PM
Location: Local Time Brewing, 300 S Main St, Holly Springs, NC
Description: Weekly community walk that ends with a cold beer.
Link: https://downtownalivehs.com/events/

Stand-Up Comedy Open Mic
Time: 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Location: Back Then Bar & Grill, Cary, NC
Description: Weekly open mic comedy night with local stand-ups.
Link: https://backthenbar.com/cary-macgregor-village-back-then-bar-and-grill-events

Wednesday, July 31

Music Bingo at Fortnight Brewing
Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Fortnight Brewing Company, 1006 SW Maynard Rd, Cary, NC
Description: Free music bingo night with prizes and pints.
Link: https://fortnightbrewing.com

Open Mic Night at Ruckus
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Ruckus Pizza & Bar, 1101 Market Center Dr, Morrisville, NC
Description: Acoustic sets, singer-songwriters, and more on open mic.
Link: https://www.ruckuspizza.com

Jazz Jam Open Mic
Time: 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Location: Bond Brothers Eastside, 602 E Chatham St, Cary, NC
Description: Open-format jazz session – musicians welcome to join in.
Link: https://www.bondbrothersbeer.com/eastside

Music Bingo at The Backyard Bar
Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: The Backyard Bar, Apex, NC
Description: Family-friendly bingo night with music, prizes, and food trucks.
Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/music-bingo-the-backyard-bar-tickets-1234941575673

Karaoke Night at Back Then Bar
Time: 8:00 PM – Midnight
Location: Back Then Bar & Grill, Cary, NC
Description: Weekly karaoke showdown for adults 21+.
Link: https://backthenbar.com/cary-macgregor-village-back-then-bar-and-grill-events

Thursday, August 1

Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival
Time: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Location: Koka Booth Amphitheatre, 8003 Regency Pkwy, Cary, NC
Description: Unlimited samples of 60+ beers, 40+ bourbons, and tons of BBQ.
Link: https://cary.beerandbourbon.com

Bands, Bites & Boats: Corey Stuart
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Bond Park Boathouse, 801 High House Rd, Cary, NC
Description: Free lakeside concert with boat rentals and food trucks.
Link: https://www.visitraleigh.com/event/bands-bites-and-boats-at-bond-park-boathouse/98178/

Rebecca Frazier – Bluegrass Concert
Time: 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Location: Page-Walker Arts & History Center, 119 Ambassador Loop, Cary, NC
Description: Outdoor bluegrass performance in historic downtown Cary.
Link: https://www.townofcary.org/recreation-enjoyment/events/performances-at-the-page

Sterling Scott – Music in the Park
Time: 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Location: Indian Creek Trailhead Park, 101 Town Hall Dr, Morrisville, NC
Description: Free soul/R&B concert in the park.
Link: https://www.townofmorrisville.org

Crowder by Night: Fascinating Frogs
Time: 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Location: Crowder County Park, 4709 Ten-Ten Rd, Apex, NC
Description: Family nature program to learn about frog habitats and behaviors.
Link: https://www.wake.gov/departments-government/parks-recreation-open-space/all-parks-trails/crowder-county-park/crowder-programs-and-events

First Friday at Sweetwater Apex
Time: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Location: Sweetwater Town Center Lawn, 2701 Lawnview Ln, Apex, NC
Description: Night market with live music, food trucks, beer & wine.
Link: https://shoplocalraleigh.org/friday-nights-at-sweetwater/

Real Rowdy Live (Music)
Time: 9:00 PM – Midnight
Location: Back Then Bar & Grill, Cary, NC
Description: High-energy Southern rock, blues, and country band performance.
Link: https://backthenbar.com/cary-macgregor-village-back-then-bar-and-grill-events

KōMANA Brewing Karaoke Bingo
Time: 9:00 PM
Location: KōMANA Brewing Company, 210 E Chatham St, Cary, NC
Description: Sing your heart out and win prizes in karaoke-bingo mashup.
Link: https://www.facebook.com/komanabrewing

Jose Trejo Maya Art Exhibit
Time: All day (Open until 11:00 PM)
Location: Cary Arts Center, 101 Dry Ave, Cary, NC
Description: Ink-on-film visual poetry and abstract works by Jose Trejo Maya.
Link: https://www.carync.gov/recreation-enjoyment/events/gallery-exhibitions/jose-trejo-maya-exhibit

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