📘Want to share your thoughts with the town council?

Hey there Cary, how is your week going?

I hope it’s off to a smooth start. This is a super important issue of Cary Digest, because I’ll be sharing some poll results with the Town of Cary! It has to do with the intersection of Kildaire Farm Road and Tryon Road. You’ve definitely sat at a red light for minutes on end before, so make sure to answer the poll!

By the way, have you followed Cary Digest on Facebook and Instagram? I’ve officially hired another Cary Citizen to help out, and she’ll be posting original content from all around Cary! It’s a great way to see expanded versions of newsletter stories, reels, other events, and even some local memes. So go follow us!

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

• A chance to have town officials hear your feedback on one of the busiest intersections

• An award-winning poem by a Cary resident

• Upscale Italian cuisine

• Flower pressing!

— Jake from Cary Digest

News

Stuck at Tryon and Kildaire? You’re Not Alone

If you’ve ever found yourself sitting (and sitting…) at the light at Tryon Road and Kildaire Farm Road in Cary, you’re in good company.

CBS 17 viewer Tom reached out, frustrated with the intersection’s long wait times—claiming sometimes only a few cars make it through before the light changes. He says he contacted the city months ago with no reply.

Turns out, the Town of Cary hasn’t logged any official complaints—but they’re well aware of the intersection’s reputation. It’s one of the three busiest in town and operates on a complex timing system that shifts throughout the day, depending on traffic patterns.

Other complicating factors? It’s a huge intersection, serves as a detour when I-40 or U.S. 1 have issues, and it prioritizes everything from pedestrians to emergency vehicles to public buses running late.

While the light might feel like it’s out to get you, town officials say traffic engineers are actively monitoring the area from their Traffic Management Center. No word yet on if changes are coming—but if you’re hoping for quicker commutes, maybe it's time to add your voice to the chorus.

Also, please take a moment to check out this poll. I will share the results with my contacts at the Town of Cary!

Young Voices: “Rain Running”

This week’s featured piece from the Young Writers Project is “Rain Running” by Eva Lord, 16, of Putney—paired with the artwork “Morning Rain” by Chloe Deliso, 14, of Cary, NC!

Young Writers Project is a creative online space for teen writers and artists, founded in Burlington in 2006. Every week, VTDigger highlights new submissions from Vermont youth.

Explore more at youngwritersproject.org

Help Us Find Our Next Trusted Local Partner

At Cary Digest, we don’t just work with anyone. You’ve probably noticed we’re pretty selective about who we show to our nearly 10,000 readers across Cary.

We’ve turned down ads from sketchy repair companies, a nightclub, and other businesses that didn’t feel like the right fit. We only want to share things that are actually helpful, not just noise in your inbox.

Most of the businesses we feature become long-term partners. When someone joins us, they’re the only advertiser we work with in their industry. No competitors. Just them.

Right now, we’re looking to team up with a couple of trusted local businesses, especially in:

• Home services like HVAC, roofing, electrical, or even general contractors

• Health and wellness services like dentists, physiotherapists, massage therapists, or mental health professionals

If that sounds like your business, your spouse’s, or a friend’s, reach out. You can reply to this email or contact [email protected].

If they end up coming on board, we’ll give them a free ad in the newsletter as a thank-you for the referral, and we’ll send you a $50 gift card to a restaurant of your choice!

Let’s keep supporting the small businesses that make Cary a better place to live.

Restaurant of the Week: Lugano Ristorante

If you’re in the mood for upscale Italian that doesn’t feel stuffy, Lugano Ristorante in Cary hits the mark. It’s the kind of place where the wine list is long, the pasta is fresh, and you won’t regret splurging on dessert. The atmosphere walks the line between polished and cozy, making it great for date night, dinner with the parents, or even a solo indulgence at the bar.

The menu covers a lot of ground—think coastal seafood, classic veal dishes, and housemade pasta with just the right bite. Their attention to detail shows up in everything from the plating to the service. If you're into Italian food beyond red sauce clichés, this is your spot.

Some favorites worth ordering:

• Burrata with grilled focaccia and roaste tomatoes

• Lobster ravioli in a brandy cream sauce

• Veal saltimbocca with prosciutto and sage

• Tiramisu that’s actually worth ordering

Reservations recommended, especially on weekends.

Visit their website here: https://www.luganocary.com/

Community Events

Pressed Floral Frames Workshop

Ready to turn fresh blooms into forever keepsakes? Join local botanical artist Gabriella de Souza from The Plant Ecologist for a hands-on workshop in the delicate craft of pressed floral art. You’ll learn how to preserve and arrange flowers into an elegant 8x8 inch frame—perfect for gifting or sprucing up your own space.

Gabriella will guide you through each step, from pressing techniques to layout tips, all while sharing her deep knowledge of plants and design. It’s a great way to slow down, get creative, and leave with something beautiful.

Things to know:

• All materials are included

• No experience needed

• Space is limited and registration fills up fast

• Wednesday, June 11 | 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM

• Downtown Cary Park – DCP Academy Pavilion

Register through Downtown Cary Park — signups open at 10 a.m., two weeks before the event.

Registration: https://downtowncarypark.com/things-to-do/calendar/r_EDUC0063_065

Things to Do This Week

Monday

The Soccer Tournament (TST)
Time: All day (approx. 7:30 AM–10:00 PM)
Location: WakeMed Soccer Park, 201 Soccer Park Dr, Cary, NC
Description: Final day of a global 7v7 soccer tournament with pros, food, and fan fun.
Link: https://tst7v7.com

Drop-in Puzzling & Puzzle Swap
Time: 2:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Downtown Cary Park, 327 S. Academy St, Cary, NC
Description: Community jigsaw puzzling and free puzzle exchange event.
Link: https://downtowncarypark.com/things-to-do/calendar/w_drop-in-puzzling-and-puzzle-swap-meet-18

Pub Trivia at Doherty’s Irish Pub
Time: 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Location: 1979 High House Rd, Cary, NC
Description: Weekly trivia night with prizes for top teams.
Link: https://www.dohertysirishpubnc.com/cary

All-You-Can-Eat Wings (Dave & Buster’s)
Time: 11:00 AM (all day)
Location: Dave & Buster’s, 1111 Walnut St, Cary, NC
Description: Unlimited wings plus game card deal all day.
Link: https://www.prekindle.com/event/37186-all-you-can-eat-wings-cary

Military Mondays (Dave & Buster’s)
Time: 11:00 AM (all day)
Location: Dave & Buster’s, 1111 Walnut St, Cary, NC
Description: Free game card and food discount for military guests.
Link: https://www.prekindle.com/event/71963-military-mondays-cary

June Dance Series: Mambo
Time: 7:30 PM – 8:15 PM
Location: The Matthews House, 317 W Chatham St, Cary, NC
Description: Beginner-friendly mambo dance class in a group setting.
Link: https://www.meetup.com/rhythmandshinedancecompany/events/qfjrrtyhcjbmb/

Tuesday

Bond Brothers Run Club
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Bond Brothers Beer Company, 202 E Cedar St, Cary, NC
Description: Free weekly social run with beer after.
Link: https://www.bondbrothersbeer.com/run-club

Trivia Tuesdays at Amberly Local
Time: 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Location: Amberly Local, 720 Slash Pine Dr, Cary, NC
Description: General trivia night with prizes and drinks.
Link: https://fourth-july.com/event/trivia-tuesdays-eid4a7fegm9ha

Music Bingo at Doherty’s Irish Pub
Time: 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Location: 1979 High House Rd, Cary, NC
Description: Play bingo with songs instead of numbers for prizes.
Link: https://www.dohertysirishpubnc.com/cary

Wednesday, June 11

Waverly Place Summer Concert: The Magic Pipers
Time: 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Location: Waverly Place (575 New Waverly Pl, Cary, NC)
Description: Free weekly outdoor concert featuring upbeat tunes from The Magic Pipers.
Link: https://triangleonthecheap.com/waverly-place-summer-music/

Music BINGO (Downtown Cary Park)
Time: 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Location: Downtown Cary Park, 327 S. Academy St, Cary, NC
Description: High-energy bingo where song titles replace numbers for prizes.
Link: https://downtowncarypark.com/calendar

“The Wedding Banquet” – Movie Screening
Time: 2:00 PM
Location: The Cary Theater, 122 E Chatham St, Cary, NC
Description: Afternoon screening of Ang Lee’s 1993 comedy-drama The Wedding Banquet.
Link: https://thecarytheater.com/events

“The Luckiest Man in America” – Movie Screening
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: The Cary Theater, 122 E Chatham St, Cary, NC
Description: Evening showing of an independent drama The Luckiest Man in America.
Link: https://thecarytheater.com/events 

Live Irish Music at Doherty’s
Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Doherty’s Irish Pub, 1979 High House Rd, Cary, NC
Description: Free traditional Irish music session with food and pints.
Link: https://www.dohertysirishpubnc.com/cary

Thursday, June 12

Premier School of Dance: “Dance Around The World”
Time: 6:30 PM
Location: Cary Arts Center, 101 Dry Ave, Cary, NC
Description: Annual student dance recital showcasing cultural routines.
Link: https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/72464115 

Pride: Pop Up Chorus
Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: The Cary Theater, 122 E Chatham St, Cary, NC
Description: One-night community sing-along celebration for Pride Month.
Link: https://thecarytheater.com/events

“The Luckiest Man in America” – Movie Screening
Time: 2:00 PM
Location: The Cary Theater, 122 E Chatham St, Cary, NC
Description: Afternoon screening of the independent drama The Luckiest Man in America.
Link: https://thecarytheater.com/events 

Cary Inklings Writing Group
Time: 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Cary Regional Library, 315 Kildaire Farm Rd, Cary, NC
Description: Free public creative writing meetup with peer feedback.
Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cary-inklings-writing-group-tickets-1377773590899

Friday, June 13

Movie Night: The Lion King
Time: 6:00 PM (pre-show) • ~8:30 PM (movie)
Location: Downtown Cary Park, 327 S. Academy St, Cary, NC
Description: Free outdoor screening of The Lion King with premovie crafts and drum circle.
Link: https://downtowncarypark.com/calendar

UNC Summerfest: Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5
Time: 8:00 PM (doors 6:30 PM)
Location: Koka Booth Amphitheatre, 8003 Regency Pkwy, Cary, NC
Description: NC Symphony performs Beethoven & Tchaikovsky in an outdoor Summerfest show.
Link: https://www.boothamphitheatre.com/events/detail/beethoven-symphony-no-5

Premier School of Dance: “Dance Around The World” (2nd night)
Time: 6:30 PM
Location: Cary Arts Center, 101 Dry Ave, Cary, NC
Description: Second night of the international-themed dance recital.
Link: https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/72464115

“Friendship” – Movie Screening
Time: 2:00 PM
Location: The Cary Theater, 122 E Chatham St, Cary, NC
Description: Screening of Friendship, Tim Robinson’s absurd comedy about adult bonding.
Link: https://thecarytheater.com/events

“The Luckiest Man in America” – Movie Screening
Time: 5:00 PM
Location: The Cary Theater, 122 E Chatham St, Cary, NC
Description: Early evening showing of The Luckiest Man in America.
Link: https://thecarytheater.com/events

“Pavements” – Movie Screening
Time: 7:30 PM
Location: The Cary Theater, 122 E Chatham St, Cary, NC
Description: Late-night indie/arthouse film Pavements.
Link: https://thecarytheater.com/events

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