📘The Future of Lake Crabtree Isn't Certain

Hey Cary!

I hope you’re staying warm and prepared for tomorrow’s winter weather. As per usual with North Carolina, it’s totally up the air with what will actually happen. Will we get 5 inches of snow? A ton of ice and sleet that’ll knock out the power? Nothing at all? Anything’s possible. But that isn’t the big news of this week, we’ll get to that.

First, however, I’d like to get your thoughts on something. As I continue to build up this newsletter and work to deliver the best of Cary, I have to wonder: is Tuesday and Friday the best days to send this? I love giving you the scoop for the weekend on Friday, but Tuesday’s issue has a problem— it totally passes over Monday and the first half of Tuesday. I’m debating going to a Monday/Wednesday/Friday schedule, which would mean a few things:

1. Each issue would be slightly shorter, which may be a good thing if you just want a quick read each morning

2. You’d be much more ready for the week. Friday’s issue would give you weekend plans, Monday would set you up for the week, and Wednesday could be a way to prepare for the weekend ahead of time and remind you of anything on Thursday/Friday.

However, this is your newsletter, so I want to hear what you think. Please take a moment to click a response on this poll, and I’ll be sure to follow your wishes.

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

• What’s going on with RDU and Lake Crabtree

• The return of a major soccer tournament to Cary

• A great Vietnamese noodle spot

• What NC’s weather experts expect for this week

— Jake from Cary Digest

News

County Leaders Discuss Lake Crabtree Lease for RDU

Wake County is negotiating a new lease with RDU Airport for over 70 acres of Lake Crabtree County Park as the airport considers developing 136 acres into an entertainment hub. The land, home to popular bike trails, was previously leased for just $1 a year, but new FAA rules require fair market value, sparking backlash from local cyclists.

With the lease expiring June 30, county officials acknowledge concerns about losing trails. While the new cost is unclear, the county is also looking to improve bike trails in the nearby 286 Property to offset potential losses.

Restaurant of the Week: Pho Thien Phat Vietnamese Noodle House

Pho Thien Phat Vietnamese Noodle House is a local Pho place on the corner of Cary Parkway and Tryon Road that opened up last year and it is amazing. The bone marrow broth is out of this world and the affordable pricing make it a great choice for any night of the week.

Make sure to note that it isn’t takeout only: the beautiful interior and the friendly staff make for an inviting, warm atmosphere.

And it’s not just delicious noodles: Pho Thein Phat has a wide selection of real fruit and milk teas, smoothies, and other refreshing beverages. If you’re lost in the variety, you can always ask a staff member for a recommendation based on your order!

Town Update

The Soccer Tournament (TST) Returns to Cary With First 7v7 Cup

Believe it or not, one of the largest soccer tournaments in the country is returning to Cary’s WakeMed Soccer Park this June for it’s $1 million prize pool for both men and women’s events!

The event, running from June 4-9, promises six days of high-energy matches, with 134 game-winning goals expected under its unique rules. Fans can expect a festival-like atmosphere as organizers aim to make TST the "Coachella for soccer."

The competition is stacked with talent. The US Women’s team reunites legends Carli Lloyd, Heather O'Reilly, and Ali Krieger, while Hope Solo is bringing her own squad. NWSL’s North Carolina Courage and Angel City FC are also back, along with Wrexham’s women's team.

Community

NC Weather Authority’s Predictions

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, the Triangle is expected to get a ton of wintery precipitation tomorrow. As to what form that precipitation will be, well, that’s up for debate. However, one voice has stuck out as the most knowledgeable when it comes to Carolina weather, and that’s the NC Weather Authority, a local meteorologist who focuses on NC.

Here’s what he thinks will happen:

In short, Cary will get a complete mix of sleet and freezing rain. However, if the storm moves just ~50 miles east of estimations, which is totally within the realm of possibility, that icy mixture wold be come much more snow than ice.

Regardless of how the final mix ends up looking, Cary is on track to have closed roads, schools, and potentially power outages. Go get your groceries today if you haven’t already!

Things to Do This Weekend

Free Events 😄

Weekly Board Game Night | Wednesday, Feb 19, 6 PM - 10 PM (Info)

• Location: The Gamer’s Armory | 683-F Cary Towne Blvd

• Description: Bring your favorite game with you and get others to join you, join someone else's game or borrow a game from their ever expanding Store Library!

Cary Downtown Farmers Market | Saturday, Feb 22, 9 AM - 12 PM (More Info)

• Location: Downtown Cary

• Description: Shop for fresh produce, handmade local food, and artisan goods. Kids can join the Eat-A-Rainbow program for fun nutrition education.

Business Owners Meetup | Thursday, Feb 20, 11:30 AM - 1 PM (More Info)

• Location: Mellow Mushroom Cary

• Description: Monthly Networking Luncheons for all Business Owners - with guest speakers to edify, equip, and inspire!

Film 📽️

JessZilla | Wed, Feb 19 2 PM | Thu, Feb 20 7 PM (Tickets)

• Location: The Cary Theater

• Description: JessZilla

Becoming Led Zeppelin | Wed, Feb 19 7 PM | Thu, Feb 20 2 PM (Tickets)

• Location: The Cary Theater

• Description: Becoming Led Zeppelin

The Brutalist | Fri, Feb 21 2 PM, 7 PM | Sat, Feb 22 6 PM | Sun, Feb 23 (Tickets)

• Location: The Cary Theater

• Description: 2025 Oscar Nominee - Best Picture

Boom for Real: The Late Teenage Years of Jean-Michel Basquiat | Sat, Feb 22 11 AM (Tickets)

• Location: The Cary Theater

• Description: Mornings with the Arts - Boom for Real: The Late Teenage Years of Jean-Michel Basquiat

Art Making: Art Class Inspired by Jean-Michel Basquiat | Sat, Feb 22 1 PM (Tickets)

• Location: The Cary Theater

• Description: Class/Workshop - Art Making: Art Class Inspired by Jean-Michel Basquiat

Oscar Documentary Shorts 2025 | Sat, Feb 22 2 PM (Tickets)

• Location: The Cary Theater

• Description: Oscar Documentary Shorts 2025

Oscar Animated Shorts 2025 | Sun, Feb 23 12 PM (Tickets)

• Location: The Cary Theater

• Description: Oscar Animated Shorts 2025

Floyd Norman: An Animated Life | Sun, Feb 23 3 PM (FREE EVENT - Ticket Required) (Tickets)

• Location: The Cary Theater

• Description: Black History Month - Floyd Norman: An Animated Life

Thanks for reading Cary Digest! If you enjoyed the newsletter, please share it! I’ll send you another email on Tuesday so you can make some plans for next week.