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📘RDU Lake Crabtree Development Update

Good Morning, Cary!

It sure does feel like fall. I hope it sticks around and we’re clear of the ultra-hot days.

By the way, I have a new poll for you after the news section, so make sure to give me your opinion!

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

  • Lake Crabtree Workshop

  • My Tree, Our Tree

  • Hometown Spirit

  • Another BOGO (as a thanks for reading)

— Jake from Cary Digest

News

Public Workshop on Lake Crabtree Park Development

Raleigh-Durham Airport (RDU) and Pacific Elm are hosting the second public workshop about transforming Lake Crabtree County Park into a commercial “Recreation/Wellness Destination.” This event will take place on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, from 4-7 PM at the Laurel Hills Community Center, located at 3808 Edwards Mill Road, Raleigh. The workshop is open to anyone, and attendees are encouraged to arrive at any time during the three-hour window.

Community members are invited to voice their concerns over the proposed development, which has sparked significant backlash. Critics argue that RDU is using misleading visuals and claims to push the project, especially when there are alternative development sites available, like Brier Creek Lake. Some have expressed that Lake Crabtree Park should remain untouched, as it was originally designated for recreation, not commercial development. While RDU contends that federal regulations are pushing the project forward, many believe that a revised land-use plan could provide alternative solutions, such as the 2017 RDU Forest Village concept. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with RDU representatives at poster stations and provide comments, continuing the dialogue from previous public sessions. For more information, visit the RDU website at https://www.rdu.com/recreation/

How do you feel about the potential RDU developement

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Restaurant Spotlight: Duck Donuts!

Duck Donuts Cary is buzzing this September with a sweet-meets-heat collab for National Bee Month. They’ve teamed up with local favorite Little BEEst to showcase Little BEEst Scorpion Red—a sauce that starts sweet, finishes with a gentle kick, and never crosses into “mouth on fire” territory.

To make things even sweeter? I scored a BOGO deal just for Cary Digest readers. Show this email at the counter, and your second donut is on the house.

Here’s what’s waiting for you:

  • Maple Bacon Blaze Donut: warm maple glaze, smoky bacon, and a drizzle of hot honey.

  • Sandwich Sizzle Add-On: level up your breakfast sandwich with that same sweet-and-spicy splash.

This collab is only here through September! so grab a friend, cash in on the deal, and taste the buzz at Duck Donuts Cary.

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

Town Updates

My Tree, Our Tree Distribution Event

Fall is just around the corner, and so is the popular My Tree, Our Tree tree distribution event in Cary! This free forestry program, hosted by the town, gives residents the chance to receive one of five native trees to plant in their yard. Available species include Fringe Tree, Silky Dogwood, Spice Bush, Basswood, and Black Gum; ll perfect for enhancing your landscape and supporting local wildlife.

The tree pickup will take place on November 8 at the Herb Young Community Center, and registration is now open while supplies last. Cary citizens who are interested can find more details and sign up at carync.gov/mytreeourtree. Don’t miss out on this wonderful opportunity to make a lasting environmental impact right in your own backyard!

Reminder: Hometown Spirit Nominees Wanted

It’s time to nominate someone who truly embodies the spirit of Cary for the 2025 Hometown Spirit Award! If you know a local resident who demonstrates outstanding values, service, and community spirit, be sure to submit your nomination. The deadline is September 19. Visit carync.gov/spirit to nominate today!

Weather

Tuesday

60🌡️66 | ⛈️80%

Wednesday

62🌡️69 | 🌧️60%

Thursday

62🌡️78 | ⛅

Friday

62🌡️76 | ☀️

Things to Do This Week

Tuesday, September 16

Bond Brothers Run Club
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Bond Brothers Beer Company, 202 E Cedar St, Cary, NC
Description: Social run with 3 or 5 mile routes for all paces, followed by craft beer.
Link: https://www.bondbrothersbeer.com/food-trucks-happenings

Salem Street Music Club Open Mic
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Salem Street Music Club (at Oaklyn Springs Taproom), 209 N Salem St, Apex, NC
Description: Local musicians perform at a relaxed open mic night.
Link: https://allevents.in/apex/salem-street-music-club-open-mic/

Open Mic Night at Hangout Bar & Grill
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Hangout Bar & Grill (Back Then Bar & Grill), 107 Edinburgh S Dr, Cary, NC
Description: Weekly open mic showcasing local singers, musicians, poets, and more (all are welcome to perform).
Link: https://hangoutnc.com

Music Bingo at Doherty’s Irish Pub
Time: 8:00 PM
Location: Doherty’s Irish Pub & Restaurant, 1979 High House Rd, Cary, NC
Description: Free music-themed bingo game with a mix of classic tunes and prizes, open to all ages.
Link: https://www.dohertysirishpubnc.com/cary

Wednesday, September 17

Wednesday Morning Movie at Halle Cultural Arts Center
Time: 9:30 AM
Location: Halle Cultural Arts Center, 237 N Salem St, Apex, NC
Description: Free kids’ movie screening for families (doors open at 9:00 AM; first-come, first-seated).
Link: https://www.apexnc.org/Calendar.aspx?EID=4279

Sunset Music Series at Waverly Place – 8-Track Minds
Time: 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Location: Waverly Place, 302 Colonades Way, Cary, NC
Description: Free outdoor concert featuring the 8-Track Minds playing fun 1970s hits, with food and drinks available on-site.
Link: https://waverlycary.com/events/sunset-music-series/

Bond Brothers Trivia Night
Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Bond Brothers Beer Company, 202 E Cedar St, Cary, NC
Description: Free team trivia night with prizes for the top teams.
Link: https://www.bondbrothersbeer.com/food-trucks-happenings

Stand-Up Comedy Open Mic at Hangout
Time: 8:00 PM
Location: Hangout Bar & Grill, 107 Edinburgh S Dr, Cary, NC
Description: New and veteran comics work the stage at a laid-back open mic comedy night (21+).
Link: https://hangoutnc.com

Bailey’s Wine Wednesday
Time: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: Bailey’s Fine Jewelry, 1 Fenton Main St, Cary, NC
Description: Complimentary wine tastings and specials while you shop.
Link: https://fentonnc.com

Thursday, September 18

An Evening with Kyshona
Time: 7:30 PM
Location: The Cary Theater, 122 E Chatham St, Cary, NC
Description: Live music concert by singer-songwriter Kyshona, blending soulful protest music and storytelling.
Link: https://thecarytheater.com/event/an-evening-with-kyshona/

Bombshell Beer Run/Walk Club
Time: 6:30 PM
Location: Bombshell Beer Company, 120 Quantum St, Holly Springs, NC
Description: Free social run/walk for all paces, ending with craft brews in the taproom.
Link: https://www.bombshellbeer.com/Events/Bombshell-Beer-Run-Club

Drop-In Art Cart
Time: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Location: Downtown Cary Park, Cary, NC
Description: Free creative arts and crafts activities for kids to enjoy in the park after school.
Link: https://downtowncarypark.com

Line Dancing at Sports & Social Cary
Time: 8:00 PM
Location: Sports & Social, 301 Fenton Gateway Dr, Cary, NC
Description: Free country line dancing lesson and open dance session (ages 21+).
Link: https://fentonnc.com

Friday, September 19

Fridays at Sweetwater Apex
Time: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Sweetwater Lawn, 2701 Lawnview Lane, Apex, NC
Description: Outdoor community night featuring a local vendor market, live music, beer & wine, and family-friendly activities on the lawn.
Link: https://triangleonthecheap.com/sweetwater-apex/

Brooks Wheelan Stand-Up Comedy
Time: 7:00 PM and 9:15 PM
Location: Raleigh Improv, 1224 Parkside Main St, Cary, NC
Description: Live stand-up comedy shows by Brooks Wheelan (former SNL cast member) in an evening of sharp and hilarious storytelling (21+).
Link: https://improv.com/raleigh

ADF’s Made in NC Dance Performance
Time: 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Location: Great Lawn Pavilion, Downtown Cary Park, 327 S Academy St, Cary, NC
Description: Free outdoor dance showcase presented by American Dance Festival, featuring world-premiere works by North Carolina choreographers.
Link: https://downtowncarypark.com

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