Cary Spotlight | Issue #466

Armed Robbery at Cary Gas Station, Cary Launches New Family Field Trips, CrossTown Pub & Grill Review

In this Cary Spotlight Issue…

💭Spotlight Hook

😀 Meme of the Day

❤️ You’re So Sweet: Thank You, Sharon!

📰 Cary Launches New Family Field Trips to Inspire Exploration

📰 Armed Robbery at Cary Gas Station

📰 UNC Basketball’s Struggles Spark Doubts About Program’s Future

🧭 Discover Cary (Eat & Drink): CrossTown Pub & Grill Review

☀️ Cary NC Weather

🏛️ Support Cary Local Businesses

📅 Lots Of Events This Week (The Week at a Glance)

Question: What causes auroras on Earth?

(Answer at the bottom of the newsletter.)

Discover Bee Banhmi, a local business sponsor of Cary Spotlight. They do catering, online ordering, home delivery and in-store. Great food made with quality ingredients.

“Dined with you today and had forgotten how fresh your ingredients are and how tasty the food is! Thanks for making me feel like I am visiting Family when I come in to eat. Friendly staff welcomes you in and eagerly share their knowledge about the choices to ensure you get exactly what you want/need! Love Bee BanhMi!” ~Lorraine Cross

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Meme-o-meter

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You’re So Sweet: Thank You, Sharon!

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Ready to Race for a Cause?
The Tobacco Road Marathon isn’t just a race—it’s a mission. This premier annual event has raised over $1.8M for charities like the American Red Cross and Hope for the Warriors. Want to be part of something bigger while crushing your PR? Use code "Spotlight" (case-sensitive) for $20 off your registration!

Cary Launches New Family Field Trips to Inspire Exploration

In a town that prides itself on vibrant parks, dynamic recreation, and a thriving arts scene, a new opportunity is giving families an exclusive look at the places that bring Cary to life. The town’s latest initiative, CaryVan Family Field Trips, offers residents a guided, behind-the-scenes experience at some of the community’s most engaging locations.

Designed to inspire curiosity and create lasting memories, each trip showcases a different facet of Cary’s Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Department. From a hands-on farming experience at Good Hope Farm to an immersive theater exploration at the Cary Arts Center, every adventure invites families to step beyond the ordinary and discover something new.

The first of these excursions, scheduled for March 15, takes participants to Good Hope Farm, a local agricultural landmark that merges Cary’s rich farming heritage with modern sustainability efforts. Families will get their hands dirty in the garden, tour the farm’s operations, and enjoy a farm-to-table lunch surrounded by nature.

Later in the month, on March 23, a trip to the Cary Arts Center will offer an insider’s view of the creative process. Attendees will explore the building’s textile labs, woodworking spaces, and the hidden corners of its historic stage. The experience culminates with a special viewing of Tuck Everlasting, following a lunch in Principal’s Hall and a hands-on themed craft activity.

The program is designed to foster curiosity and community connection, with more adventures planned throughout the year. Each trip accommodates up to four family members, and registration is required.

For more information visit carync.gov/caryvan

Cary’s new CaryVan Family Field Trips offer exclusive, guided adventures to some of the town’s most exciting spots—like working farms, historic theaters, and more! We’d love to hear your thoughts:

Would you and your family participate in a CaryVan Family Field Trip?

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Armed Robbery at Cary Gas Station

Cary police are investigating an early morning armed robbery that took place at a Han-Dee Hugo’s gas station on N.C. 55. Around 4:30 a.m. on Thursday, two individuals entered the store carrying firearms, taking cash, cigarettes, and snacks.

During the robbery, one of the suspects fired a shot into a display, though no injuries were reported. The suspects fled the scene in an unknown vehicle before law enforcement arrived.

Authorities have not disclosed any suspect descriptions or vehicle details as the investigation remains ongoing. Residents with information are encouraged to assist by contacting law enforcement. Read Full Report 

UNC Basketball’s Struggles Spark Doubts About Program’s Future

Once a powerhouse synonymous with excellence, North Carolina basketball is now teetering on the edge of missing the postseason for the second time in three years. The Tar Heels’ 13-9 record has fueled frustration among fans, with many calling for head coach Hubert Davis to be replaced.

The challenges began in the offseason when UNC failed to secure a dominant big man after the departure of Armando Bacot. The team has struggled to find consistency, and recent performances suggest a loss of cohesion. In their latest defeat against Pitt, the players showed little fight in the final minutes, raising concerns about morale in the locker room.

National analysts, including ESPN’s Scott Van Pelt, have voiced their disbelief at UNC’s decline. He questioned how a program with North Carolina’s resources and history could find itself in such a precarious state, emphasizing that perennial success should be the standard.

With the season’s biggest game ahead, Davis and his team face a defining moment. If the Tar Heels fail to recover, it may mark the end of his tenure and force the program to reconsider its path forward. Read Full Report

Men's College Basketball

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Credit: CrossTown Pub & Grill

CrossTown Pub & Grill Review

CrossTown Pub & Grill is one of the local restaurants nominated by Cary Spotlight’s readers for our Discover Cary project. If you’ve experienced the food and service at CrossTown Pub firsthand, we’d love to hear your recommendations.

CrossTown Pub & Grill in Cary, NC, is a vibrant neighborhood spot offering a diverse menu of craft beers, creative cocktails, and elevated pub fare in a welcoming atmosphere.

Learn more about the their menu on their website.
Address: 154 E Chatham St, Cary, NC 27511

Reader Poll Results (Issue # 446)

CrossTown Pub & Grill Review (8 Votes)

🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 Love this place! (please share your recommendation) (6) 🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ 😊😊😊 I have never been there but I might give it a try (2)


Cary Spotlight Readers’ Feedback:

“Fish and home made chips is our favorite dish.”

“Great menu with choices to suit most. Yummy sandwiches. ”

“This place never disappoints and staff very friendly! Love their black bean burgers”

CrossTown Pub & Grill

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Upcoming Local Events

Looking ahead to events happening in Cary, NC for the rest of the week.
Outdoor events may be changed due to weather, so click the links to see latest event information.

January 31st (Friday)

February 1st (Saturday)

February 2nd (Sunday)

February 3rd (Monday)

The Answer to the Cary Spotlight Hook Question 👇👇👇

Auroras, also known as the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) and Southern Lights (Aurora Australis), are caused by the interaction between the solar wind and Earth’s magnetic field. When charged particles from the Sun collide with gases in Earth's atmosphere—mainly oxygen and nitrogen—they emit light, creating the stunning displays seen near the polar regions. The colors of auroras vary based on the type of gas and altitude of the interaction, with green being the most common.

For more details, visit NASA's page on auroras.