Cary Spotlight | Issue #534

Discover Paris Baguette, Factor That Raises Risk of Alzheimer’s, Is Pimento Cheese Good for You?

In this Cary Spotlight Issue…

💭Spotlight Hook Trivia

🧭 Discover Cary: Paris Baguette

📰 Too Little Deep Sleep May Raise Risk of Alzheimer’s

📰 Is Pimento Cheese Good for You? We Dug In Before the Festival!

😀 Meme of the Day

❤️ Thank You!

☀️ Cary NC Weather

🏛️ Support Cary Local Businesses

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

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Question: What is a group of snakes called?

(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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Credit: Cary Spotlight Team

Paris Baguette

Paris Baguette 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 Paris Baguette firsthand, we’d love to hear your recommendations.

Paris Baguette in Cary, NC, is a bright, casual bakery café offering freshly baked breads, pastries, cakes, and sandwiches with a French-inspired twist.

Learn more about the their menu on their website: Paris Baguette

Address: 685 Cary Towne Blvd, Cary, NC 27511 | Get Directions

Paris Baguette

Click to share 3 things you love about this place or recommend an item people should try on their menu.

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Have you discovered a new place to eat in Cary, NC?

We want to hear about it! Cary Spotlight readers are always on the lookout for delicious local gems, and your recommendation could be the next must-try spot in town. Whether it’s a cozy café or a brand-new restaurant with flavors worth sharing, let us know!

Share your favorite finds and help fellow food lovers explore the Cary’s dining scene.

These articles are for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Contact a qualified medical professional before engaging in any physical activity, or making any changes to your diet, medication or lifestyle.

Too Little Deep Sleep May Raise Risk of Alzheimer’s

A new study suggests that not getting enough deep sleep could raise the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers observed that reduced time in slow-wave and REM sleep is linked to shrinkage in brain regions crucial for memory and processing sensory information.

While deep sleep clears toxins from the brain and restores cells, REM sleep consolidates memories and processes emotions. Experts recommend adults aim for seven to eight hours of quality sleep per night, with about a quarter of that time in each of these essential stages.

Fortunately, improving sleep quality is within reach. Sleep hygiene practices like keeping a regular bedtime, making the bedroom cool and quiet, and avoiding alcohol and screens before bed can promote better rest. Incorporating relaxation routines such as meditation or yoga may also help.

Although there’s no single remedy for perfect sleep, consistently good habits can enhance well-being and may help guard against age-related cognitive decline.

Just curious…

How’s Your Sleep?

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Is Pimento Cheese Good for You? We Dug In Before the Festival!

Credit: Downtown Cary Park

Get ready, Cary! 🧀

The 2025 Pimento Cheese Festival is coming to Downtown Cary Park on April 12, 2025. That’s right — enjoy the nation’s only festival dedicated specifically to pimento cheese!

More than 50 food vendors will be serving up incredibly creative pimento cheese–infused dishes, from savory to sweet. It's a true celebration of this Southern delicacy, and that's exactly why we're asking the question: is pimento cheese actually good for your health?

Let’s take a closer look.

Pimento cheese is a Southern classic, worth celebrating for its flavor and nostalgia — but when it comes to health, it’s a bit of a mixed bag.

What’s in pimento cheese?

  • Shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend)

  • Mayonnaise

  • Diced pimentos (sweet red peppers)

  • Optional: cream cheese, spices, hot sauce, garlic, etc.

The Good:

✅ Calcium & Protein:
The cheese brings some decent calcium and protein to the table, which is great for bones and muscles.

✅ Vitamin C (from pimentos):
Pimentos add a pop of vitamin C and some antioxidants.

✅ Good fats (if you use better-quality mayo):
If you use an olive oil–based mayo, you get some heart-healthier fats.

The Less Good:

⚠️ High in saturated fat and sodium:
The cheese and mayo make it pretty rich in saturated fat, and it can pack a salty punch.

⚠️ Calories add up fast:
It’s dense, so even a small portion can be calorie-heavy.

⚠️ Processed ingredients (sometimes):
Some store-bought versions use preservatives and lower-quality oils.

Verdict:

Pimento cheese is not exactly a health food, but it’s also not something to fear if you enjoy it in moderation.

Think of it as an occasional treat, especially at a festival made to celebrate it! And if you want to enjoy it more regularly, there are plenty of ways to lighten up the recipe at home (we can share some healthy twists if you’re curious).

So come hungry, enjoy the flavor, and savor this Southern staple at the Pimento Cheese Festival in Downtown Cary Park!

How do you feel about pimento cheese?

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Snake in your yard? Copperhead in the garage?

Before you panic, meet NC Snake Catcher — the 24/7 heroes of humane snake removal and free species identification.

Discover how Talena Chavis and her all-star team are fighting fear with facts, keeping Cary families safe, and rescuing both people and snakes every single day. 🏡🐍

Read the full story and find out why thousands of locals trust NC Snake Catcher when things get a little too slithery. 👉 NC Snake Catcher

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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.

April 9th (Wednesday)

April 10th (Thursday)

April 11th (Friday)

April 12th (Saturday)

April 13th (Sunday)

April 14th (Monday)

The Answer to the Cary Spotlight Hook Trivia Question 👇👇👇

A group of snakes is commonly called a den, pit, or nest, though sightings of multiple snakes together are relatively rare since most species are solitary. However, some snakes, like garter snakes, gather in large numbers during hibernation to conserve heat, especially in colder climates.

These communal gatherings, known as "hibernacula," can involve hundreds or even thousands of snakes sharing the same space to survive the winter months. The term "den" is most often used when referring to these winter shelters.