Question: Which U.S. President had a pet alligator?

(Answer at the bottom of the newsletter.)

Trust and Local Awareness

Discover how Cary Spotlight Connect, a free podcast, helps local businesses in Cary share their story with an engaged audience.

The Magic and Medicine of Plants in Downtown Cary Park

Next Thursday, step into the hidden world of plants at Downtown Cary Park during a special evening with Emmy-winning naturalist, author, and horticulturist Dr. Patrick McMillan. In “The Magic and Medicine of the Plants,” Dr. McMillan will guide attendees through a journey that reveals the powerful ways plants have shaped human health, culture, and spirituality.

From medicinal herbs to native species with surprising histories, each plant has a story to tell—and this immersive walk through the park will bring those stories to life. The class begins at Guest Services before venturing through the park to explore the greenery we often pass by without a second thought.

Whether you're a gardener, history buff, or curious nature-lover, this program offers a rare chance to see Cary’s plant life through the lens of science, story, and centuries-old wisdom. Event Info

We’re rewinding the feed to spotlight a standout moment, story, or snapshot from Cary’s past. Let’s scroll back and see…

Moving More, Living Better

Cary Spotlight poll on fitness habits, 237 readers shared how often they exercise—and the results reveal a highly active community:

• 🥇 5 or more times per week — 120 votes (50.6%)
  The majority of respondents are committed to regular exercise, with many walking, running, doing yoga, Pilates, strength training, or playing tennis. Several readers in their 60s and 70s proudly described their consistent, well-rounded routines, often done outdoors and in community settings.

• 🥈 3–4 times per week — 69 votes (29.1%)
  A significant portion of readers balance exercise with busy schedules, frequently mixing walking with other fitness activities like resistance training, treadmill workouts, or recreational sports.

• ⚖️ 1–2 times per week — 24 votes (10.1%)
  Some respondents are staying moderately active, though fewer in number.

• 🔻 I don’t exercise regularly — 24 votes (10.1%)
  An equal number admit they don’t maintain a consistent routine—suggesting opportunities for encouragement and support to get moving.

Reader Highlights:

• Many readers emphasized walking as a foundational habit—sometimes with dogs, partners, or in local parks like Bond Park and Lake Cary.

• Multi-modality is common: Several people combine running, Pilates, strength training, and stretching across their week.

• Respondents praised Cary’s beautiful outdoor spaces, community fitness groups, and staying active well into their 70s.

Key Takeaway:
With over half of respondents exercising five or more times a week, Cary Spotlight readers appear to prioritize fitness and aging well. Their routines often reflect not just physical health, but social connection, mobility, and joy—making Cary a town that truly walks (and runs, and stretches) the talk.

Why Cary Continues to Attract Families and Professionals

Cary, North Carolina, continues to earn awards as one of the most livable small to midsize cities in the United States. In Livability’s 2024 national rankings, Cary scored a LivScore of 874, thanks to a combination of strong schools, proximity to major universities, a vibrant local economy, and access to abundant green space.

With a mid-2025 population of approximately 183,500, Cary benefits from its central location in North Carolina’s Research Triangle, just minutes from leading institutions like Duke, UNC, and NC State. That access has helped foster a highly educated workforce and has supported the town’s development in research and technology sectors.

Cary’s commitment to livability extends beyond jobs and education. Its network of parks, trails, and bike paths provides opportunities for outdoor recreation and has earned national praise. The town also balances growth with community values, attracting families and professionals looking for a slower pace without sacrificing access to amenities.

Home prices have risen steadily, with the median sale price now at $631,000—a 2.5% year-over-year increase—but Cary continues to be seen as a smart long-term investment for those seeking quality of life in a community-minded environment.

Meme of the Day.
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🎉 Weekend Events Preview (Top Picks)

Outdoor events may be changed due to weather, so click the links to see latest event information. Here are a few great ways to enjoy the weekend:

• Today: Cary Farmers Market 8AM-Noon
• Today: Songs of the 70s (Koka Booth) 8PM
• Monday: Stretch and Refresh 10AM-11AM

To save space in your inbox, we’ve moved the full list of events online — now you can plan ahead with access to this week and next! See Full 2-Week Calendar