🧭 Here’s what’s in today’s issue:

• 🧠 Trivia Challenge: Spotlight Hook
• 🍽️ Discover Cary: Scratch Kitchen and Taproom Reviews
• 📰 News: Police Boost Patrols at Apex Park
• 📰 News: Experts Warn of Hot Car Dangers
• ⚽ Sports: Courage Cruise in Friendly, NCFC Wins PK Shootout
• 😄 Meme of the Day – Just for Laughs
• 🏪 Support Cary Spotlight
• 📅 Events: Upcoming Events (Top Picks)

👉 Browse the highlights. Scroll or Skip to your favorites.

Did someone forward you our Cary newsletter? Then subscribe here

Question: Which capital city has no McDonald’s?

(Answer at the bottom of the newsletter.)

Cary Spotlight: Extra

Your long-form companion to the Cary Spotlight newsletter, is coming soon! This blog will align with our mission — to amplify local voices, inform residents, and showcase what makes Cary unique. Thank you for your input on the name of our blog.

Scratch Kitchen and Taproom Reviews

Scratch Kitchen and Taproom is one of the local food places nominated by Cary Spotlight’s readers for our Discover Cary project. If you had a chance to sample their food, feel free to share your opinion below.

Scratch Kitchen and Taproom in Cary, NC, is a modern Southern kitchen that crafts every dish from scratch with careful attention to detail and genuine Southern hospitality, offering everything from beer-brined cast iron chicken to truffle mac and cheese burgers in a welcoming downtown setting.

Check out their menu on their website: Scratch Kitchen and Taproom

Address: 160 E Cedar St, Cary, NC 27511 | Get Directions

Reader Poll Results

Scratch Kitchen and Taproom (33 Votes)

🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 Love this place! (23)
🟨🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ 😊😊😊 I have never been there but I might give it a try (10)

Cary Spotlight Reader’s Feedback:
“Good food and great creme brûlée’s ” “Great food, drinks & service!”

“Awesome, fresh food! The Westminster burger is my go-to. Service is outstanding!”

“Right in the heart of Cary, everything I eaten there was delicious !”

“Great variety of selections on the menu, food fresh, presentation is great. Servers attentive and friendly. Love the bowls, especially the bar b que bowl. Good selection of draft beers.”

Do you have a favorite place to eat in Cary, NC? Click to share your pick.

Police Boost Patrols at Apex Park

Police in Apex are boosting patrols at Apex Community Park after a woman reported being followed by a man with what she believed was a knife. The incident occurred Friday afternoon near the fishing pier. The woman told authorities she did not understand what the man said to her and left the area, but he followed her. She believed he was armed and ran to another woman nearby for help, who then walked her to her car.

There have been no arrests or suspects identified in the case. The Apex Police Department has not released additional details but is increasing its presence in the area while the investigation continues.

The report has raised concerns among regular visitors to the park, with some expressing intentions to visit other parks or carry self-defense items during future visits. While incidents like this are uncommon in the area, the community is being advised to remain alert.

Police are asking for public assistance in gathering more information about the case. Residents are urged to report anything suspicious. Read Full Story

Experts Warn of Hot Car Dangers

Amid a summer heat wave affecting millions across the U.S., hot car deaths are rising, with 16 children already dead in 2024 due to vehicular heatstroke. Even mild outside temperatures can cause interior car temperatures to skyrocket. Infants and young children are particularly vulnerable, overheating several times faster than adults.

In North Carolina, recent incidents include the death of a 7-month-old left in a minivan in Hamlet and a child left in a vehicle in Greensboro who remains in critical condition. Additionally, a pet death was reported in Moore County on July 24.

Though newer cars may have alert systems to remind drivers of backseat occupants, these features are not standard. Safety experts recommend strategies like placing essential items in the back seat and using alarms or apps to prevent tragic oversights.

Authorities continue to urge residents to lock unattended vehicles, teach children not to play in cars, and immediately report any child left alone in a vehicle. Read Full Report

Courage Cruise in Friendly, NCFC Wins PK Shootout

It was a busy weekend for Cary’s pro soccer squads, with both the North Carolina Courage and North Carolina FC playing under the lights at WakeMed Soccer Park. One rolled to a dominant win, while the other saw their cup dreams come to a close.

Weekend Highlights:

• North Carolina Courage dominated Chivas de Guadalajara Femenil 4-0 in a Friday night exhibition match. Tyler Lussi, Ashley Sanchez, and Aline Gomes all found the net, and Brooklyn Courtnall celebrated her first pro goal in style.

• Brooklyn Courtnall’s milestone came in the 15th minute after a scramble in the box, capping off a fast three-goal start for the Courage.

• Sydney Collins made her long-awaited return from injury, subbing in during the second half after over a year on the sidelines.

• On Saturday, North Carolina FC drew Loudoun United FC 1-1 in regulation but earned a 5-3 win on penalties in the USL Jägermeister Cup. Louis Perez scored a dramatic stoppage-time equalizer, but NCFC still bowed out of the tournament.

From first-time scorers to penalty shootout drama, it was another action-packed sports weekend in Cary!

Meme of the Day.
Brought to you by Cary's Daily Newsletter.

What’s faster than word of mouth? Cary Spotlight! Keeps you updated on what is going on locally and connects businesses to our vibrant community.

☕Support Cary Spotlight

• We have a goal to reach 10,000 subscribers, and free to our subscribers. If you enjoyed this newsletter and want to make a small donation, then hit the button

🎟️ Upcoming Events (Top Picks)

Outdoor events may be changed due to weather, so click the links to see latest event information. Here are a few ideas for the week, so plan ahead:

• Today: Toddler Tuesday with Hello Yellow Art Studio 10AM-11AM
• Today: Yoga 7PM-8PM
• Wednesday: Bookbinding Workshop with Molly Coleman 6:30PM-8:30PM
• Thursday: Trivia Night 6PM-8PM
• Thursday: Zumba 7PM-8PM
• Thursday: Square Dance (mainstream and plus level dancing) 7:30PM-9:30PM
• Friday: Bands, Bites, & Boats 6PM-8PM
• Friday: Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival 6PM-10PM
• Saturday: Cary Farmers Market 8AM-Noon
• Saturday: NC Courage vs San Diego Wave (Home Game) 7:30PM
• Sunday: Lost 80s Live 6PM
• Monday: Stretch and Refresh 10AM-11AM

But wait! There’s more. To save space in your inbox, we’ve moved the full list of events online — now you can plan ahead: See Full 2-Week Calendar