🧭 Here’s what’s in today’s issue:

• 🧠 Trivia Challenge: Spotlight Hook
• 🎨 Discover Cary: Esteamed Coffee Review
• 📰 News: Frustrated by DMV Waits? This Site Finds Appointments in Real Time
• 📰 News: Asia Fest Returns to Cary with Dragon Boat Races and Cultural Exhibits
• 😄 Meme of the Day – Just for laughs
• 🎁 Support the businesses that support Cary: Show your support
• 📅 Events: Upcoming Events (Top Picks)

👉 Browse the highlights. Click your favorites.

Did someone forward you our Cary newsletter? Then subscribe here

Question: What island is home to the city of Honolulu?

(Answer at the bottom of the newsletter.)

Esteamed Coffee Review

Esteamed Coffee is one of the local food places nominated by Cary Spotlight's readers for our Discover Cary project. If you've had a chance to sample their food, feel free to share your opinion below.

Esteamed Coffee is a 501(c)(3) non-profit cafe housed in a charming renovated 1940 cottage in downtown Cary, where adults with intellectual, developmental, communication, and visual disabilities find meaningful employment while serving exceptional coffee and creating a warm, welcoming community space.

Check out their menu on their website: Esteamed Coffee

Address: 114 S. Academy Street, Cary, NC 27511 | Get Directions

Reader Poll Results

Esteamed Coffee (20 Votes)

🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 Love this charity/coffee shop (18)
⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ 😊😊😊 Never heard of it but I want to learn more (2)

Cary Spotlight Reader’s Feedback:
“A group of us go to Esteamed almost every week. It’s a great place to grab a cup of coffee or tea and catch up with each other. All of the staff are friendly and take pride in their work. Keep up the great work! ”

“Life changing for special needs adults!”

“This is a wonderful place to meet friends for coffee, tea or perhaps something on ice. They also have some pastry and cookie items. Looking for a special gift, try looking at the handmade items, cards and other items. Very special people work here so be kind and patient. ”

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

Frustrated by DMV Waits? This Site Finds Appointments in Real Time

Securing a DMV appointment in North Carolina can be difficult, with long waits and limited availability across the state. A new independent website is attempting to solve that problem by scanning the DMV’s “Skip the Line” system and displaying open slots from 101 offices statewide.

The site refreshes every few minutes and allows users to filter by date, city, or distance. When an appointment appears, residents can book directly through the official DMV portal. The tool is limited to driver’s license appointments, leaving out registration and plate services.

While the site is not run by the state, it has quickly gained traction after being shared in a Cary community group. Early users report it saves time compared with searching manually through the DMV’s portal.

The website also includes a lighthearted “buy the creator a coffee” option, recognizing the individual effort behind the project. For many residents, it offers a much-needed shortcut through one of the state’s more frustrating systems.

Resource: nc-dmv-appointments.com

Asia Fest Returns to Cary with Dragon Boat Races and Cultural Exhibits

Asia Fest, also known as the Greater Triangle Dragon Boat Festival, marks its 10th year at Koka Booth Amphitheatre in Cary. The event, organized by Asian Focus and the Town of Cary, highlights Asian culture through live performances, traditional games, and more than 90 cultural and informational booths.

Central to the event are the Dragon Boat Races on Symphony Lake, offering an opportunity for both spectators and participants to engage with this traditional sport. Teams receive coaching and equipment as part of their registration, reinforcing the festival’s community-building mission.

Guests can explore health resources, play games, and sample diverse street foods prepared by local chefs. With an expected attendance of over 10,000, Asia Fest is one of the area’s largest cultural events, drawing families, individuals, and community groups.

Admission is free for children 12 and under and adults 65 and older. Tickets for others range from $9 to $12. The event provides a space for cultural celebration, learning, and connection, reflecting Asian Focus’s broader mission to support underserved communities and promote cultural understanding. Get tickets & Info

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.

🎟️ 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: Live at Lunch: Peter Lamb/Mark Wells Duo 11:30AM-1:30PM
• Today: NC Senior Games Silver Arts State Finals 5PM-7PM
• Friday: Veterans Benefit Live 9AM-3PM
• Friday: NC Senior Games Silver Arts State Finals 5PM-7PM
• Saturday: Farmers Fall Festival 9AM-2PM
• Saturday: Good Hope Farm Monthly Volunteer Workdays 9AM-11AM
• Saturday: 10th Annual Asia Fest with Dragon Boat Racing 9AM-5PM

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