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🧭 Here’s what’s in today’s issue:
• 🧠 Trivia Challenge: Spotlight Hook
• 🍽️ Discover Cary: Abbey Road Tavern & Grill Review
• 📰 News: REAL ID Deadline Brings New $45 Fee for RDU Passengers
• 📰 News: Cary Marks MLK Weekend with Art, Service, and Dialogue
• 😄 Meme of the Day – Just for Laughs
• 🎁 Your gift fuels local fun: Show Your Support
• 📅 Events: Upcoming Events (Top Picks)
👉 Browse the highlights. Scroll or Skip to your favorites.
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Question: What are the four "C" used to evaluate the value and quality of a diamond?
(Answer at the bottom of the newsletter.)
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Abbey Road Tavern & Grill Review
Abbey Road Tavern & Grill 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.
Abbey Road Tavern & Grill in Cary, NC, is a lively, locally owned neighborhood rock 'n' roll bar featuring world famous burgers, the biggest wings in the triangle, daily drink specials, and the coldest beer in town with live music, open mic nights, bar trivia, and karaoke.
Check out their menu on their website: Abbey Road Tavern & Grill
Address: 1195 W Chatham St, Cary, NC 27513 | Get Directions
Abbey Road Tavern & Grill (36 Votes)
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 Love this place! (27)
🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ 😊😊😊I might give it a try (9) 36 Votes
Cary Spotlight Reader’s Feedback:
“Every menu item I have tried has been excellent, and staff is very attentive. I haven’t been to see live music there, but plan to” “Good food. Good people.”
“good pub food (burgers); a range in food choices; casual setting with music a lot of nights.”
“A long-time Cary landmark! Great burgers. Love supporting them.”
“Great food. Great service. Love the outdoor patio.”
Abbey Road Tavern & Grill
Do you have a favorite place to eat in Cary, NC? Click to share your pick.
REAL ID Deadline Brings New $45 Fee for RDU Passengers
Travelers passing through Raleigh-Durham International Airport without a REAL ID or federally accepted ID will face a new $45 fee beginning February 1. This policy targets the remaining fraction of passengers who still lack proper identification despite federal REAL ID enforcement starting in May 2023.
To pass through security without a REAL ID, travelers must use the TSA’s ConfirmID program by submitting a short online form and paying the fee. Those who complete the process receive a digital confirmation valid for 10 days. TSA recommends paying in advance to avoid delays, although QR codes will be posted at the airport for those paying on-site.
Officials note that about 2,000 travelers each day arrive at RDU without valid ID, despite 94% nationwide compliance. To prevent future issues, state DMV leaders encourage residents to get their REAL ID during winter, when office visits tend to be faster and less crowded.
The fee is part of ongoing efforts to streamline airport security while enforcing federal ID standards. Passengers are urged to plan ahead to avoid travel disruptions.
Just curious…
How are you preparing for the upcoming REAL ID requirements at RDU?
Cary Marks MLK Weekend with Art, Service, and Dialogue
Cary will host its annual MLK Dreamfest Weekend from January 18 to 19, offering a lineup of educational, cultural, and service-oriented events that celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy. The events span multiple venues, including Downtown Park and local churches.
Sunday’s programming includes a 3:30 p.m. gathering at Christ the King Lutheran Church and a 5:30 p.m. event at First Cary United Methodist Church. Monday’s MLK Day of Service invites volunteers to participate in community improvement projects starting at 10:00 a.m. at Mt. Zion Church, as well as at Good Hope Farm and Hemlock Bluff.
The weekend also features a diverse array of activities, from interfaith services and community meals to art exhibits, children’s programming, and charitable drives. A full schedule is available online.
Cary residents are encouraged to participate and reflect on the continued relevance of Dr. King’s message of equality, service, and justice..
How do you plan to participate in Cary’s MLK Dreamfest Weekend?
Meme of the Day.
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Jan 13 - Jan 18, 2026
🎟️ 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: Art Cart 12PM-3PM
• Today: Winter Cookie Decorating Workshop 6:30PM-8:30PM
• Wednesday: Winter Bird Adventure 2PM-3PM
• Thursday: Art Cart 12PM-3PM
• Thursday: Zumba 6PM-7PM
• Friday: New Year, New Laughs: Kiki’s Comedy Club Showcase 7PM-9:30PM
• Saturday: Cary Farmers Market 9AM-12PM
• Saturday: 2026 Annual MLK Dreamfest Cultural Celebration 6PM-8:30PM
• Sunday: Soma Breath Energized Breathwork 2PM-3:30PM
• Sunday: MLK Dreamfest Weekend Events 3PM-4PM
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
The Answer to the Cary Spotlight Hook Trivia Question 👇👇👇
A: Carat, cut, clarity and color
The four Cs used to evaluate diamond quality and value are Carat (weight), Cut (proportions, symmetry, polish affecting sparkle), Color (lack of color, with colorless being rarest), and Clarity (absence of internal flaws/inclusions and external blemishes). These universal standards, developed by the GIA Gemological Institute of America, determine a diamond's overall beauty, brilliance, and price.
Learn more about The 4Cs are the global standard.