Good people of Cary,

We have a LOT of new subscribers thanks to our coverage of the State Auditor’s report. I’d like to give you a warm welcome and hope you find this newsletter helpful!

In this report, there will be a brief overview of the audit as well as information on where to read more.

Additionally, I had a chance to talk to Claire Nobles, the founder of The Cary Vintage Market. The monthly market, held at South Line Brewing beside the former Vicious Fishes space, is incredibly popular and there’s an interesting story behind it.

Let’s get right into it.

Thank you for continuing to support local,

James

At this point, I have written rather exhaustively about the State Auditor’s report. I have put together a page that includes all of our coverage, links to the report, Cary’s response, and coverage from other local media outlets.

The short version: North Carolina State Auditor Dave Boliek released his office's full 2,600-page investigative report on Thursday, July 16, detailing the spending practices under former Town Manager Sean Stegall.

The findings include things like $65,656 paid to a ghostwriter for a book about Stegall's management style, $120,314 spent on video production for a 2024 staff retreat, and a workplace culture where, in the auditor's words, employees felt they had "no one to report it to."

For more information, check out The Complete Breakdown, linked below. Inside, there is a hub that includes not only summaries of the report, but also links to the report, Cary’s response, and coverage from other local media outlets.

Additional reading: The Complete Breakdown

As briefly mentioned last report, the Nike store at Fenton (4 Fenton Main St, Suite 140) has closed permanently. I received a response from Nike, which was short and to the point: the store is closed for good, and they pointed me toward the nearest remaining locations instead.

The store opened back in June 2022 and was originally expected to stay open through the end of July, but it shut its doors earlier than planned. It's part of a broader retail restructuring Nike kicked off back in April, which has already led to store closures on both coasts.

The news caught a lot of readers off guard. "I didn't know they were there," Jeff Gimondo commented. Wayne Kendall said he was "surprised," adding, "I enjoyed shopping at this Nike store!" Michele Campbell offered a theory of her own: "I think the location was wrong. I see more people going to Fenton to dine and relax."

Additional reading: TheStreet coverage of Nike's store closures | Nike Store Locator

Claire Nobles’ passion project.

Once a month, the biergarten off Old Apex Road turns into the Cary Vintage Market, the only monthly vintage market in Cary. Vintage clothing, records, jewelry, houseware, and a lot more fill the space, along with a coffee cart, specialty baked goods, and beer from South Line Brewing. It's family friendly and dog friendly too.

Founder Claire Nobles started the market in January 2024 after noticing a gap in the local vintage scene. "Most of the vintage markets at the time targeted the younger high school and college crowd," she told me. She wanted something for everyone, a market where a teenager and a grandparent could dig through the same rack and both walk away happy.

When Vicious Fishes closed earlier this year, there was real uncertainty about what would happen to the market's home. South Line Brewing stepped in without missing a beat. "They've been wonderful," Claire said, "making sure the transition was seamless."

Looking back on how far the market has come, Claire put it simply: "It's honestly been more than I ever dreamed. I never thought the market would be anything this special. I think it's a testament to having amazing vendors and a really cool community who consistently comes out."

Keep an eye on their social media pages for the next date. Applications for the fall lineup just closed and a new market is coming soon.

Facebook

Instagram

📍 518 Old Apex Rd, Cary, NC

Interested in partnering with us? Reach out at [email protected] and let's find something that works for you.

S'more Than Friends: Single Mingle

What: A camp-themed singles mixer for ages 21+, with a s'mores bar, a live DJ, and classic camp games. ID required at the door.

Where: The Nest, Downtown Cary Park (327 S Academy St)

When: Fri, July 24 | 4 p.m. – 10 p.m. (The Nest will be closed to all ages under 21 during this window)

More Info

Yacht Rock Fest at RBF

What: A free outdoor event in RBF's parking lot with live music, local vendors, plus a raffle benefiting No Woman No Girl, a statewide nonprofit supplying hygiene items to women and girls. Purchase an optional $50 wristband for 30+ wine tastings, 15% off additional drinks, swag bag, and more!

Where: RBF parking lot (210 E Chatham St, Cary, NC 27511)

When: Sun, July 26 | 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. (live music 1–4 p.m.)

More Info

The American Revolution Experience: Final Day

What: Last chance to catch this traveling exhibit from the American Battlefield Trust and Daughters of the American Revolution before it wraps its Cary run.

Where: The Gathering House at Downtown Cary Park (327 S Academy St)

When: Sat, July 25 | 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

More Info

When Vicious Fishes abruptly shut its Cary and Angier taprooms this spring, the beer garden on Old Apex Road could have gone quiet. Instead, South Line Brewing, which shares the outdoor space, just kept going.

The day Vicious closed without notice, South Line was actually scheduled to be closed to the public for a private event. Acting fast, they set up a pop-up tent and bar on the Vicious Fishes side of the biergarten anyway so regulars wouldn't show up to a locked gate.

Founded by Big Mike, a longtime Cary restaurateur behind Big Mike's BBQ (originally Brew N' Que), and Scott, a Green Hope High and NC State grad, South Line built its identity around fusing fermentation with street art and live music.

Beyond the beer itself, South Line stays busy with events. Wednesdays bring free trivia night at 7 p.m., and the calendar regularly rotates in DJ and karaoke nights paired with food trucks parked right outside. It's a rotating lineup of lagers, sours, and IPAs on tap, and the whole setup stays kid and dog friendly.

If you're looking for a laid-back spot for a weeknight beer or a Saturday afternoon with the family, South Line is worth checking out!

📍 518 Old Apex Rd, Cary, NC

South Line’s Website

Thanks for reading! If you liked or disliked this report, feel free to reply and let me know! I love hearing from you.

P.S.

Are you following me on Facebook and Instagram? I post a lot more content there that I’m sure you’d love if you enjoy this newsletter. Click on the social links below to check them out!