Cary is a sprawling city that is all suburbs. It’s a place people move to with families so there are lots of strip malls and small shopping areas. There’s a tiny downtown area with a few historical buildings and some little shops and restaurants. Easily walkable.
Fun stuff
Fenton outdoor shopping complex
201 Fenton Gtwy Dr, Cary, NC 27511
A fancy, new outdoor complex with shops, bars, restaurants, movie theater, and on Saturdays a pop-up market outside.
Cary Downtown Farmers Market
200 E. Chatham St., Cary, NC 27511
Small, quaint farmers’ market.
Good eats
Goodberry’s Frozen Custard
Incredible local ice cream chain created by an NC State grad. They have vanilla and chocolate every day, plus one rotating flavor. Multiple locations. Check their website for the flavor of the day.
FRESH (ice cream)
138 East Chatham Street, Cary
The downtown location of this local ice cream chain. Generous servings of rich flavored ice cream flavors like banana pudding, butter pecan, peanut butter cup, etc.
M Sushi Cary
4 Fenton Main Street, Suite 120, Cary
Excellent sushi and other Japanese cuisine. Reservations recommended.
M Test Kitchen
4 Fenton Main Street, Suite 120B, Cary
Attached to M Sushi Cary, this location is a place where their chefs can try out new recipes and experiment with all sorts of Asian cuisine. Smaller menu than M Sushi, a bit fancy? I have not tried this place, yet. Reservations recommended.
Ashworth Drugs
105 W. Chatham St., Cary
Old school soda fountain with hot dogs, milkshakes, the works.
Breweries
Bond Brothers
202 E. Cedar St., Cary
Has a couple of locations, plenty of lovely, outdoor seating, and there’s usually a food truck parked nearby.
Cotton House Craft Brewers
307 S. Academy St., Cary
Part of Triangle Beer Co., this is their lovely location in downtown Cary. Walking distance to many restaurants and cafes (and ice cream).
Fortnight Brewing
1006 SW Maynard Rd, Cary
A brewery inspired by English beer. Good beer and good people.