New Cary Visitor Center to offer historic tours, classes, resources

Downtown Cary will soon have its first official Cary Visitor Center, offering residents and visitors a chance to explore the rich tapestry of Cary's past and present.

The dedicated space at 107 W. Chatham Street will begin offering downtown walking tours, programs, events, history displays, a small research library and free resources for visitors.

An open house and ribbon cutting will officially launch the Cary Visitor Center on April 5 at 5:30 p.m.

Cary Mayor Weinbrecht will be on hand to assist with the ribbon cutting. Guests are welcome to attend the event, which will feature a firsthand tour of the Visitor Center, a vintage photo booth, a yesteryear organ grinder providing live music and surprise visits by costumed historical figures.

Easter eggs will be hidden in downtown next week which can be brought to the event in exchange for a gifts card or unique gift as supplies last.

Guests are invited to stay even later in the evening for a food truck and free throwback movie offered by The Douglas Realty Group, with free popcorn and drinks (alcohol available for purchase) behind the Ashworth's building.

Two local organizations joining forces to support Downtown Cary

In an act of philanthropy and community support, the new visitor center is hosted inside the locally-owned Douglas Realty Group, as part of an innovative partnership with The City Doctor Productions. Through the visitor's center, these two local organizations aim to elevate the cultural and historical experience in Downtown Cary.

"We are excited to join forces with The City Doctor Productions in this venture, as it resonates with our shared core values of community engagement and love for Cary's history. This initiative goes beyond real estate; it's about creating a space that honors our city's unique history and invites visitors to immerse themselves in all that Cary has to offer,” said Leslie Douglas, Cary native and Owner of The Douglas Realty Group.

Programming for the Visitor Center will be hosted and created by Dr. Katherine Loflin, founder of The City Doctor Productions, an organization known for its award-winning portrayal of Cary's history through tours, shows, classes, exhibits and events.

Loflin dreams of the Cary Visitor Center as being a lively space, where visitors can find tours, resources, speakers and even classes.

In years past, the center's previous iteration was Hobby's Appliances and even a dry goods store. Its location, adjacent to the Ashworth's building, makes it ideal for guests to simply walk past and drop in.

The Open House and Ribbon Cutting is set for April 5 at 5:30 p.m. in The Douglas Realty Group at 107 W. Chatham Street. After the Open House, the public is invited to the Outdoor Movie Night hosted by The Douglas Realty Group behind the Ashworth’s building for free popcorn and drinks. The public is invited.