Consistently named one of the best places to live in the country, Cary, North Carolina, also happens to be one of its most surprising. Founded in 1871 as a dry town—a stance it kept until the state nearly sued—Cary has witnessed pivotal historical moments and notable firsts for North Carolina and the nation. From Civil War encounters and hidden historical burial sites to becoming the Gourd Capital of the World and home of the state’s first public school and even the first paved road, Cary’s history is far richer and deeper than most imagine.
Hop aboard the trolley to hear the lesser-known stories, recent history discoveries, and enduring mysteries that shaped Cary, the second-largest town in America. This isn’t just history—it’s the unexpected story of a town you only thought you knew.
Tickets Available Here:
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Meet Your Guide;
Dr. Katherine Loflin, known globally as “The City Doctor,” is an award-winning expert in place attachment—how people connect with where they live—and its impact on economic growth and personal well-being. For nearly two decades, she has advised global leaders and communities, with her work credited for improving life for millions worldwide. A dynamic, story-driven speaker and multiple-time TEDx presenter, she’s known for captivating audiences worldwide.
As founder of The City Doctor Productions, Dr. Loflin writes, produces, and performs in acclaimed, award-winning historical productions, tours, and events that bring Cary’s history to life. Her entertainment credits include work as an ABC executive producer, commissioned playwright, director, and actress.
Dr. Loflin also serves the Town of Cary as its official History Ambassador, vice-chair of Cary's Historic Preservation Commission, and as the highly regarded instructor of the popular course “Discovering Cary History: A Lot Happened Before IBM Showed Up.” Her forthcoming book, Hidden History of Cary (The History Press), is currently available for pre-order online widely and will be released on August 26, 2025.
A proud North Carolina native, Dr. Loflin is a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and a direct descendant of one of the state’s recognized founding families, who settled in North Carolina before 1729. She holds a Ph.D. in Social Work from UNC–Chapel Hill and resides in Cary, North Carolina.
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