11 Unique Things To Do in Apex, NC
November 16th, 2022
Things To Do in Apex, NC
Are you looking for fun things to do in Apex, North Carolina? Check out these unique things to do in Apex!
If you find yourself in Apex, NC, and are looking for fun and unique things to do, we have compiled a list of the top things to do whether you are moving to Apex or are just visiting the area.
Coined the "Peak of Good Living," this Raleigh suburb is tucked Southwest of Raleigh and is near Research Triangle Park, putting this town on the top of the list for places to move. As a popular place for residents to call home, Apex is well known for its convenience, charm, and affordability.
With that said, read about the 11 fun and unique things to do in Apex that could "peak" your interest!
Here are the 11 most popular things to do in Apex, NC!
Chapters
Apex Farmer's Market
Best for: Foodies
Hours: Saturdays 9 am-noon weekly April - December, Bi-Weekly December - March
Location: 73 Hunter Street, Apex, NC, 27502
Ages: All Ages
The Apex Farmer's Market aims to please! This non-profit focuses on health and wellness while driving to educate members of the Apex community on food production and sustainability.
Farm Fresh produce, handmade and organic skin products, fresh pressed cold juices, locally made organic dog treats, and a variety of bakeries and desserts are just some of the treasures you can find in the heart of downtown Apex. There is no better way to spend your Saturday morning; you will want to add this to your list!
Rusty Bucket
Best for: Home Decor and Antiquing
Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday 10 am - 6 pm, Thursday and Friday 10 am - 7 pm, Sundays 12 pm - 4 pm
Location: 104 North Salem Street, Apex, NC, 27502
Ages: All Ages
"Come as strangers, leave as friends" is the sign hung above the door as you enter this collector's paradise. Husband and wife owned and operated since 2004, this shop is an absolute must to stop in and discover if you find yourself in downtown Apex.
Furnishing & accessories are the bread and butter of what this specialty shop offers. This is the perfect place to find a unique gift for your loved ones! Mason jar candles fill the shelves, and you will quickly see this store has something fun and special for any occasion!
Aside from the rustic home decor and accessories, custom-made home furnishings is what The Rusty Bucket is most well known for. They have you covered if you have something in mind but can't find it in the proper size or color! Just bring a photo of what you have in mind, and they will re-create it!
As you can see, this Apex staple is truly a gem in this old Southern town that you will not want to miss!
Defy Gravity, Apex
Best for: Sports Enthusiasts
Hours: Sunday-Thursday 9 am - 9 pm, Friday and Saturday, 9 am - 11 pm
Location: 1275 Haddon Hall Drive, Apex, NC, 27502
Ages: Children under 13 must be supervised by an accompanied adult
Defy Gravity boasts a facility filled with one-of-a-kind attractions fit for any age. Basketball on trampolines, Battle Beams, Extreme Dodgeball, a Ninja course, and zip lines are just some of the thrills you can find in this facility.
Pro tip: If you have a little six and under, parents can accompany them, and the child jumps for free! Be sure to be aware that all jumpers must sign a waiver before exploring the facility, so get there early when you plan your next visit!
Halle Cultural Arts Center
Best for: Art Enthusiasts
Hours: Monday- Friday, 9 am - 6 pm, Saturdays, 9 am - 1 pm
Location: 237 North Salem Street, Apex, NC, 27502
Ages: Seven and up
Step back in time in this historic Apex landmark. Built-in 1912, this building initially housed their town, Farmer's Market downstairs, while upstairs housed the Mayor's office and a theater with opera seating.
Today this building is home to the Halle Cultural Arts Center. Here you will find a variety of in-person classes, exhibitions, and performances, to name a few.
Are you looking for the perfect venue to host your next reception or celebration? This could be your ideal spot to impress your guests! Next time you are in downtown Apex, consider stopping to find out why this is a local favorite!
Southern Peak Brewery
Best for: Beer Enthusiasts
Hours: Monday 3 pm - 9 pm, Tuesday-Thursday 3 pm - 10 pm, Friday and Saturday 12 pm - 10 pm, Sunday 12 pm - 7 pm
Location: 950 Windy Road, Suite 100, Apex, NC, 27502
Ages: 21+ for consumption of alcoholic beverages
Craft beer lovers! You will not want to miss this local watering hole! Located in the Villages of Apex neighborhood and just outside of downtown Apex, Southern Peak Brewery strives to provide an inviting and welcoming to all.
Take your pick between sitting on the patio or heading inside and enjoying! If you want to bring your fur baby along, this is the perfect place to be. They even have bowls of water "on tap"!
Southern Peak Brewery was established in 2016 and features a 7-barrel taproom that focuses mainly on traditional German-style beer, lagers, and IPAs—looking for a bite to eat while you enjoy the Brewery? They have you covered! Enjoy the diverse list of Food Trucks on the schedule posted on their website.
Want to really WOW your guests at your next private event? Southern Peak has a dedicated space accommodating smaller groups of about 20-25 guests.
Whether you are meeting with friends or looking for something fun and unique when your family comes into town, this local watering hole will not disappoint!
Anna's Pizzeria
Best for: Pizza lovers!
Hours: Saturday-Thursday 11 am - 9 pm, Fridays 11 am - 10 pm
Location: 100 N. Salem Street, Apex, NC, 27502
Ages: All Ages
If you're looking for a comfortable, local, and casual spot to eat - Anna's Pizzeria should be at the top of your list. Established in 1986, Anna's Pizzeria has mastered the art of family-friendly dining while maintaining traditions.
While dining, you will notice that this is a busy, family-friendly spot serving up some of the most authentic Italian specialties you can find here in Apex!
If you're looking for the right spot for your next private event, "The Lounge" on the second floor offers a flexible space accommodating up to 60 people and a full bar!
So, if you're looking for a great spot to have a casual, authentic Italian meal, Anna's Pizzeria will surely satisfy you!
Scratch Kitchen and Taproom
Best for: Foodies!
Hours: Monday - Thursday, 11 am - 9 pm; Friday and Saturday, 11 am - 10 pm and Sunday, 11 am - 9 pm
Location: 225 N. Salem Street, Apex, NC, 27502
Located in the true center of downtown Apex, Scratch is just as it sounds! Every dish is handcrafted from Scratch! The menu focuses mainly on Southern Style dishes with Asian influences, all crafted with particular attention to detail.
Scratch Kitchen and Taproom have quickly become the local favorites in town because of their unique menu. Some top favorite appetizers include BBQ egg rolls and Pimento Cheese wontons. Opt for a lighter house salad or indulge in the Fried Chicken salad.
The rest of the menu includes a variety of Poke bowls, sandwiches, burgers, and Mac & Cheese. Dinner Entrees range from Sesame Salmon to a NY Strip to Curry Lo Mein. This is a spot where you can satisfy the cravings of everyone at your party. This is what makes this Apex staple a place locals come back wanting more.
Another thing to keep in mind is their Saturday and Sunday brunch menu! This menu can't be beaten if you're looking for a place to enjoy Brunch items. You will not want to miss the Baked French Toast topped with blueberries flambeed in bourbon, maple syrup, and fresh ginger.
So, after a day of shopping in downtown Apex, try Scratch Kitchen and Taproom; I promise it won't be the last time you do.
Salem Street Pub
Best for: Foodies
Hours: Monday - Wednesday- Closed, Thursday-11:30 am - 11 pm, Friday and Saturday- 11:30 am - 12 am; Sunday- 11:30 am - 10 pm
Location: 113 N. Salem Street, Apex, NC, 27502
"Burgers, Brews and Moonshine" read above the Salem Street Pub sign, but there is so much more to this local gem! The relaxed and family-friendly atmosphere, paired with some of the best burgers and wings in the area, makes this a favorite spot to stop and unwind from the day!
Choose from an array of appetizers, salads, burgers, sandwiches, kids' menu items, and desserts! If you visit later, SSP has a late-night menu featuring seven different things to enjoy as a late-night snack!
If live music is something you're craving, be sure to check out the lineup on their website! Every Thursday, Salem Street Pub hosts local musicians to share their love for music in their Moonlight Room.
Knights Play Golf Center
Best for: Golf Enthusiasts!
Hours: Sunday- Saturday 8 am - LATE
Location: 2512 Ten Ten Road, Apex, NC, 27539
Ages: Juniors (Up to 15 years old) and adults
Golf day or night at Knights Play Golf! This is one of Apex's hidden treasures for anyone interested in golf! Featuring 27 holes tailored to accommodate beginners, intermediate players, and advanced both during the day and after the sun goes down.
Lessons and clinics are available both individually and as a group. Learn from the pros on staff: Ken Hamilton and Todd George instruct individual classes for Juniors or Adults. They even offer a Ladies' Clinic limited to 8 ladies in a group hosted on Wednesdays and Fridays!
Many people frequent Knights Play to enjoy the driving range. Featuring 60 lighted stations, you can find available hours after sunset! Knights play could even be a great evening activity to do after work!
When you visit Knights Play, there are a few things you may want to check out! Monday through Friday until 4 pm, indulge in "Lunch on the Range" - enjoy a sandwich with a bucket of balls! There is no better way to wind down during the week! Also, make sure to check out the Clubhouse and Pro Shop on-site!
Jordan Lake
Best for: Outdoor Enthusiasts
Hours: Seasonal Hours - be sure to check the website!
Location: 280 State Park Road, Apex, NC, 27523- Visitors Center
Ages: All Ages
Jordan Lake is located in Chatham County, just 30 miles West of downtown Raleigh. Most visitors use this as their favorite stop for boating, camping, and swimming in the Apex area.
With seven access areas (many of which are found in Apex), this State Park provides plenty of opportunities to experience the Natural Beauty of North Carolina.
With over 1,000 campsites available throughout the park, visitors can choose to visit the campsites in a tent, trailer, or RV!
Other amenities include a boat ramp, an amphitheater, picnic shelters, beach accesses with bathhouses, and much more!
Pro tip: Across from the Crosswinds Access, you will find boat slips and storage, kayak, fishing boat, and paddleboard rentals, elevating your visit to Jordan Lake!
Whatever the reason you seem to find yourself in Apex, you will want to put Jordan Lake at the top of your list!
Whole Brain Escape
Best for: Gamers!
Hours: Based on available reservations located on their website
Location: 410 Upchurch Street, Apex, NC, 27502
Ages: 15+ recommended; children under 15 accompanied by an adult
Who doesn't love a good challenge? Whole Brain Escape was founded by Heather and Rafael Chandler, who saw an opportunity to bring their years of gaming experience and bring it to life.
The space was created as a "one-of-a-kind" world to unlock an interactive experience. Want to know whether you're "left-brained" or "Right-brained"?
This maze of puzzles and riddles will leave you feeling like a kid again! This is often-times a great place to meet colleagues and co-workers for some great team bonding and allows you to tap into the strategic side of your brain.
This creative and interactive concept has been welcomed into the Apex community with open arms. This is just another example of a great small business worth checking out the next time you're in Apex!
Explore Apex, NC, with Raleigh Realty
While searching for unique things to do in Apex, NC, you can see that this Southern town has so many things to offer, which attracts many people to the triangle area each year.
If you are searching for homes for sale in Apex, refer to our other area guides and resources on our website, including the best neighborhoods in Apex, Area Spotlight: Pleasant Park in Apex, NC, and the best restaurants in Apex.
Contact us today to start your home search! We are here to help and are ready to answer any questions.
Ryan Fitzgerald
Hi there! Nice to 'meet' you and thanks for visiting our Raleigh Real Estate Blog! My name is Ryan Fitzgerald, and I'm a REALTOR® in Raleigh-Durham, NC, the owner of Raleigh Realty. I work alongside some of the best Realtors in Raleigh. You can find more of my real estate content on Forbes, Wall Street Journal, U.S. News and more. Realtor Magazine named me a top 30 under 30 Realtor in the country (it was a long time ago haha). Any way, that's enough about me. I'd love to learn more about you if you'd like to connect with me on Facebook and Instagram or connect with our team at Raleigh Realty. Looking forward to connecting!