Discover Historic Downtown Apex, NC. Shop local boutiques, enjoy exceptional dining, attend community events, and experience the charm of one of North Carolina's favorite downtown destinations.
Downtown Apex, founded in the 1860s is considered one of the most intact turn-of-the-century railroad towns in the area. The Town got its name from a location at the highest point on the old Chatham Railroad.
Today, Apex is one of the most vibrant, progressive, and fastest-growing communities in the country. Come for a visit, and you will know why Apex is praised for being one of the top ten American cities to live in!
Shops & Boutiques
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The Perky Lady — Specialty lingerie boutique offering expert, professional bra fittings.
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Keepin' It Collective — Curated THCA/hemp wellness shop and lounge (entry up the stairs).
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The Spice & Tea Exchange — Spice, salt, and tea shop with a sample-as-you-shop tea bar.
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Virtuoso Jewels — Custom jeweler and goldsmith specializing in one-of-a-kind, bespoke pieces.
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Adventures in Bloom — Gift shop of local art, jewelry, and gifts, plus hands-on craft workshops.
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Antiques on Salem Street — Treasure-hunt antique shop packed with vintage finds, jewelry, and collectibles. (no website)
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Stylish Living — Charming gift shop for hostess gifts, home décor, baby gifts, and chic fashion.
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Lichen or Knot Plant Co. — Plant shop pairing houseplants with home décor and botanical gifts.
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CharleyMadelyn — Faith-based women's fashion boutique with size-inclusive apparel and accessories.
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Bella + Mauve — Stylish women's clothing boutique with a charm bar and gifts.
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Apex Outfitter & Board Co. — Outdoor gear and apparel shop with an upstairs skate shop.
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Rose & Lee Co. — Sustainable, ethically made women's clothing, jewelry, and gifts; offers color analysis.
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The Studio — Curated gift shop of local handmade goods from many makers, plus craft workshops.
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The Tulip Magnolia — Welcoming, size-inclusive women's boutique with clothing, jewelry, and gifts.
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Artfully Apex — Gift shop spotlighting local artists with prints, handmade crafts, and art supplies.
Eat & Drink
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Anna's Pizzeria — Family-friendly Italian spot for hand-tossed pizzas, pasta, and slices, with a full bar.
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La Rancherita — Lively Mexican restaurant known for fresh Tex-Mex plates and margaritas.
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HighCraft — Family-run craft beer and wine bar with a rotating tap list and bottle shop.
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Salem Street Pub — Neighborhood pub famous for burgers, moonshine cocktails, and weekly trivia.
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The Provincial — Farm-to-fork New American bistro with seasonal small plates and craft beer.
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Serafina Ristorante — Upscale modern Italian with handmade pasta, brunch, and a full bar.
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Oaklyn Springs Brewery — Cozy taproom with craft beer, wine, cider, and seltzer, plus open-mic nights.
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Scratch Kitchen & Taproom — Popular scratch-made Asian-American restaurant and taproom with a big patio.
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Neat & Sweet Lounge — Craft cocktail and dessert lounge across the hall from Scratch.
Coffee, Cafés & Sweets
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FRESH. Local Ice Cream — Homemade ice cream made in-store from locally sourced NC dairy.
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Kilwins — Old-fashioned sweets shop with hand-made ice cream, fudge, and chocolates.
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Mission Market — Counter-service café with Counter Culture coffee, açaí bowls, toasts, and paninis.
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Common Grounds Coffee House — Friendly coffee shop with espresso, matcha, gelato, and fresh pastries.
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Playa Bowls — Beachy açaí and smoothie-bowl shop with fresh fruit, granola, and smoothies.
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Popovers Café — Family-run café specializing in sweet and savory popovers, Turkish tea, and coffee.
Art & Galleries
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The Apex Gallery & Custom Framing — Local art gallery and professional custom-framing studio.
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The Red Canvas — Art studio and creative space in the heart of downtown. (no website)
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Cocoon Gallery — Curated gallery of handmade pottery, textiles, jewelry, and home goods, with classes.
Beauty & Wellness
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enV Salon & Color Bar — Full-service hair salon and color bar.
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The Exchange Barbershop & Syeni Salon — Barbershop, salon, and day spa under one roof.
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The Massage Joint — Massage therapy and skincare/facial spa (upstairs).