Apex Visitor Information

The town of Apex-- first settled in the 1860s and incorporated in 1873--was one of the earliest new towns to develop around the state capital of Raleigh, as railroads traversed the county after the Civil War.

The name "Apex" was adopted because the community was the highest point on the Chatham Railroad between Richmond and Jacksonville, Florida. The current town motto "Apex, Peak of Good Living" not only captures the name's historical significance, but refers to the fact that in places along the town's main street (Salem Street), water which falls on one side of the street flows to the Neuse River, and on the other side it flows to the Cape Fear River.

The Apex downtown district reflects the town's rich historical beginning and is highlighted by the landmark 1914 Apex Union Depot. The Depot has been restored to its original glory and now houses the Visitors’ Center, the Chamber of Commerce offices and several meeting rooms. Visitors enjoy the rich woodwork, double fireplace, ticket windows of the stationmaster’s office, and the old switchmen’s lanterns. The building is on the National Register of Historic Places and is open weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Apex also is home to ...

One of the state’s most intact turn-of-the-century railroad towns with 60 well-preserved commercial buildings and homes dating from 1870-1940
A restored downtown area that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Downtown Apex features antique and specialty gift shops, as well as dining experiences that include an old-fashioned soda shop, an ice cream parlor, a fine dining bistro and more. A walking guide to the historic district is available at the Chamber of Commerce office in the Train Depot.
New Hope Valley Railway, offering rides on restored trains and the nearby North Carolina Railroad Museum.
The annual Peak Week Festival held in early May with hundreds of crafters, fine arts, food and more

And while many of the attractions provide a glimpse in to the past, Apex continues to grow and change. In 1900 the Apex population was 349. By 1934 only four train stops were made at the Apex depot, reflecting the tough economic times, which extended into the early 60's. In 1990 the population had increased to 5000 and since then has skyrocketed as Apex's quaint small-town atmosphere attracts people and businesses moving to the thriving Triangle area. As of December 2005, the town population is more than 30,000 and climbing.

Apex Event Calendar

Christmas on Salem St. - Dec. 3
Apex Jaycee Christmas Parade - Dec. 4
Apex Historic Homes Tour - Dec. 5
Apex Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament - May 2
Peak Week Festival - May 7
Old Fashioned 4th of July in Historic Apex - July 4
Today and Yesteryear Festival - September 25

Apex Hotels

B & B's Country Garden Inn
Comfort Inn - Apex
Holiday Inn Express Apex/Raleigh
La Quinta Inn & Suites - Cary

Apex Restaurants

Bear Rock Cafe - (919) 462-8300
Blue Rain Cafe - (919) 367-2233
Bojangles - (919) 859-1131
Carabbas's Italian Grill - (919) 387-6336
Chick-Fil-A of Apex- (919) 303-2322
Daniel's Pizza Pasta Cafe - (919) 303-1006
Dixie Belle's Barbeque, Seafood & Chicken - (919) 303-6676
Domino's Pizza - (919) 387-0030
'Em R Wings - (919) 387-0082
Firhouse Subs - (919) 642-7107
Jersey Mike's - (919) 467-3900
La Rancherita - (919) 303-2448
Mamma Mia! Restaurant & Pizzeria - (919) 363-2228
New York NY Fresh Deli - (919) 367-8441
Ocean Stars Seafood Restaurant - (919) 363-0001
Panera Bread - (919) 589-0026
Papa John's Pizza - (919) 303-9100
Patronie's Pizza - (919) 303-6686
Quizno's Subs - (919) 362-7827
Ralph's Famous Italian Ice and Creamery - (919) 387-8892
Salem Street Soda Shop - (919) 387-6506
Skipper's Fish Fry - (919) 303-2400
Subway at Apex Professional Park - (919) 362-7976
Tastee Freeze - (919) 303-9599
That Pizza Thing - (919) 367-8310
The Peak City Grill and Bar - (9190 303-8001
The Original Italian Pie - (919) 363-9600
Xios, Greek Cuisine - (919) 363-5288

Visitor Links

For official visitor and event information for Raleigh and Wake County visit www.VisitRaleigh.com, where you will find other area hot hotel deals, special offers, and other information to make the most of your visit to Apex. Call the Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau at 919-834-5900 or 1-800-849-8499.

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