Tomatoes, Pretzels, Margaritas and Cinnamon Rolls.

Here is everything you need to know about Apex, NC for the week of Thursday, February 20 - Wednesday February 26, 2025.

Author

Adam Whitaker
February 20, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 14 minutes

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👋 Good morning, Apex! Today is February 20, 2025 and this is the seventh weekly issue of The Peak Weekly.

Did you know that the state motto of North Carolina is, "Esse Quam Videri”?

This translates as, “To be rather than to seem.”

In other words, this motto encourages authenticity and the idea of being true to oneself, rather than just appearing to be something you’re not.

You know who needs to hear this message? Sylvia, the Apex Armadillo, who told us 2 weeks ago that we’d all see an early Spring. YOU’RE NOT A WEATHER-PREDICTING GROUNDHOG, SYLVIA. So follow the state motto and quit trying to appear to be something you’re not!

But to be honest, this message is just as much for you and me as it is for Sylvia.

It’s hard living in your own skin sometimes. I go through it. I watch my kids go through it sometimes. And the world often doesn’t do you any favors.

I know I’m just here to share stuff going on in town, but I wanted to take a moment to remind you “to be rather than to seem.” You are enough. Be yourself. Be unapologetically you 💪 

Thanks for coming to my Ted Talk. Now let’s get to it. Here is what’s inside today:

📂 Miscellaneous: Some quick, random notes that didn’t fit anywhere else

🗓️ Things to Do This Week: Events and activities this coming week in Apex

🏢 Local Business: Updates on business and developments

🏛️ Civil News: The latest from local government

🐶 Animal(s) of the Week: Featured animals looking for a good home

👀 A Look Ahead: A quick peak at things to know beyond this week

🫣 In Case You Missed it: Info from previous emails that are still relevant

Miscellaneous:

💧 Cary/Apex Water Treatment Disinfection
Beginning March 1 thru April 10, the Cary/Apex Water Treatment Facility will temporarily stop adding ammonia to its water disinfection process. This is a normal process, but those who use water for kidney dialysis machines, fish aquariums or other chlorine-sensitive uses should be aware. More info.

🗑️ This App is Trash
Snow days, holidays, and other events can throw off your trash collection schedule (just ask my overflowing trash can). Search the App Store for ‘Apex Collects’ to stay on top of any changes.

❄️ Get Off of the Road!
Curious how the Town of Apex prepares for and responds to snow removal from our roads, and which ones the town is responsible for vs. the state? Read about it here.

🏨 Rooftop Bar & Event Lawn
If you want to get Phil Collins stuck in your head, take a quick tour of Sweetwater with the Mayor to see the large event lawn and stage taking shape, along with some details on the upcoming 6-story hotel with rooftop bar.

Things to Do This Week in Apex:

Saturday, Feb 22

🧑‍🌾 Apex Farmers Market
9am - 12pm | The Depot

🥨 A Day at The Office
I love Pretzel Day! Plus, trivia, local artists, vintage vendors, cat adoption
10am - 3pm | The Studio

🎤 Black History Month - Hip Hop Workshop
12pm - 2pm | Apex Senior Center

🍹 National Margarita Day
6pm - 10pm | Mi Cancun

Tuesday, Feb 25

📖 Book Club Meetup
6pm - 8pm | Southern Peak Brewery

Monday, Feb 24

🍽️ Apex Restaurant Week 2025 Begins
Through March 2 | At Participating Restaurants (more below)

Thursday, Feb 27-March 1

🎵 The Sound of Music, Youth Edition
7pm - 8:30pm | Apex Friendship Middle School

Things to Do This Week Nearby:

🎲 Board Game Social
Friday, Feb. 21 | 4pm – 8pm
DCP Academy Pavilion (Cary)

💼 Small Business Vendor Market
Saturday, Feb. 22 | 2pm – 7pm
Fortnight Brewing Company (Cary)

🎡 The Raleigh Market
Sat/Sun, Feb. 22/23 | 9am – 4pm
NC State Fairgrounds (Raleigh)

Local Business:

🌽 Highlights - Farm & Garden Edition

As I sit here by the fireplace, watch the snow come down through the window, and try to convince my dog that he doesn’t actually need his evening walk, I want to show some love to our local farmers and gardeners who have no choice but to be out there tending to their animals, fields, etc.

🍅 Tomatoes and Cinnamon Rolls
📍 1933 Olive Chapel Rd Apex NC 27502
Peak City Farms sits in an unexpected part of Apex, visible from Olive Chapel Road and only two miles from the American Tobacco Trail. Their offering includes fresh, locally sourced and accessible produce such as microgreens, lettuce, tomatoes and cucumbers; all hydroponically grown onsite.

As one of our subscribers put it, “They are a great little hydroponic farm on Olive Chapel Road with the best tomatoes I’ve had in the area. They also make delicious baked goods, I’d argue the best cinnamon rolls in Apex!” Website

😳 Produce for Introverts
📍 Hinsley Rd & Old US 1 Hwy
I came across this Facebook post asking about a little farm stand with eggs and produce about 4.5miles SW of Tingen/Salem in New Hill. Everyone who was aware of this little spot had nothing but kind words to say.

According to a commenter, it’s an unmanned stand and a great experience for introverts: “Drive slowly down the road to the 2nd driveway on the left. You'll see the stand. Pick out what you want, and put money in the box.” Facebook Thread

🐄 Ian. Has. The Meats!
📍 The Depot | Apex Farmers Market
Quick shoutout to my guy, Farmer Ian. From Durham, and NC State Alum, he is a first generation farmer with a passion for sustainable agriculture. His farm is in Hurdle Mills (about an hour north of here) but he’s at the Apex Farmers Market every single Saturday, rain, snow, or shine.

According to one newsletter writer (me), “It’s high quality, he takes great care of the animals, he’s the nicest guy, and I recommend you go see him this weekend at the Apex Farmers Market. Tell him Adam sent you. It won’t get you a discount or anything but it’ll make me look cool when I go see him. You can also order online and he delivers to Apex every Thursday.”

🌱 Simple Gifts Community Garden
3109 Tingen Rd., Apex. NC 27502
Members of the Simple Gifts Community Garden work together on the garden and share the harvest among each other and three local food bank. They are seeking new members to help grow fresh, organic produce for local neighbors in need. They compost, plant for pollinators, support wildlife and have lots of fun events throughout the year. And it’s only $20/year to join.

From the Garden Manager: “Simple Gifts Community Garden will open for the 2025 season on March 1. On your first visit, we'll give you a tour and introduce you to other gardeners. There are no sign-ups or work requirements; come when you can. Members can share in the harvest each time they work. Service hours for youth, adults or groups can be arranged.” Learn more & join here

Apex Restaurant Week

Next week is Apex Restaurant Week! This week-long celebration highlights incredible culinary offerings around town, where guests can enjoy fixed-price menus for lunch or dinner. The week offers a 3-course dinner menu for $30 plus tax and tip at participating restaurants, and lunch specials for $15 plus tax and tip. It’s a fantastic way to explore Apex’s diverse dining options and experience the best the town has to offer. 

(If you haven’t yet, this is a good opportunity to check out the new Sabatino’s Italian or the delicious and authentic African cuisine at Yagg Sii Tenn that we highlighted in last week’s email.)

Miscellaneous

👩‍⚕️ Peak Rehabilitation Open House
Friday, 2pm - 5:00pm | 1401 Zeno Rd.

🏋️ OneLife Fitness - Preview Center Now Open
2021 Creekside Landing | Founding Member Deals

Civil News:

🔄 Recap: Town Council Retreat
On Wednesday and Thursday of last week, the Town Council met for their annual 2-day “retreat”. Some of the noteworthy topics: capacity issues at special events, a smart parking app, a mid- (fiscal) year financial condition review, and capital project priorities.

You can get all of the details on Terry Mahaffey’s Substack: Day 1 | Day 2

Town Appeals to Reject Class-Action in Lawsuit
A contractor filed suit in March 2023 challenging Apex’s requirement of a $64,000 payment in lieu of dedicating land for recreation in its 20-lot, 3.5-acre development. In April, a trial judge granted class-action status which would allow other developers to join in. The Town of Apex has appealed that decision.

🗓️ Important Upcoming Dates

Thursday, Feb 25
Regular Town Council Meeting
6pm | Town Hall

Wednesday, February 26
S-Line Mobility Hub Open House
4pm - 6pm | Apex Senior Center

Thursday, February 27
Women’s Self-Defense Class
6pm - 9pm | Apex Police Department

Animal(s) of the Week:

Our Animals of the Week this week are Dobby & Sheena. Dobby is a 3-year-old male Retriever/Labrador mix and Sheena is a 2-year-old female Retriever/Labrador mix.

A Look Ahead:

February 28, 2025 | 3pm - 7pm
March 1, 2025 | 10am - 1pm
The Prom Shoppe
Providing prom dresses and all accessories to girls in need
8am - 12pm | Apex United Methodist Church

March 8, 2025
Run the Peak
8am - 12pm | Downtown & Town Hall Campus

In Case You Missed it

🗓️ Black History Month
If you like bite-sized pieces of content (like this email), then you’ll love this short-form video series offering up new minute-ish long videos each day throughout the month about some very interesting black history right here in Apex. Follow along on Facebook or follow along on Instagram.

🏆️ Think Apex Awards
Do you know a business, individual, non-profit, or youth who has made a lasting impact on the Apex community in 2024? Now’s your chance to recognize their incredible contributions! Submit a Nomination Here (open now thru Feb 28)

🌀 Two Street Hockey Rinks Coming to Apex
(Almost complete with Grand Opening expected in late March): In partnership with the Carolina Hurricanes and the NHL’s Industry Growth Fund, Apex Community Park will be getting an outdoor hockey rink and a second multipurpose court which can function as a second hockey rink, futsal court, or basketball court.

🔒️ Safety Reminder
Quick reminder to lock your vehicles when parked outside. We live in a very safe community but have seen a noticeable increase in vehicle break-ins over the last few months.

🔼 Meter System Upgrade
While this project has been underway for a few months, this is just a quick reminder that the meter system upgrade will continue for the next 8-14 months, reaching every residential and commercial Apex utility customer.

A Final Note:

Thank you for taking time out of your day today to read this week’s edition of The Peak Weekly.

Thursdays have become my favorite day of the week because of the outpouring of love I receive whenever this goes out (please continue; I’m now addicted to the compliments).

Check this out ↓

As a reminder, nothing in any of these emails is or has ever been paid for or sponsored. A big part of what drives this newsletter is to generate support and awareness for good local businesses, like Mason Makes it Happen.

Thank you for supporting him and other businesses that we have mentioned here. Thank you for supporting me and this newsletter.

If you have any ideas of how to make this better, want to nominate a local business to be featured, or anything else, please respond to this email or email me directly at [email protected]

Esse Quam Videri!

See you next Thursday. 😘