News

Funs Things For Kids in Apex Oct & Nov 2011

Posted: October 31, 2011

Looking for fun activities for children Apex?  Just steps away from the Villages of Apex at the Apex Community Center are classes your elementary age children and teens are sure to enjoy!  In addition to the classes, you should also note that there are Open Gym times available at the Community Center for Apex Residents.  Passes include 10 visits for: Adults (18-54) $10, Teens (13-17) $5, Youth (8-12) $5, Children (7 & under) and Seniors (55+) are FREE!

JUNIOR ENGINEERING
Ages 6-8. Join us as we explore and solve problems while learning about the building blocks of engineering simple machines. Students enjoy hands-on activities with levers, gears, wheels, axles, and pulleys that incorporate math, science and creativity. Computer Explorers instructs. Limited to 12 participants.
Fees: $149(R) $164(NR) (4 classes)
Nov 18-Dec 16 F 4-6pm
(No class Nov 25)

AMERICAN RED CROSS ~ Babysitter Training/Infant/Child/CPR & Basic First Aid
Ages 11-15. Students will gain skills necessary to provide safe and responsible care for children by developing leadership, safety and safe play, basic child care, professionalism, and first aid procedures for breathing difficulties, bleeding, poisoning, burns, shocks and other emergencies. Learn to identify and apply the Emergency Action Steps. Certification is good for 2 years. Bring lunch and drink.
Please register at least one week in advance.  Limited to 15  participants.
Fees: $90(R) $105(NR) (1 class)
Nov 19 Sat 9am-5pm
Dec 17 Sat 9am-5pm

BEGINNING ACRYLIC PAINTING
Ages 16+. Introductory painting class for beginners, begin-againers, and painters who want to learn more about basic painting techniques. We’ll discuss paint application, what brushes to use, compositions, what colors work well together and more. There will be demos and lots of one-on one attention in this fun and exploratory class. *$10 supply fee due to instructor at the first class. Rebecca Rousseau instructs. Limited to 15 participants.
Fees: $25*(R) $40(NR) (1 class)
Nov 19 Sat 9:30am-12:30pm

CREATIVE DRAMA
Ages 6-7. Students will develop their creativity and learn to focus their energy as they explore skills needed to bring a story to
life such as characterization, concentration, dialogue, improvisation and pantomime. Each session ends with a “Sharing” for
parents and friends. No experience necessary. Raleigh Little Theatre instructs. Limited to 12 participants.
Fees: $75*(R) $90*(NR) (7 classes)
Panicky Pigs, Racing Rabbits and Talented Turtles!
Oct 25-Dec 13 T 4:30-5:30pm
(No class Nov 22)

Love coming to Historic Downtown Apex to shop at our great Boutiques, or eat at one of the wonderful resturaunts there?   We bet you’d love to live close by in the Villages of Apex!  New Homes featuring some of the best Raleigh New Home Builders with Custom designs!  Have other favorite activities in Apex you’d like for us to share?  Just leave a note below!

Free Finished 3rd Floor HHHuntHomes

Posted:

HHHunt Homes Existing Inventory Homes now have new Incentives at the Villages of Apex!

We are offering a “FREE FINISHED 3^rd FLOOR” incentive on specific homes!  Additionally, if you use our approved lender or attorney, we will contribute $5000 towards closing cost for these homes!

Villages of Apex HOMESITE 182 – 1006 Branch Line Lane
Garrett Model – Bungalow B – 2212 sq ft
3BD, 2.5BA, 2 car garage, loft and laundry 2nd floor, 2nd floor master suite w/large walk-in closet, crescent shaped breakfast bar in kitchen, formal dining room with chair rail.
Only $251,900
MLS# 1802072

Villages of Apex HOMESITE 303 – 1134 Marker Drive
Stewart Model – Bungalow B – 1942 sq ft
3BD, 2.5BA, 2 car garage, loft, 2nd floor master suite w/large walk-in closet, center island in kitchen, white glazed cabinets, stainless steel appliances, screened porch off family room, hardwood floors throughout 1st floor!
Only $265,645
MLS# 1789101

Villages of Apex HOMESITE 265 – 990 Branch Line Lane
Bradshaw Model – Heritage A – 2406 sq ft
4BD, 2.5BA, 2 car garage, loft, 2nd floor master suite with his/her closets and spa bath, corner gas fireplace, stainless steel appliances, full front porch!
Only $254,900
MLS# 1802105

Learn More about these Home Buyer Incentives from HHHunt Homes for their Villages of Apex Inventory!  

Beautiful new homes near downtown Apex, NC – built by a Premiere Raleigh  new home builder!

Adult Basketball Teams and More in Apex NC

Posted: October 23, 2011

Got Game?  Love to Play Basketball?  The Villages of Apex is literally across the Street from the Gym!  The Apex Community Center Basketball League is one of the most competitive environments for adults who love to play basketball.  The teams are paired off into 2 Divisions, based upon team talent – and it’s anybody guess who will win the Season, and the Glory!  Looking for other ways to meet new friends and get healthy?  Check out the other classes we found below!

ADULT BASKETBALL
Registration begins: 9am, Monday, November 14
Registration deadline: 4pm, Thursday, December 15
Registration by team only.

Ages 18+ (by January 2, 2012). Teams must register for either the A or B Divisions. A Division games will be played on Tuesdays and
Thursdays and B Division games will be played on Mondays and Wednesdays. A minimum of 4 teams is required to create a Division.
There is a 6 team maximum in each Division. League play will start January 17 and will end mid-March. APR&CR reserves the right to
place teams in either division once a determination has been made concerning the strength of the submitted roster. The A Division
is for more skilled teams. All teams must qualify for membership in the league through the priority point system as established by
APR&CR. The registration deadline is final for all required documentation and materials. No exceptions!

Have Back or Neck Pains?  Try:  FUNCTION FITNESS TO IMPROVE CORE STRENGTH
Ages 17+. Increase your understanding of the core concept and its relationship to overall correct posture. Learn advanced level core posture alignment exercises and how to implement them to improve appearance, increase circulation and core strength. Standing and mat stretches will be learned for the alleviation of stress and discomfort, and the improvement of physical health and well being. General exercise menus are used. Surteg Sandhu instructs. Limited to 25 participants.
Fees: $49(R) $64(NR) (1 class)
Nov 5 Sat 10am-1pm
Dec 3 Sat 10am-1pm

KITCHEN BOOTCAMP
Ages 18+. Have you lost control of your food budget? Stop wasting money at restaurants and start eating tasty meals at home. Learn how spending just 30 minutes a week planning meals can significantly cut your spending and eliminate the stress of wondering what’s
for dinner. In this bootcamp aimed toward kitchen newbies, a kitchen organizer and registered dietician will share insider tricks to convert your cluttered kitchen into an organized, efficient space and provide you with the tools to develop a personalized meal
planning system that meets your needs. Jill Hively instructs. Limited to 20 participants.
Fees: $36(R) $51(NR) (4 classes)
Oct 27-Nov 17 Th 7-8pm

While you’re this close, stop by the Villages of Apex, and see the new homes in Apex ready for you to move in!  We have the best new home builders in Raleigh, Apex or Cary!  PLUS, we are convenient to DownTown Apex, the cool boutiques, and fun things to do with kids of all ages or Active 55+ in Apex at the Halle Cultural Art Center and the Apex Community Center!!

Turkey Trot – 600 People Run in Apex

Posted: October 17, 2011

There’s always something new to do in Apex! Coming in a few weeks, we’re going to have the 13th Annual Turkey Trot!  Registration for this event is already full – but it’s going to be fun, so come out and enjoy!  The race starts at the Apex Community Park, just off HWY 64, down Laura Duncan Road.

13th Annual Turkey Trot 5K Run

It is time to chase down that Turkey at Apex Community Park on Saturday, November 19 at 10am. The course has been re-certified this year with a few slight changes. The start and finish lines will be in the same spot for the first time as the rest of course will take you through the park and around a scenic lake. Registration is limited to the first 600 individuals (the race has filled approximately one month prior to event last year).

Again this year we will offer a RECREATIONAL division. Entries in this division will not receive a timing chip and will not be officially timed, recorded or eligible for awards. Individuals will be responsible for keeping their own time if desired. Everything else will be the same as the COMPETITIVE entrants including receiving race t-shirt.

Categories of Competition:

Men’s & Women’s 15 and under; 16-19; 20-24; 25-29; 30-34; 35-39; 40-44; 45-49; 50-54; 55-59; 60-64, 65-69, 70 & up

Again the Event is FULL – but do come out and enjoy the fun!  While you’re this close, stop by the Villages of Apex, and see the new homes in Apex ready for you to move in!  We have the best new home builders in Raleigh, Apex or Cary!  PLUS, we are convenient to DownTown Apex, the cool boutiques, and fun things to do with kids of all ages or Active 55+ in Apex at the Halle Cultural Art Center and the Apex Community Center!!

 

Halloween Fun Apex NC

Posted: October 15, 2011

Halloween is coming up – and there are tons of fun things to do right around the corner from Villages of Apex!  The Town website says that Halloween will be observed on October 31st this year.

Trick or Treat on Salem Street – October 31st from 4-8pm 

The Apex Downtown Business Association invites you to join us for Trick or Treat on Salem Street! The event starts at 4pm and there will be fun for the whole family as you Trick or Treat your way up and down historic downtown Apex. Don’t miss out on our costume contest starting every half hour in front of the chamber with categories for children of all ages (and the family pets, of course).

Costume Contest Schedule:  Baby & Toddler (ages 0-3) 5:30 pm, Child (3-7) 6:00 pm, Big Kid (8-12) 6:30 pm, Teen (13-18) 7:00 pm, Family & Pets 7:30 pm     For more information please contact GreenPea Baby at 919-387-9880.  Hope to see you there!

GOBLINS GROOVE

The Cary Arts Center will Kick off Halloween early! Enjoy music from the 80’s & 90’s along with dance music of today. There will be your spooky favorites along with dance contests and freaky tricks and treats. Parent/child dance, youth & teens must be accompanied by adult. Halloween costumes strongly encouraged but not required. Spooky punch and snacks provided. Tickets are $5/couple and $2 per additional child. Fri, Oct 21 7-9:30pm

Reel-ly Scary Movies by Moonlight

Koka Booth Amphitheatre extends its Movies by Moonlight series to the fall with a Reel-ly Scary Cary Halloween movie series from Oct. 25–29. The tree-lined surroundings of the venue add to the chills. Gates open at 6 p.m., with the movies starting at dusk. Admission is $3, and kids 12 and younger are free. Picnics are allowed, and concession stands will be open.

The lineup is:

Tuesday, Oct. 25: The Haunting (1963)
Wednesday, Oct. 26: Misery
Thursday, Oct. 27: Disney’s The Haunted Mansion
Friday, Oct. 28: The Blair Witch Project
Saturday, Oct. 29: DOUBLE FEATURE — Scream followed by Scary Movie

A portion of the proceeds from Disney’s Haunted Mansion on Oct. 27 will be donated to the WakeMed Foundation’s Just for Kids Kampaign.  For more info, visit http://boothamphitheatre.com/movies.htm.

Haunted Twilight Tour

Join the Cary Players for a macabre tour of historic downtown Cary. Your tour guides will share spooky legends and tales of yesteryear, guaranteed to send a chill up your spine. Tours begin at 6:30, 7 and 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 28, starting from the Page Walker Arts & History Center. Ages 13 and up. For info, see http://www.carymagazine.com/social-calendar/event-2201.

Raleigh Jaycees Haunted House

From Oct. 20-31, a very scary haunted house dubbed Terror at Possum Creek: Power Outage will be open for visitors at 2526 Hillsborough St. in Raleigh. It’s entirely planned, designed, built, and hosted by volunteers from the Raleigh Jaycees. Admission is $10. See http://www.terroratpossumcreek.com/ for more information.

Fright at the Museum

Adults can have their Halloween fun on Saturday, Oct. 29, at an inaugural event at CAM Raleigh downtown. Fright at the Museum: A Halloween Party runs from 8–11 p.m., with a VIP party beginning at 7 p.m. The evening will include a costume contest, dancing, pop-up dance performances, graffiti art, fire and aerial performances and more. Tickets are $15 for CAM/now members, $25 for CAM Raleigh museum members and $30 for non-members. More information can be found at www.camraleigh.org/halloween.

Oct and Nov Family Art Activites Downtown Apex

Posted: October 14, 2011

Many of the people living in The Villages of Apex are here because we are located just minutes from Downtown Apex.  Between the Halle Cultural Arts Center (donated by our developer) and the Apex Community Arts Center, there are activities almost daily for every age group and interest! October and November 2011 are especially packed with Cultural Arts events to enjoy!

AUDITIONS!  Have a potential Actor in your midst?  On  Mon, Oct 17, from 6:30-8:30pm and on Tues, Oct 18, 6:30-8:30pm auditions will the held for the December productions of The Prince Who Wouldn’t Talk and Nanny Claus: The North Pole Nanny

The Prince Who Wouldn’t Talk is a cute tale by James Brock, and is the story of a King and Queen who suddenly realize that their son doesn’t talk – and their efforts to cure him. Nanny Claus: The North Pole Nanny is written by Andy Beck and Brian Fisher.  This tale is about an Elf family, and their children who keep causing all their nannies to quit – and the wonderful solution to the problem.

The show is being Directed by Kathleen Rudolph, with the Raleigh Little Theatre.  Rehearsals for the show will be Mon-Fri, Oct 24-Dec 15, 6:30-8:30 (pm plus some Saturday afternoons).

INFINITY BALLET ~  “Storybook Weekend”  Opening with a dance about Sisterhood performed by four young dance students with premiere choreography by IBT contemporary choreographer Cari-Lenn Orr this program features dances telling short stories about how the relationship of friends warms a heart.   Also  featured on the program will be excerpts from Cinderella with premiere choreography by Brian Youngkin.   The performances will be at 3pm on Saturday, October 29, and Sunday, October 30.  General Admission Tickets are only $5.

Both Active 55+ and families will enjoy the Western Wake Artists’ Studio Tour  from  November 3 through 26, 2011 at the Halle Cultural Arts Center.  Along with the exhibit and sale there will be a highlight of Natalie Winters’ work.  A reception will be held on November 4th from 7 until 9.

Pizza & A Show-Family Movie Night  Featuring “Cars 2″   The Halle Cultural Arts center only sets up 80 chairs for this special monthly event. Enjoy a slice or two of pizza while watching the movie.  Bottled water, chips and dessert are served. Children 2 and under are FREE; children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. These events sell out so make sure to buy your tickets early! Thursday, November 17, 6-8 pm (Doors: 5:30 pm)  Tickets: $5.00 for the meal-the movie is FREE!  Contact the Halle Center EARLY to insure you can get tickets!  (919) 249-1120

Free Spirits Ensemble of the RALEIGH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA “Twisted Tales”  A wonderful Children’s concert featuring the world premiere of Lanette Lind’s newest work: Wolfie Locks. A fun concert for any age! Whether you like a “hot” boogie beat, movie music by John Williams, or want to be the first to hear the Wolf ’s side of the story as he meets the Three Little Pigs, Peter, Red Riding Hood, and the Three Bears, you are sure to smile and tap your toes!  The performance is Sunday, November 20, 3 pm
Tickets:  Adults-$12, Seniors/Students-$10,  ages 5-11-$5, children under 4-free

Love going to downtown Apex to shop at our great Boutiques?  Do you have a favorite restaurant in downtown Apex (we have a couple, just ask us!), then consider a new home in Apex at The Villages of Apex.  We are located just minutes from the excitement of historic downtown Apex!

If you are looking for more activities for Active 55+ Seniors in Apex – we are ALSO close to the Classes and Events happening at the Apex Community Center on Hunter Street!  You’ll love the Charleston Collection, beautiful new homes in Apex, Custom Built by premiere Raleigh new home builders!

Villages Of Apex Visits The Fair

Posted: October 13, 2011

Fun Things To Do At The Fair Friday, Oct 21st:

Visit Villages Of Apex in the WRAL Tent!

• N.C. Cattlemen’s Beef Council – Live Well with Lean Beef Recipe Contest: 10 a.m.
• Strolling Farm Animal Mobile Robots:  Strolling all day in KidsLand
• Folk Festival:  10am
• Open Horse Show at The Jim Hunt Horse Arena:  1 PM
• Cattle Judging – 2pm, 5pm
• Hubba Bubba the Clown: 6pm  Kiddieland Fun Park Stage (LOTS of Free Acts Here all day!)
• Fireworks at 9:45

Fun Things To Do At The Fair Saturday, Oct 22nd:

Visit Villages Of Apex in the WRAL Tent, and meet these great TV Stars!

Sat. 10/22 11-2 Sloane Hefferman, 2-5 Brian Shrader, 7-9 Cullen Browder

Fun Things To Do At The Fair Sunday, Oct 23rd:

Visit Villages Of Apex in the WRAL Tent and Meet These TV Stars!

11-2 Bill Leslie & Kelcey Carson, 2-5 Greg Fishel, 7-9 Renee Chou

• Junior Dairy Show and  Costume Class:  9am
• Pygmy Goat Show Costume & Obstacle:  10am
• Dale Jones Juggler – North Dorton Lawn:  1pm
• Fleischmann’s Yeast – Bake for the Cure Baking Contest  2 p.m.
• Steve Trash ECO Magician – magic tricks & comedy that provide children tips on being earthy-friendly: 4pm
• Kelly Pickler:  Playing in Dorton Arena, Tickets are $15, starts at 7:30
• Fireworks 9:45

Click here to Download The Last Weekend Brochure with ALL of the Events For the NC STATE FAIR

Events For Active 55+ in Apex NC

Posted: October 12, 2011

Less than a mile from the Villages of Apex is the Community Center, located at 53 Hunter Street.  The Town of Apex has MANY activities for Active 55+ folks!  During the months of October and November there are Day Trips to the Fair, Fall Planting Tips, Line Dancing Classes, Yoga Classes, Luncheons, Bridge, Bocci Ball Games and a Veteran’s Luncheon - just for starts!

In addition, the Town of Apex is offering a Fall Health and Resources Fair, free to all Apex Seniors 55+,  on October 26th.  This is the fifth time this event has been offered, and it’s a great time to get a Flu Shot, and meet local pharmacists and health professionals in Apex!

So, Grab your calendar, and see which activities might work for you!  Living at The Villages of Apex (near historic downtown Apex)  means it’s EASY to be active and connected to your friends!

DAY TRIPS From Downtown Apex for Seniors 55+ in October and November 2011

Meet at The Apex Community Center parking lot located at 53  Hunter Street. Arrive 15-30 minutes early.  The cost of the trip includes round trip in a 15 passenger bus!

The NC State Fair

While seniors ages 65 and over get in free every day of the Fair, on Tuesday, Oct. 18, you can also enjoy a free Bojangles breakfast
and entertainment at the Senior Citizen Fun Festival. Frankie Faucet and the Drips will entertain everyone with 50′s “Do Wop” music.
You will be at the fair on your own.

Fees: $8 Apex Residents (for bus ride)
October 18th, 8:30am to 2:00pm

Replacements, Ltd and Tanger Outlet Mall

Come finish your last minute Holiday shopping!

Replacements, Ltd. has the world’s largest inventory of discontinued and active porcelain, bone china, earthenware and crystal stemware, as well as sterling, silver-plate, and stainless steel flatware. A guided tour will be offered to share the history of the showroom and to view rare collections. There will also be time for shopping.  Replacements Ltd. is located on the Apex side of Greensboro, on I40, a little over an hour’s drive from Apex.

Tanger Outlets Mall – on the way back to Apex, stop at the new Tanger Outlets in Mebane, NC featuring your favorite designers such as Ralph Lauren, Nine West, Saks 5th Avenue, Talbots, Bass and the QVC outlet store.  A great way to go to the Malls, without having to drive and find a parking spot!  We will stop for lunch at Cracker Barrel (not included in price).

Thursday, November 3 ~ 8:00 am – 5:30 pm
Apex Residents – $10

If you are interested in either of these Day Trips for Apex Seniors 55+, you can E-mail: jessica.puckett@apexnc.org  or call the Parks and Recreation Department at 919-249-3402.  Seating on the bus is limited, and although we didn’t list the price, you can invite your friends who Don’t live in The Villages of Apex yet – they just have to pay a little more.

Here’s more information cool things for Active 55+ Adults to do in Apex during October and November!  The Villages of Apex is located MINUTES from the Senior Activities at the Apex Community Center (there’s even a “back” road to get there quicker now!)  Looking for homes near Activities, with ranch floor plans, AND close to historic downtown Apex – come visit The Villages of Apex!

Active 55+ Classes Oct and Nov 2011 Apex NC

Posted: October 10, 2011

There are so many activities for Active 55+ in Apex.  Most of the Classes, Luncheons and Events take place at the Community Center on Hunter Street.  The Villages of Apex is located less than a mile from the Center, and home owners enjoy being just a few minutes away from the Fun! (there’s a map at the bottom of this showing how close we are!)

During October and November is packed full of  Senior activities in Apex:

October 15th,  Saturday,  2-4pm

FALL INTO COLOR, and get landscape ideas from a professional!  Everyone wants the plants and flowers in their landscape to be colorful and healthy. Put a little color into your fall by learning which plants will brighten your yard and porch. Planting tips and techniques to help the proper winter colors thrive. This class is specifically designed for the Active 55+ Seniors in Apex.

Bring a picture of your landscape or porch you would like to improve to possibly be used as an example. Angela Reincke of Flat Rock Landscaping will be leading this session.  The class is FREE and it is limited to 20 participants. Free.

October 26th,  Wednesday from 9am-12pm at the Apex Community Center

HEALTH & RESOURCES FAIR  Active 55+ Senior Event! Come attend the Free 5th Annual Apex Senior Health & Resource Fair. Local health professionals will be on hand to answer questions. Health screenings, flu shots, pharmacy consultations and raffle all
in one place!

November 10, Thursday from  11:30am-1pm

Veteran’s Celebration: Honor our veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces at a Luncheon at the Community Center on November 10th.  Seniors are invited to bring a covered dish to share with others.  This “pot luck” event will be a great opportunity to get to know other participating seniors, and meet those who have served.

Please bring non-perishable food items or toiletry products for the Western Wake Crisis Ministry.  Coffee, water, and paper products provided.  There’s no charge to participate

November Line Dancing Classes (times vary)

LINE DANCING Active 55+ Learn traditional and new lines dances in a relaxed atmosphere while getting great exercise! No partner needed. Teresa VonCannon instructs. Limited to 20 participants. Cost is $10 for 6 classes for all levels.

Nov 4-Dec 23 F 9-10am   (No class Nov 11, Nov 25)
Ultra Beginner: This class is designed for those students who have no prior experience with and are brand new to line dancing.  Learn the terminology used in line dancing and the basic steps. Learning only 1-wall dances.

Nov 4-Dec 23 F 10:15-11:15am (No class Nov 11, Nov 25)
Beginner 1: A class for those who have some line dance experience. Participants should know basic line dance steps and terminology.

Nov 4-Dec 23 F 11:30am-12:30pm (No class Nov 11, Nov 25)
Beginner 2: This class is designed for the dancer who is confi dent in their line dance ability. Must know line dance terminology
and patterns.

Reserve space in these classes by contacting Apex Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Center – Seniors Center 53 Hunter Street
Apex, NC 27502  (919) 249-3402  Look at the Senior_Adult_Newsletter_-_September-December_2011 and see if there are other activities you might want to participate in (like Yogo, or Creative Floral Design, or Wii Bowling!)

There are also DAY TRIPS planned during October and November for Seniors in Apex, and tons of Art Exhibits and productions happening in downtown Apex to keep busy! 

The new homes in Villages of Apex is located just steps from historic Downtown Apex – and many of our residents love living here simply because it’s so close to wonder boutiques and fun events for the whole family!

If you are looking for a home on one level in Apex, or a new home in Apex with a downstairs master bedroom – contact The Villages of Apex and learn more about our great new home builder team!

More Shops and Things To Do In Downtown Apex

Posted: October 4, 2011

Hanging Out in Downtown Apex

One of the best parts of Downtown Apex is that it is an easy area to stroll, there’s lots of sidewalks with benches, and there’s tons of free parking! We have many folks who contact us at  The Villages of Apex, simply because they love hanging out downtown, and we have new homes that are just steps away from all of the activity!

Of course there are events every month at the Halle Cultural Arts Center.  We are pleased that the Raleigh Little Theatre is starting to do Improve Workshops there!

Studio 123, The Red Canvas (Catherine C. Martin) and Apex Gallery are all just waiting for you to come find beautiful art for your new home.  The Apex Gallery also does a great job with custom frames!  It’s really nice that they highlight and support local artist who live nearby in Apex and Cary.  One of my favorites is Susan Hect, one of the owners of Studio 123.  She offers painting lessons, and I’ve heard from friends that she’s a FABULOUS teacher, not just an EXTREMELY talented artist!

Above Common Grounds, you should also stop by Make It Your Own Boutique, where Owner Julie Majkowski makes One Of A Kind Handbags, Purses, scarves, etc. in her studio.  They also offer Individual Sewing Lessons (wouldn’t that be a fun Mother Son AND Daughter adventure?), and use recycled and Vintage items to embellish hats, scarves and more.  These are especially great bags for hard to please teenagers, looking for one of a kind pieces!

You will also find classes at DownTown Knits a UBER Cool Yarn and Knitting Store next to Flaunt.  On Friday nights you can find dozens of people sitting in the back of the store learning to knit, drinking coffee – it’s a fun place to hang out, and they have beautiful materials you can’t find at one of those big box craft stores.

There’s a used book store in Downtown Apex that gives back to the Community a couple of times a year with special Teacher Appreciation Events!  All Booked Up sells used books and more. It’s easy to consign to them, they have a great selection of Children’s books, and they hold readings on Weds. morning for little ones.

Looking for that perfect Baby Shower gift – OR, do you and your new dad need some Diaper Changing Classes?  The Green Pea Baby is the place to be!  This store is designed by parents, for parents, and offers all of the support a new family needs!  It’s very cool on a Friday night to see parents in the Store laughing and doing Diaper and Pod Classes  – then going out with their new friends for dinner at one of the great restaurants on Salem Street!

Other fun places to hang out, stroll, and shop include Antiques on Salem Street  and the Rusty Bucket.  Both of these places have great deals and unusual finds all year long – but I especially like to stop by near Christmas to find that perfect gift for someone on the list at a really great price.

Tirza’s Hand Made Gifts and and Wine Bar is new to the downtown scene – but it’s the perfect place to stop by after work, or when you’ve been shopping at some of the cute boutique with Girlfriends!  Tirza’s has wine tastings, and music on many weekends.  They carry Artisan Glass ware, and update it for the season.  Right now they are highlighting Peacock, Conifer and Fall Leaf Patterns. It is another great place to get a Holiday gift, or a Housewarming gift!  You can sip wine, check out a beautiful Pheasant and Peacock Wreaths or browse through hand cast monogram jewelry! Like many of the businesses in downtown Apex, you can keep up with what’s going on at the shop by connecting with them on Facebook!

Downtown Apex has plenty of Free Parking!  If you love hanging out Downtown, check out Villages of Apex, we’re just a few steps away, with new homes in Apex, custom built – lots of Ranches and one level living available!