Things to Do in Apex

After a day plowing the fields, the young Dan Andrews would jump from the tractor, feel his boots sink into the freshly turned earth, and then grab his rifle for an evening of hunting on his family's farm. Once he graduated college, Andrews found himself wanting to share his passion for the outdoors, forged by experiences such as hunting trophy buck and stalking duck along the farmland's creek beds. He returned to the land that had sustained his family for five generations and founded Drake Landing.

Today, Andrews and his team—which includes staff claiming accreditation by the National Sporting Clays Association—oversee a preserve that spans separate ranges for shooting sporting clays, pistols, and rifles. In addition to maintaining rigorous safety standards at the ranges, crews also supervise a 3-D archery course out in the forest. For outdoorsmen desiring live field experience, Drake Landing's team leads guided upland hunting for pheasant and quail as well as hunting trips for dove, deer, and Red October.

A fishing bobber quivers atop the water's surface and plunges swiftly downward to indicate a fish has taken the bait. At the other end of the line, a young girl takes hold of the rod as her family cheers her on. Greggofish Guide Service owner Greg Griffin forges memories like these, leading lighthearted family trips or aquatic excursions to catch specific species such as largemouth bass.

The captain welcomes groups aboard his Carolina Skiff—a 24-foot vessel with a T-top that offers shade and cover from fishes' spy satellites. Though an accomplished fisherman, Greg doesn't cast his own line during charters. Instead, he gives full attention to his passengers, helping them use provided supplies such as rods, reels, and bait. Greg also maintains an online tutorial page, where fledgling fishers can go for tips or to send fish e-vites to their next barbecue.

Kidz-N-Play's indoor-play facility enthralls youngsters with its plethora of educational and recreational toys, structures, and activities. The masterminds behind the playground flank their moon bounce with two slides and a spacious jumping area, and crowd a large table with a wooden-train set. Their lego table gives kids a chance to practice building skills or explore a policy of aggressive economic expansion. A dance area equipped with Just Dance Kids for Xbox Kinect eliminates calories during lengthy boogying sessions, and a toddler play area sets tots on a foam-cushioned floor awash in age-appropriate toys. When designing the indoor playground, the owners didn't forget about parent and guardian visitors and equipped a seating area overlooking the playrooms with free WiFi and televisions.

From its humble beginnings in 1984 as an outlet for student performances to its current status as a professional ballet company, the Carolina Ballet has continuously awed audience members with classic pieces such as Carmen, The Nutcracker, and Swan Lake. Artistic director Robert Weiss helms the graceful outfit, often staging his own choreography. Symposium was particularly memorable for its use of “Serenade” by Leonard Bernstein and its finale, in which dancers leapt over lecture podiums.

Around the shores of Jordan Lake, a squad of outdoor enthusiasts works to cultivate environmental stewardship in youngsters through discovery-based classes and events that disguise education in a cloak of fun. Codirectors Eleanor Herr and Denise Nelson both possess a passion for nature, degrees in early-childhood education, and the creativity to combine the two into exciting programs.

Lessons and field trips designed for public- or home-schooled children instill a love of nature while adhering to the Common Core State and North Carolina Essential Standards for education. Events for kids and their families, such as a full-moon night hike with a campfire, encourage bonding that can strengthen telepathic communication during future potato-sack races. Weekly nature camps for ages 6–11 keep young brains blossoming in the summer. Jordan Lake Environment Education also hosts birthdays, replete with themed activities, coloring books, and free time for any self-provided cake and refreshments.