Friends of Old Town: Exploring Holistic Health at Panhandle Apothecary

Our monthly conversation on The Valley Today with Brady Cloven, Executive Director for Friends of Old Town highlighted a visit to Panhandle Apothecary, where host, Janet Michael and Brady sat down for an insightful conversation with Sarah, the operations manager and co-owner of the store.

Panhandle Apothecary, situated on the old town walking mall, is more than just a shop—it's a sanctuary of holistic health and wellness. As soon as you step through the door, you're greeted with a fragrant, comforting ambiance that feels like a warm hug. Sarah and her mother, Lorraine, established this haven in 2018 to cater to the community's diverse health needs, sparked by Lorraine's search for alternative pain management solutions.

"We started experimenting with CBD when it wasn't mainstream," Sarah shared. "We began in our kitchen, trying to manage my mother's post-surgical pain. What began as a personal quest quickly blossomed into a community resource." Panhandle Apothecary not only expanded its physical presence but also its service offerings, evolving from the Panhandle Cannabis Company to include various consultations and seminars on holistic health.

Visitors to Panhandle Apothecary are often struck by the store's extensive inventory. From over a hundred different loose medicinal herbs to specialty teas, candles, and even goat’s milk products, there's something for everyone. “We want to be a resource for the community,” Sarah emphasized. “You don’t need to make a purchase; we’re here to offer advice and support for your health journey.”

One of the anecdotes that Sarah shared highlighted the store's significant impact. A customer dealing with severe mobility issues left feeling better after trying some of their products—an experience that moved Sarah deeply. She describes these moments as incredibly rewarding, affirming the store's mission to treat the community like family.

Brady provided updates on upcoming local events, injecting even more excitement into the vibrant scene of Old Town Winchester. From the themed First Fridays to the KidzFest and Juneteenth celebration, the events promise fun and engagement for all ages. One of the standout projects is a mural program that aims to beautify the town while promoting literacy and capturing the community spirit. Stay in the know about upcoming events & projects by following them on Facebook or Instagram. You can also visit their website: https://friendsofoldtown.org/ 

Panhandle Apothecary welcomes visitors seven days a week and offers extensive online resources for those who can't visit in person. Whether you're local or halfway across the country, their team is committed to providing the same level of care and guidance. Their shop in Winchester is located on the Old Town Walking Mall at 15 S. Loudoun Street (next to Wilkins Shoe Center.) Their shop in Berkeley Springs is located at 17 Fairfax Street. Visit their website: https://www.panhandleapothecary.com/