A Day Trip to The Paris Apothecary

Head west from Washington DC and you’ll soon find yourself in the Paris of Virginia. Here you can spend the night at a celebrated bed and breakfast, say a prayer in a centuries-old church, explore the offerings of an antiques shop in a building as old as its wares, and pop in for a shrub at the Paris Apothecary.

After this day trip, I realized just how much I have neglected the villages in Virginia’s hunt country and the magic they hold!

an old building bears the sign "Paris Apothecary"

So what, exactly, is an apothecary?

They are the original dispensaries! Modern day apothecaries still provide various herbal blends, now referred to as alternative or complementary medicine.

While apothecaries typically focus on whole, organic, natural products, I wasn’t exactly sure what I’d find in Paris.

They certainly have a lot to offer, but if you aren’t looking for herbs, you can still enjoy the bar! It offers tea, coffee, elixirs, shrubs, and great conversation. Try something new!

a drink in a mason jar with a paper straw rests on the apothecary bar

Perhaps pick up a bottle of drinking vinegar?

drinking vinegar and salves line the shelves

For the less adventurous, you’ll find sauces, honey, syrups, jams, and jellies.

syrups, honey, and james line the shelves

The Paris Apothecary also stocks crunchy staples like beeswax paper, tea and herb blends, essential oils, salves, and soaps.

essential oils, salves, and honey line the shelves of the apothecary

Explore a bit more and you’ll discover jewelry and hand-knits made by local artisans.

hand-knit mittens wait for hands in a bowl by handmade beaded jewelry

The Paris Apothecary is definitely an experience you don’t want to miss! On your way out, be sure to grab some heavenly scones next door at The Ashby Inn & Restaurant!