Y'all, there may be some empty buildings, but Overton Square is not dead. I know a lot of the retail shops have moved elsewhere in recent years, but there are still places that are very much open, like my favorite local shop for natural and handmade bath and body stuff.
I suppose you could go to Bath and Body Works if you want some fancy soap or lotion. And sure, you could buy your candles at Pier One.
But when you live in a town that has Maggie's Pharm, why would you?
For 30 years, Maggie's Pharm has been selling handmade lotions, soaps, salts, shampoos and candles in Overton Square. Most of the items are made at the owner's home in Akansas and then brought to the store (she showed up today with a brand new stash of candles).
If you're picky about your smells, they have a scent bar where you can add custom fragrance to just about any of their homemade products. Sue, the manager, said that their best selling scent is China Rain (clean and slightly musky, not overly girlie).
The best part, though, is that Maggie's Pharm also carries cooking spices, medicinal herbs and local coffee and tea. Fans of McCarter's coffee can buy it at Maggie's on days when the farmers market isn't open.
If candles and soaps aren't your thing, they also sell the world's greatest greeting cards, magnets and books.
Thanks for reminding some of us that this wonderful store is still around.
I am glad that your store is still around. I love homemade soaps of all kinds. We always stop by when we are going through there. We will pick up enough soap for about a year. Thanks for being there.
Zen Waters: I will always treasure that beautiful scent when you walk through the door – been years since I moved away, but will always hold Maggie's Pharm most dear!
YEARS AGO, I WORKED AT MAGGIE'S WHEN IT WAS LOCATED IN A SMALL HOUSE ON COPPER NEAR MADISON. THE MULTI FRAGRANCES OF THE STORE'S PRODUCTS (FROM THE OILS, PERFUMES, SOAPS, CANDLES, INCENSE, HERBS, TEAS, AND COFFEES) CREATE A VERY "MAGICAL" ATMOSPHERE COMBINED WITH A SENSE OF EUPHORIA. ONCE YOU'VE VISITED MAGGIE'S PHARM, THAT INITIAL EXPERIENCE OF YOUR FIRST VISIT WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU AND YOU'LL FIND YOURSELF WISHING FOR A CHANCE TO RETURN. AND EVERY RETURN VISIT WILL ENVELOPE YOU WITH AN INTENSE ELATION AND HAPPINESS SIMILAR TO SEEING A CHERISHED FRIEND. IF THIS DESCRIPTION INTERESTS YOU, PLEASE PLAN A VISIT SOON.
I try to shop there every time I'm back in Memphis. I love the Rain scent!