By Lori Nagel
ra Enzer is by no means a stranger to setting up her Mountain Laurel Apothecary shop, this being her third location in almost 4 years. However, this time she feels like this new home for the shop may be around for quite a while. As she puts it, “This is technically the third one, and the third time’s the charm, so I’m not going anywhere.”
They’ve remodeled the garage at the Crestone Inn, located at 171 S. Alder Avenue in downtown Crestone. “We installed windows, walls, plumbing and a bar,” Enzer said. “The reason why I wanted to upgrade to this space is because I wanted to have an elixir bar in a place where people could hang out, have herbal drinks and also a little bit of food – not just a store, but more of a hangout place.”
It’s kid friendly, too, with toys for them to play with while parents can peacefully enjoy some intriguing conversation.
The Menu
Enzer makes the majority of the herbal products in her shop, including the elixirs. The menu includes a homemade root beer, refreshing mint mate and other delicious herbal drinks, some featuring locally-made products, such as Peter May’s Q-Tonic.
The drinks are perfect to wash down tasty treats, many of which are gluten free and made right here in Crestone by various bakers.
Crestone local, Andrew Vortex, provides Shilajit for sale in the shop as well, which he cited is, “…good for digestion, good for sleep, good for appetite, good for bone health, good for reproduction health, good for, actually, everything.”
The Shop
Mountain Laurel Apothecary has a bulk herb wall, with medicinal herbs available to stock at-home apothecaries. Other retail items include clothing, essential oils, locally made bath bombs, cards, sage, plants, local art and handmade jewelry. They’re also planning to have herbal skincare and a bulk tincture section.
Books from the Herbal Library of the late Lillian McCracken are for sale in the shop, with Enzer’s books mixed in, which provide myriads of the best information available about herbal remedies.
Movie Nights and Event Hosting
For those who like enjoying movies with friends, the apothecary is hosting two movie nights every week, with one of them being geared towards children.
Enzer is also eager to open the space up for locals to hold gatherings. “If anyone wants to host any classes or meetings, especially any herbal-related classes, the space is definitely available for that,” Enzer offered. The hours are 11 a.m.- 7 p.m. every day. Find the apothecary on Facebook (www.facebook.com/mountainlaurelapothecary) and Instagram (@mountain-laurel-apothecary), or call/text 719-694-4276.