Visit Green Line Apothecary – Providence, Rhode Island
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Have you ever been intrigued by a place and said to yourself, “I want to check this out someday.” Green Line Apothecary was one of those places and I finally stopped to check it out.
Green Line Apothecary was a shop I passed on my way out of the city of Providence. Driving down North Main Street in traffic is normally a routine event, yet I always noticed this place. The decor and the name caught my eye. I always told myself I’d stop by “one day” but too many days passed before I ever did.
Cute cafe tables and chairs were visible through the large front windows and I thought it was a coffee shop. Maybe a coffee shop with New Age herbs and books to buy. And maybe crystals! I was pleasantly surprised when my sister and I finally decided to stop in for a visit. Come along with me while I share what we found inside!
What is an Apothecary?
First, it truly is an apothecary in a more modern sense.
a*poth*e*car*y (noun) – a person who prepares and sells medicines and drugs
The word comes from Latin, and then Old French. It means “shopkeeper, or one who stores, compounds, and sells medicaments.” Popular use of the term has decreased over time but many pharmacies use this term to bring a touch of nostalgia to their business. Works perfectly for Green Line Apothecary.
Establishing Green Line Apothecary
Green Line was established in 2016 with the aim of reviving the concept of a community-focused pharmacy. It draws inspiration from the classic apothecaries and soda fountains that were popular in the early 20th century.
Where Did the Name Come From?
The co-founders of the pharmacy, Ken and Christina Procaccianti, met and fell in love in Boston. Ken proposed to Christina on the Green Line MBTA train in the city, and the name was created.
Green Line Apothecary is a working pharmacy filling prescriptions at the back of the store. Due to its location and a small parking lot, you won’t find the crowds common at stores like CVS or Walgreens. Here you are more than just a name on a prescription. The personalized service and attention is what makes this place so special. They also offer free delivery in Rhode Island for eligible orders.
What Do They Offer?
They offer prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, and various health and wellness products.
Their wide assortment of healthcare products are for the whole family. As I strolled up and down the aisles, I noticed sleep aids, health supplements, hair care products, and many other health and wellness essentials. I also noticed some CBD products available to purchase.
Green Line Apothecary emphasizes supporting local businesses and sourcing high-quality, organic products. They offer a selection of local and artisanal goods, including skincare products, soaps, candles, and other unique items. It’s worth it to check out their shelves for natural, homeopathic, and locally-made products.
Games and Toys on the Truck
I noticed there were many games and toys available to buy. Most of the games are popular classics created by another local company, Hasbro. Colorful boxes and a creative display added to the homey theme running throughout the store. Not many places have an antique truck in the back holding artfully stacked classic versions of Twister, Clue, Sorry, and Chutes and Ladders. There are also books, cards, and other fun things to look over. I could have spent an hour just checking out everything on the shelves. But the best is yet to come.
The Greatest Treat of All – The Soda Fountain
The absolute best feature has to be the old-fashioned soda fountain lining one wall of the shop.
In the early years of drugstores, many people saw the shop as a gathering and meeting place. Soda fountains were a common sight in many stores. By the 1920’s and Prohibition, soda counters became a place to socialize and enjoy a refreshing drink. Even the mighty Coca-Cola got its start in Jacob’s Pharmacy in Atlanta, Georgia way back in 1886.
Stools line the sparkling clean counter of their restored 1940s soda fountain serving organic ingredients. A huge mirror reflects back the soda counter and the aisles of the shop. Their soda fountain menu offers some amazing treats.
- sodas
- ice cream
- shakes
- floats
- coffee and teas
- phosphates
- lime rickeys
- egg creams
I went with the Raspberry Lime Rickey and my sister chose a chocolate Egg Cream. No eggs or cream in the recipe but it was definitely tasty! It felt like we had stepped back in time and was very enjoyable. I’ve never thought to just relax and have a chat while in a pharmacy.
Green Line Staff and Customers
All of these fun features would be meaningless without the welcoming staff at Green Line Apothecary. Everyone was just so friendly and kind. Even the other customers!
While we sat at the soda counter sipping our drinks, customers waiting for prescriptions started chatting about the weather and asked if we were enjoying them. It felt like we had returned to a time when people cared more about the community and chatted with each other. That feeling is hard to find in today’s society.
This feeling of camaraderie ran through the entire store and made it a refreshing place to visit. I’m planning a return soon to check out some of their coffee drinks.
Community Involvement
The apothecary is actively involved in the local community and hosts events and workshops focused on health and wellness. They also collaborate with other local businesses and organizations to promote community engagement and support.
Where is Green Line Located?
There are two locations of Green Line Apothecary in Rhode Island for you to visit.
905 North Main Street, Providence, Rhode Island 02904 (8:30am-8:00pm) 401-633-8100
245 Main Street, Wakefield, Rhode Island 02879 (8:30am-8:00pm) 401-360-3300
In Conclusion: Green Line Apothecary
From their professional pharmacy services to their products available for purchase, walking in to Green Line Apothecary feel like stepping back in time. The welcome from the staff, the arrangement of the products, and the amazing fun drinks create a pleasant experience from start to finish. Please give them a visit and I whole-heartedly recommend the Raspberry Lime Rickey! It’s tart and refreshing.
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