WRITTEN BY JOANNA O’LEARY
Sometimes you want to go where everything is magic.
Residents of Piscataquis County are fortunate enough to have two charming businesses that fit the bill: Triple Goddess Apothecary and BackWoods Magik.
Whether or not you believe in magic (though we hope you do), Triple Goddess Apothecary in Milo is certain to cast a relaxing spell. So named for the pagan triad deity comprising “mother,” “maiden,” and “crone,” Triple Goddess endeavors to facilitate healing through a “balance of body, mind, and spirit.”
Both co-creators Shannon Lord and Andrea Witham were intent on imbuing the space with a palpable Maine feeling, as the former hails from Brownville Junction and the latter has resided in the state for more than a decade. Combining expertise in business management, customer service, and herbalism, the duo has forged a unique establishment that simultaneously offers mystical duende alongside local accessibility.
The boutique side of Triple Goddess vends a full range of natural tinctures, tonics, and medical-grade cannabis products designed to promote all aspects of wellness, as well as home decor items such as candles and greeting cards. The apothecary, in turn, doubles as a cafe, serving handcrafted teas, responsibly sourced coffee, and baked goods. Strawberry cheesecake-stuffed cookies are a specialty for patrons looking to tune in, turn on, and drop out — even for just an hour — as a means of finding respite from the madding world.
On a balmy early-summer day, the shop’s cozy, book-lined interior and soothing earth tones make it easy to linger over a glass of lavender lemonade or the Garden Tea, a refreshing house creation made with chamomile, hibiscus, and lemon balm, topped with strawberry-rose syrup and vanilla cold foam.
With a cup in hand, visitors can peruse the latest selection of jewelry and home decor made by local artisans at their leisure. Or, if caffeine and conversation are in order, there’s a loveseat perfect for spirited tete-a-tetes.
Just a few miles down the road in Dover-Foxcroft, there’s more magic to be found at BackWoods Magik, owned and operated by Colleen and Peter Cunningham.
Both are transplants from Minnesota who brought their fervent passion for all things metaphysical to their new home, which in large part inspired the title of the shop itself.
“This place is magic,” Colleen said. “That’s how we came up with the name for BackWoods Magik.”
As “Maine’s Original Metaphysical Comic Shop,” BackWoods Magik is an invaluable resource for the bibliophilic witch — or those who are simply pagan-curious. In addition to offering a comprehensive selection of books on spell-casting, foraging, and herbology, this quaint mystical market is home to a diverse array of magical paraphernalia, including apparel, tarot decks, jewelry, and crystals.
For the plushie-loving pagan, there’s also an admirable selection of Punchkins. But perhaps the best thing about BackWoods Magik is something not for sale: the conversations one can have with the Cunninghams, who are generous — but never officious — in sharing their wisdom and guidance.