I Traveled 3,477 Miles to Visit Carolyn Bessette Kennedy's Favorite Pharmacy

"C.O. Bigelow is America's oldest apothecary. It was founded in 1838, so Carolyn isn't the only famous face to have shopped here over the years. Thomas Edison reportedly used their homemade soothing balm after burning his fingers in an early lightbulb experiment, while Eleanor Roosevelt was a regular user of toiletries."

"Inside, creamy tiles lie underfoot with wooden shelves and furnishings lining the space, as chandeliers swing overhead. It's like stepping back in time. Hand creams, body washes, cleansers, lotions, shave creams; it all comes in apothecary-style, amber-tinted jars with almost-faded labels. It would be gimmicky if this weren't the real deal."

"It's now run by a fourth-generation family member, and the team still leaf through handwritten notebooks for inspiration from original formulas. Over the years, certain products have become synonymous with the brand, such as their lip salves, which come in an array of flavors like rose, lavender, and apple."

C.O. Bigelow is America's oldest apothecary, established in 1838 in Greenwich Village. The store maintains its historic charm with creamy tiles, wooden shelves, and ornate signage that transports visitors to another era. Now operated by a fourth-generation family member, the apothecary still references original handwritten notebooks for product inspiration. The store's signature items include lip salves in various flavors and skincare products in amber-tinted jars. Notable historical patrons include Thomas Edison and Eleanor Roosevelt. Located near iconic Greenwich Village landmarks like Perry Street and Magnolia Bakery, the store attracts contemporary visitors seeking authentic, heritage-quality beauty and personal care products.

Read at www.cntraveler.com