Fort Collins is a wellness hub. With over 50 natural areas, Lory State Park and Horsetooth Reservoir just a stone's throw away, and our status as a platinum-level bicycle friendly community, residents and visitors are always looking for ways to elevate their health. One local business, Golden Poppy Herbal Apothecary, is the perfect stop for all-natural medicine. Women-owned and operated, Golden Poppy staffs herbalists that can assist you with any questions you may have about herbs and essential oils. Their handcrafted products are created right in the store!

We spoke with Sarah Josey, the owner of Golden Poppy Herbal Apothecary, to learn more about this unique local business.

 

What do you love about the Fort Collins? 

Fort Collins has such a special blend of natural beauty and community spirit. We love how the mountains are just a short drive away, the river winds right through town, and yet there’s also a vibrant downtown full of creativity, connection, and local love. It’s a place where people truly care about each other and about living in harmony with the land.

 

What are your top 3 favorite activities to do in Fort Collins?

  1. Wandering through Old Town and supporting the local shops, cafés, and markets.
  2. Getting outside—whether that’s hiking the foothills, biking along the Poudre River Trail, or simply enjoying a quiet moment under the cottonwood trees.
  3. Connecting with community, whether through festivals, farmers’ markets, or simply gathering with friends over a warm cup of tea.

A storefront with a butterfly in the window of an old brick building

What "can't miss" activity/restaurant/place would you tell a first-time visitor to go?

We’d send them straight to the foothills for a hike or sunset view—Horsetooth Reservoir is a classic for good reason. And afterwards, wandering Old Town for dinner and a locally brewed drink captures the heart of Fort Collins beautifully.

 

What makes Golden Poppy Herbal Apothecary unique?

Golden Poppy Herbal Apothecary is a space where herbal wisdom and modern wellness meet. All of our products are handcrafted with intention, using organic, sustainable ingredients. Beyond our shelves of teas, tinctures, and body care, what makes us unique is the way we weave education, community, and heart into everything we do. We’re not just a shop—we’re a gathering place for those seeking a deeper connection to their health and the natural world.

Shopping area in Golden Poppy.

 

What is the story behind how Golden Poppy got its start?

Golden Poppy began from a love of plants and a desire to share their healing gifts with others. What started as a passion for herbalism grew into a vision for creating a community hub where people could come to learn, explore, and experience the magic of natural medicine. Over the years, we’ve grown into a full herbal apothecary and wellness center, but our roots remain the same: honoring the plants, supporting health, and nurturing connection.

A woman shopping.

 

What do you want visitors to experience at Golden Poppy?

We want everyone who walks through our doors to feel welcomed, cared for, and inspired. Whether they’re browsing for a tea blend, attending a workshop, or simply pausing for a moment of calm, we hope they leave feeling more connected to themselves, to the plants, and to the community around them.

10 women in front of the Golden Poppy store.

(Photos provided by Golden Poppy Herbal Apothecary)

Golden Poppy Herbal Apothecary

Address: 223 N. College Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80521
Hours: Monday - Saturday from 10am to 6pm; Sunday from 11am to 5pm
Phone: (970) 682-4373
Email: info@GoldenPoppyHerbs.com
Website: https://goldenpoppyherbs.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GoldenPoppyHerbs/#
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goldenpoppyherbs/