If you need a unique gift, Honeybee is where you need to shop. It's a good mixture of new and…read morevintage merchandise. It is a great addition to E Broadway (Downtown Alton). I'll admit, I haven't bought a gift here. However, I have bought myself several new pairs of socks, a couple of Christmas ornaments and a candle or two. As you can see, any of those items would make a nice one. I apologize for no pictures, but was I so impressed while I shopped I just forgot. I'll go back and add photos at a later date. I also enjoyed talking with the owner, she is so bubbly and pro Alton.

Love this locally owned boutique! They have work from lots of local makers, it's beautifully laid…read moreout with a selection great for browsing. You'll spend more than 20min here. They have fancy chocolate, local food, dishes & silverware and ceramics. There's art for sale by local artists. They have plenty of jewelry to browse through. There's clothes and antiques too. Great spot!

They found their way to my Instagram feed, so I got in the car and found my way to their shop. If…read moreyou have never been to Alton, I highly recommend a mini road trip. The drive is beautiful no matter what direction you're coming from. I live in St. Charles county and took one of the river ferry's across into Grafton. The River Road gets you to Alton in about 20 minutes. Both Grafton and Alton have great food and antique stores to choose from. I was warmly welcomed into the shop. One of the co-owners was there during my visit to assist and answer any questions. The main level is eclectic filled with furniture, knick knacks, and tchotchkes. There is also a smaller selection of clothing on the main floor. The upstairs is a vintage shoppers dream! Clothes, coats, shoes, and accessories. I'm am a fuller bodied person and sometimes have a hard time finding anything in my size. They are size inclusive and did carry true plus size clothing. I can't really speak to value. If I see something and love it, I just buy it. But I believe the pricing is fair considering the care and attention given to the quality of the items they have curated. Enjoy your day trip!

If you love vintage, you're going to love shopping at Strangelovely. I am so glad Kim relocated her…read morefabulous shop from Chicago back to her hometown roots. It fits perfectly inside this historical home. Her boutique has not only fashions, but decor for the home. I missed out on two fabulous nude male sketches for my new bathroom. They were snatched up by another shopper and we had a good laugh. He was buying them for the exact same reason. One table displaying a large variety of serving pieces really caught my eye. It had something for everyones taste. It was a good mix, of silver-plate and brass. With these pieces, a novice could create a stunning table for entertaining. I only made a small purchase, but it was a favorite item. I added two soy candles to my collection in masculine scents, Tobacco and Black Pepper. I can't wait to strike a match and have the aroma fill my new house. Kim and her associates were charming and helpful. I'm looking forward to shopping again, since it is less than a mile from my home. When: February 6, 2021 Why: Shopping Local

I absolutely love, White Birch…read more When I lived in STL, I would drive over periodically to shop holidays or shop a family/friends bridal registry. Now that I live in Godfrey, I am a regular shopper. I am such a regular that the entire staff knows my name. I am a huge fan of their, Mud Pie and Nora Fleming. I have so many pieces, at a recent party several guest would ask where I got many of my serving pieces. Each time they asked, I would respond, "White Birch". I pretty sure they some new customers after my party. Their selection of witty cocktail napkins, are always a party favorite, too. In their home decor, I've snagged a couple of their toss pillows and some art work for the dining room. The selection of men's fashion is limited, but I've bought a couple shirts and novelty sock. White Birch is a fantastic boutique in a vintage house in Alton. If you haven't been, I suggest you go and check them out. You'll be impressed. There's a lot of ladies fashions, jewelry, items for baby, home decor and upscale gifts. Shopping at WB you will be supporting a woman owned small business.

Return/expiration policies are very strict. No exceptions...at least for me but I'm betting there…read moreare plenty depending on who you are.

Just visited 1904 General Store for the first time…read more I visited downtown Alton yesterday -- for the first time in years. Decided to check out the general store as soon as I saw it -- it's a cool, welcoming old building. The first floor is full of candy, chocolate, fudge, ice cream, and other treats. I picked out some candy and sampled some delicious Belgian chocolate bars. I bought one for me, but I'll be back in a few months for friends' birthdays, and to try the fudge myself. The ice cream flavors (about 8) were all unique -- you aren't getting a simple chocolate or vanilla here. The most common of the flavors available was a rainbow sorbet. I think some of the other flavors were Shipwreck, Pirate's Bounty, and Superman, though I may not be recalling the names accurately. The upstairs is full of home decor items, including a wall decorated to look like someone's front porch. The styles are cute, though not my speed, as I am something of a minimalist. You can read all about their business and the building's Worlds Fair history over on their facebook page. Hope to visit again soon.

Beautiful old building and lovely stained glass windows! Friendly service from the lady who sold us…read moreice cream and candy.

Wow! What a great and unique gift shop. Rustic Roots has furniture, home decor, custom signs,…read morecandles, jewelry, accessories, gifts and much more. What surprised me most is that it's located in a small town in IL. This normally is the type of gift shop that you'd find in a trendy neighborhood in a big city. I was blown away by the selection of candles from two companies; Milkhouse and Malicious Women. If I had not already bought all of my holiday candles, I would have gone crazy with the scents they had to offer. When I need to re-stock my candles, it will be no internet ordering for me. I'll head down to RR and shop local. Being a foodie and one who enjoys cooking, I love a good cotton/flour sack dish towel. Especially those that have witty saying on them and I hit the jackpot here. So many to choose from. I had to stop myself at three. It also had an amazing collection of ornaments. They had a Grinch ornament that was extremely popular and they sold out it right before I arrived. It had a 2020 theme saying, it Stink, Stank, Stunk. However, I found two to add to my tree this year, so I was a happy shopper. The variety of merchandise goes on and on. They had treat jars for pets, caps, signs, soaps, birdhouses and much much more. Best of all, the majority is created by local artist. So when shopping here, you truly are supporting local.

Went to this venue for a baby and the place is amazing. Look throughout the store and I love just…read moreabout everything she had.

Very well stocked location. They have everything you can imagine here. Staff were friendly, and…read morebusy restocking the shelves. It can be a little disorganised, but staff is and was busy trying to reorganize the shelves with new stock. Plenty of parking outside. Prices are generous.

Grand opening. This is a bargain center store. Located in a busy shopping center, parking is ample…read morebut first come first serve on spaces. Upon walking in store is huge, spacious and plentiful. So many directions to venture in. Variety of items . Well lit , open floor plan, put you in mind of a mini warehouse. They sell absolutely everything!!!This could be your one stop shop if you navigate with great precision. Laminate flooring pieces , mattresses, rugs, food, clothes, shoes, home store , gardening, patio , yard, electronics etc... prices are reasonable. Staff is friendly, helpful and attentive to your shopping needs. I hope this energy stays for years to come. Store hrs attached below. I will come again I'm sure. Until next time....

I use to come to this store when it was Gardenridge. Still carry most of the same items. From home…read moredecor, outside patio sets, to bathroom, and kitchen items. They carry framed art work and picture frames. Even area rugs too. Store is very spacious and clean. All staff members are friendly and welcome. They greet you and make sure you're finding what you're looking for. I went looking for scrubs, but to my dismay they don't carry anymore. I still left with a throw blanket that was half off and some kcups for coffee. I'd still go here for other items for household items.

Honestly, I have never been so taken aback by such poor customer service. The woman checking us out…read morewas rude, judgmental & impatient. I am still in disbelief.

This place is great! We always enjoy coming here. They have really wonderful, unique and high…read morequality things. If you are there on-the-hour, they have the clocks synchronized to chime simultaneously. Beautiful! If you are looking to plow through piles of junk, this isn't your place. If you are looking for really great antiques at reasonable prices, go here! Some prices may seem high, but if you are knowledgeable about the pieces, you will find their prices to be fair. The guys that own the place are very knowledgeable, and fun to work with. We came away with several great items today. Very happy with our finds!

I don't know else to but WOW. This place is a must must see…read more Your typical antique shop is dank, musty and dusty with things sort of scattered about in a seemingly random pattern of mostly generic stuff you've seen a dozen times. The Alton Antique Center is the antithesis of this! Its fun and bright as soon as you hit the doors. It smells fabulous inside and is like walking through a luxurious museum of the most amazing things from around the world. I was literally taken aback by how gorgeous it is inside. Their inventory is so far off the beaten path that even if you aren't in the market to buy antiques you should stop in and see the beautiful treasures they have brought together. The do have some new items as well, again things I've never seen like fake crabs and fish!! The owners are super nice and friendly as well.