I am so excited to announce that, Ruby Wren has moved to a new and larger space. They've only been…read moreopen a year and their success has out grown their original space. I am so glad to see, the community is truly supporting and shopping local. For those of you who do not know, The Ruby Wren is a family owned and operated eclectic boutique. It is now located in Godfrey, IL in the Monticello Plaza. It's the home of, State Street Soap Co Refinery and 30 local Artisans. With 30 Artisans, you will be sure to find a gift for someone on your holiday list. It doesn't even have to be a holiday gift, it's also a great place for birthday, anniversary, baby and house warming gifts. You can even shop for yourself. Ruby Wren is now one of my go-to's, when I need a gift. Give them a try and I am sure they'll soon be your go-to, too.

From the owner: The Painting Bee has joined the Ruby Wren Eclectic Boutique in Godfrey, Illinois in a collaboration…read moreto create a unique walk-in DIY creative space in the Wren Den. We offer group workshops each month, including hat burning, sea glass lighted faux succulents, terrariums, bath salts, dot art, and acrylic painting. We also offer walk-ins in dot art, bath bar, candle bar, switch-craft door rounds and personalized layered wood cutouts, faux-to-go crushed glass & resin, sea glass lighted succulents and terrariums. The Wren Den is also a space that can be reserved for your private party room or private workshop. We are frequently adding more to our offerings.

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.

This is a hard review to write. The things Josephine's did right, were amazing and the things they…read moredid wrong, ruined the entire experience. It had me walking out of there after my lunch saying, "It ain't all that." I lived in the area when Josephine's first opened, so I've heard about it for years and years. I moved away and then moved back about 5 years ago. Again, I kept hearing stories about Josephine's, so I finally decided to check them out. I dined as a single male and I am now wondering if I was discriminated against because I did not have a lady with me. My experience started off nice, I was impressed with the fire pit burning outside as I approached the entrance. Once inside, I was greeted by a hostess. Lucky for me they had a table available, because I did not have a reservation. Reservations are recommended. The ambiance is nice, but it's very dated and could use a serious updating. I also found the tables to be extremely crowded. They all were super close, which made it kinda uncomfortable. However, I understand they want to serve as many guests as possible. I had studied the menu on line and basically knew what I wanted. Once I was seated I decided to have a glass of Pino Grigio. Big mistake. If I had seen the price of a glass, I would have not ordered one. The glass of wine was only $6.99 and it tasted like a cheap wine. Major disappointment. My meal was good, but not up to all the hype they receive. The Lobster Bisque was steakhouse quality and very good. I also enjoyed my 1/2 Club Sandwich. They were not stingy with the three meats, (ham, turkey and bacon) and the winter tomato even gets a thumbs up. My Mystery Pecan Pie was average, but it still satisfied my sweet tooth. The biggest disappointment was the service. I have received better service at greasy spoon. My server was rather gruff. She was always rushing and barely stopped long enough to speak to me. After my food was served, I needed a napkin and as she was passing by, I requested one. She reached over to a rack and tossed a linen napkin back to my table. She then told me they had paper ones, if I preferred them. I declined saying, I preferred the linen. I'll go again, but next time I'll be sure to have a female escort. I hate to say it, but I really believe I was treated differently because I was alone. When: February 17, 2026 Why: Lunch

Josephine's Tea Room & Gifts is still one of my absolute favorite places to spend an afternoon. The…read moredrive to Godfrey is always beautiful, no matter the season, with gorgeous river views, colorful trees, and the kind of scenery that makes for great conversation on the way. One of the things I look forward to most is seeing how Josephine's is decorated for each season and holiday. Their designers are incredibly creative and inspiring. I always make a beeline for the main fireplace mantle to see what masterpieces they've put together. And the best part? Everything they decorate with is available for purchase in the boutiques. Now for the real star of the show: the desserts. Almond Cheesecake, Carrot Cake, Bread Pudding, Strawberry Shortcake, truly the best part of the meal. And the dessert trays don't even show everything; they often have cobblers, cream pies, and additional sweets that satisfy every kind of craving. We usually take two or three home to share with everyone. As for the menu, my go-to is the 1/2 Crystal Bowl Salad, which comes with a bowl of soup and a muffin. Their homemade poppyseed dressing is incredible. Other favorites of mine include the Lobster Bisque, Broccoli Cheddar Soup, Chicken Salad Sandwich, Ham Special Sandwich, and of course, the rotating daily specials. Iced Tea and Sweet Tea here is so good, they even give you, your own mini refill carafe which I appreciate greatly. Josephine's is charming, delicious, and always worth the trip.

Super cute boutique that offers handcrafted and personalized items at a great cost. So many unique…read moregifts in this shop, it's a hidden gem! The owner is super nice and helpful at finding exactly what I needed. I will be back.

Serendipity carries hand-made gifts from local artists. Many personalized home décor items,…read morejewelry, bridal gifts, unique and utterly cute children's clothing and accessories, and dog accessories (adorable dog collars). Picture frames, hair bows and other hair accessories, personalized letter jewelry. soaps and lotions. Wire and bead hand-crafted jewelry. Great gift items. Unique offerings.

What a great place to shop. A wide assortment of beautiful gift items…read more Wonderful people.

The friendliest gift store and you can always find something to buy! You can also find something in…read moreyour price range!!

Prices seem to be a bit higher for same items at other stores but The Spotted Pig is in the right…read morezip code and they do gift wrap. Quite a bit of costume jewelry and lots of other gift items to choose from...picture frames, water bottles, notebooks...a pretty big range of items. Lots of subtle colors and wood tones dominate. I might find more I'm looking for around the holidays when some bright colors will mKe everything pop Friendly service.

Beautiful curation of great finds here . Everything from candles , gifts , jewelry, unisex scents ,…read morescarfs , unique baby gifts , games and so much more . Your eyes won't know where to look next . Take your time shopping through this treasure house . I picked up tobacco scented incense , tobacco candle & a set of handmade rings .

Urban Matter is a Tower Grove treasure trove…read more Located in the heart of the South Grand shopping and dining district, Urban Matter is a local, women-owned small business with something special for everyone who visits! Ten pictures are far too few to showcase this shop's beautifully curated collection, but these are a handful of our favorites. My husband and I were especially drawn to the honey, tea, fruit spreads, seasonings, and kitchenware; we are foodies after all. Bundle up to support Urban Matter this week, and be sure to give yourself plenty of time to browse. There's a lot to shop!

What a cute shop! They have many different vendors and such…read morea variety of things to shop for! They have antiques, new door signs, baby clothes, vintage records, freeze dried candy, 3D printed toys, jewelry, you name it. Such a great store with something for everyone!

Very fairly priced very nice checkout lady, I like these little statue thing I will be going back…read moreup there to get one sometime