Go rolling down the Great River Road through Alton and Grafton and you’ll find a flourishing retail scene where factories and industry once ruled. Antiques, furniture, hand-made crafts, Native American artistry and more await in these two towns just miles apart but connected by the Mississippi.
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Things to do
Holiday happenings
See the holiday sights done up in more than 2 million lights at Christmas Wonderland in Rock Spring Park, 2100 College Avenue, Alton. It begins Nov. 24 and runs evenings throughout the holiday season. Enjoy “A Sleigh Ride Holiday,” a concert by the Alton Symphony Orchestra, from 7-10 p.m. Dec. 9 at Lewis and Clark Community College in Godfrey. Tickets and more information: altonsymphonyorchestra.org. Wreaths Across America, part of a nationwide observance to remember our fallen veterans, will take place at 11 a.m. Dec. 16 at National Cemetery, 600 Pearl Street, Alton.
Grab a bite
Don’t shop without fueling up at LuciAnna’s Pastries, 212 State Street, Alton. It features a heavenly assortment of quiches, pastries, cannolis and hot and cold beverages. Or, celebrate the end of a successful shopping excursion with a glass of wine. Grafton is home to multiple wineries where you can sip wine, or chug a beer and have a bite to eat. Grab a bottle to take home — it may help with all that gift wrapping.
Stores to check out
New Frontiers Home Furnishings, 101 West Third Street, Alton, offers a great variety of furniture for indoor or outside use, plus accessories that can get your home holiday-ready.
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Take a walk on the wild side with this detailed carving that is all bear — no bite! It sits about 15 inches high, so it won’t take up too much space on any mantel or shelf.
This item can be purchased at Knotty by Nature Hardwood at 15 East Main Street, Grafton
$60.00
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Need extra seating outside? Just roll out the barrel -- the barrel chair that is. The cushioned seat and high back offer plenty of support and comfort. Items are hand-made, so selection may vary.
This item can be purchased at Knotty by Nature Hardwood at 15 East Main Street, Grafton
$180.00
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Cheers to this: Recycling never looked so good or served such a useful purpose as this end table topped with bottle caps. Items are hand-made, so selection may vary.
This item can be purchased at Knotty by Nature Hardwood at 15 East Main Street, Grafton
$175.00
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Owls may be wise, but who knew they could look so stylish? Pair this one with some other fine-feathered friends or perch it on a shelf or table by itself.
This item can be purchased at 1904 General Store at 322 East Broadway, Alton
$18.95
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This may be the purr-fect gift for those who fancy felines: a cat-shaped sign that celebrates our bond with our furry friends.
This item can be purchased at 1904 General Store at 322 East Broadway, Alton
$19.99
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Add some monkey business to your holiday: Trim your tree with a happy little sock monkey ornament.
This item can be purchased at 1904 General Store at 322 East Broadway, Alton
$6.49
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This stunning bracelet, with its intricate silver-and-torquoise design, is handmade by a Native American artist in New Mexico.
This item can be purchased at Pajarito at 316 East Main Street, Grafton
$195.00
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Reclaim the spirit of the American West with this painted terra cotta pottery made by a Native American artist in New Mexico. The pieces are signed and have an inscription from each artist on the bottom.
This item can be purchased at Pajarito at 316 East Main Street, Grafton
$210.00
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Custom-design your own cheese plate as a gift for others or yourself during weekly classes at Alton Stained Glass Works. A limited number of ready-made cheese plates are available for purchase or inspiration. Cost is for the class. Supplies run up to...
This item can be purchased at Alton Stained Glass Works at 410 East Broadway, Alton
$39.00
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Custom-design your own coaster set as a gift for others or yourself during weekly classes at Alton Stained Glass Works. A limited number of ready-made sets of four coasters are available for purchase or inspiration. Cost is for the class. Supplies ru...
This item can be purchased at Alton Stained Glass Works at 410 East Broadway, Alton
$39.00
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Display your unique style with this monogrammed Mariposa platter. It is made entirely from recycled aluminum, and is food-safe and won’t tarnish. It can be warmed, frozen or chilled for serving.
This item can be purchased at White Birch Interiors and Home at 701 West Delmar Avenue, Alton
$89.00
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These bracelets from Stia's 925 sterling silver line make a stunning statement on their own, or they can be stacked together or with any of the other styles and various colors to multiply the wow factor. Bracelets are sold individually.
This item can be purchased at White Birch Interiors and Home at 701 West Delmar Avenue, Alton
$42.00
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Doesn’t everything taste better in a beautiful, sturdy mug? These mugs, hand-crafted in a studio in Alton, are something to behold, as well as comfortable to hold thanks to a wide-grip handle and thumb rest. They are available in a range of sizes, hu...
This item can be purchased at Mississippi Mud Pottery at 310 East Broadway, Alton
$20.00
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No matter what the weather outside, this locally hand-crafted pottery snowman won't melt even when you light its candle topper. But it will set a festive tone as part of your holiday display.
This item can be purchased at Mississippi Mud Pottery at 310 East Broadway, Alton
$30.00
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