Jul 19, 2010

Jeni J’s enters fifth year and growingBy Jill MoonTheTelegraph.com

Grafton – Jeni J’s Unique Gifts and Guest Houses co-owner Nancy Wilson celebrated five years of the ever-expanding vision she made a reality with her specialty boutique business.

Wilson, along with her husband, Mike, who co-owns the business, added the IceHouse Winery a few years ago. The Wilsons operate three guest houses along with a retail gift space and the winery at 202-214 W. Main St. in Grafton. Grafton Mayor Tom Thompson, Alton Convention and Visitors Bureau President Brett Stawar and Riverbend Growth Association representatives attended a ribbon-cutting July 8 hosted by the Wilsons of Godfrey.

The couple, avid Cardinals fans, also named the Cardinal Cottage for the state bird of Illinois. Prior to moving Jeni J’s to Grafton, Nancy Wilson operated a gift shop at Mineral Springs Mall in Alton.

“I came up (to Grafton) one day for a glass of wine with a friend and saw the property for sale and I had a vision,” Wilson said. “This is a great destination and has so many things to offer whether you come from nearby or far away.”

The Wilsons began their venture with only a gift shop in June 2005. They added guest houses – the Jeni J’s Cottage and the Wharf Cottage – fall of that same year. They opened the Cardinal Cottage last year.

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