Josephine’s Tea Rooms & Gifts Shops opened in 1979 in Godfrey, Illinois. We are located four miles North of Alton, a historic river town on the bluffs of the Mississippi River and a 30 minute drive from downtown St. Louis, Missouri. The gift shops are in the original house which was once part of Monticello College that was founded in 1838. The main gift shop features unique home decor, gifts, florals, clothing, jewelry and accessories. Additionally, Monticello House features women’s fashions, shoes, handbags, jewelry and accessories. In 2014, we added Fred's Shed, our sale house, which features sale, close outs and mark downs. Lunch is served six days a week, so join us for lunch and stay to shop.