About Us
1st and 3rd Boutique and Wine Bar offers a new shopping experience for the city of Petersburg and the surrounding communities of central Illinois. Individuals have the opportunity to shop for clothing, jewelry, gifts, and home decor in the social setting of a wine bar. Located at 105 S. 7th Street, the historic building boasts original hardwood floors and over 5,000 square feet filled with intimate seating arrangements and plenty of opportunity to shop, relax, and visit with family and friends. The top floor offers a beautiful event space with an original sky light that can accomodate 60 to 100 guests for weddings, showers, life celebrations, and corporate events.
Owners Elizabeth Carter and Maggie Adkins (formerly Elizabeth and Maggie Hellman) are the “1st and 3rd” of four sisters who opened the doors to the boutique and wine bar this June, 2021. The idea for a boutique and wine bar was dreamt up many years ago when the four sisters embarked on their first “sisters weekend” visiting the wine trails of Missouri. “We had so much fun visiting wineries, antique shops, and boutiques that we became very passionate about creating our own space where people could come shop, relax, build relationships and create memories,” owner Liz Carter shares. “We continued to visit various tourist destinations in Illinois, Michigan and Indiana that furthered our passion to turn our dream into a reality.”
Petersburg, Il seemed to fit the bill for the quaint, historic hometown that would help the sisters fulfill their dreams. Furthermore, running a family-owned, small business was nothing new or intimidating to the sisters. A major inspiration for pursuing their dream stemmed from the example set by their grandmother, Ann Funkenbusch from Havana, IL. Ann, better known as “Grannie Annie,” owned and operated her own quilt, antique, stitchery, and what-not shoppe throughout the Hellman sisters' childhood in Havana, Il. The girls grew up with a savvy, business-minded woman as their mentor who certainly blazed the trail for them.
“Another major inspiration for us in opening the boutique and wine bar was watching our youngest sister, Rose Raikes, and husband, Erik Raikes start and build their very own family-run business in Petersburg, Parkside Tavern,” Maggie Adkins adds. “It definitely takes grit and courage to take the leap of faith and we have loved watching their business flourish in Petersburg. Though we are “1st and 3rd,” we couldn’t take on this adventure without advice from Rose and support from our second sister, Kristy Wasinger who currently resides in Mt. Washington, Kentucky. The four of us have been a team from the get-go, and each person has played an integral role in the business start-up from inventory research, to acquiring state licensure and permits, to staffing our events. It truly is a family affair.”
First and third sisters, Elizabeth and Maggie have collectively taught over 30 years serving students in Mason, Menard, and Sangamon counties. The two decided that it was time to retire from their careers in education and bring 1st and 3rd Boutique and Wine Bar to life. Hours of operation are Wednesday 1-6 pm, Thursday through Saturday 10:00 am - 8:00 p.m. and Sundays 1:00 - 6:00 p.m. The bar not only offers an extensive wine list, but also provides customers with domestic and craft beers as well as spirits, accompanied by seasonal charcuterie boards featuring imported cheeses and salamis that are sure to compliment your favorite wine or beer! Follow them on Facebook and Instagram for updates on special events, promotions, and all the latest at 1st and 3rd.