Charleston House

08/24/2026

As a new academic year begins at Eastern Illinois University, I couldn’t be more excited for all the new and returning students, faculty, and staff who make EIU so special.

It truly is a season of new beginnings.

During my time at EIU, I learned that hospitality is not in everyone’s DNA. It takes a special person to understand that we are, first and foremost, in the people business.

Hospitality requires authenticity, curiosity, generosity, and a commitment to surrounding yourself with people who understand and believe in the industry.

Through the Hospitality and Tourism Management program, I was fortunate to be introduced to extraordinary people and experiences that shaped the way I see hospitality today.

I had the opportunity to learn from a CEO of a world-renowned coffee brand, work with a hotel consultant who challenged me to understand the many reports and measurements behind a healthy hotel property, and connect with a brand ambassador representing one of the world’s renowned hotel brands.

But perhaps the most valuable opportunity came through my internship at a four-star bed and breakfast in the Shires of New England.

There, I had the privilege of learning from a bed and breakfast owner with more than 35 years of hospitality experience. His career has included opening and managing luxury hotels, restaurants, spas, and professional sports and entertainment venues around the world—including the iconic The Oberoi Udaivilas in Udaipur, India.

Even today, despite our busy schedules and the distance between our businesses, we continue to find time to talk about hospitality, entrepreneurship, and the businesses we are building.

Those relationships are something I will always treasure.

As the Charleston House continues to grow and pursue authentic hospitality excellence, I cannot thank Eastern Illinois University enough for the education, experiences, relationships, and opportunities that helped prepare me for this journey.

I will continue to be an ambassador not only for EIU, but especially for the Hospitality and Tourism Management program that helped shape the person and hospitality professional I am today.

The connection between Eastern Illinois University and the Charleston House will forever be a strong one.

EIU will continue to prepare students and alumni to lead, serve, and succeed in their respective fields—and I am incredibly proud to be one of them.

Reminiscing on the day Billy the Panther visited the Charleston House last October 2025.

It’s moments like this that I will cherish forever.

Forever EIU.
Forever Charleston House.

Joshua Nathaniel Craig
B.S. Hospitality & Tourism Management
Magna Cum Laude
Class of 2024

08/10/2026

National Afternoon Tea Week 🫖
10th August - 16th August 2026

From Nature to your reserved table, English Tea is celebrated this weekend at the Charleston House. Using the finest Blue Italian Spode dishes, delight in teas from Harney & Sons, scones, British sandwiches, and sweets.

Reserve your experience in the tradition of British Tea this weekend with Chef Brenden and House owner, Joshua.

Cannot attend this weekend; we offer British Tea every Friday and Saturday.

RSVP 217-758-0977

08/05/2026

Not only do the taste buds tell the truth… so do the voices of those who have experienced the Charleston House.

Since opening day, guests have so graciously shared their sentiments—reflections that now live on across Google, TripAdvisor, Booking.com, Expedia, and Facebook.

Each review, a quiet affirmation that something rather special is unfolding here.

I remain sincerely grateful to every guest who has taken the time to see, hear, taste, and feel the difference.

The Charleston House is, and always shall be…

A place where time has no time.

A place to expect the unexpected…

A place where authentic hospitality excellence is practiced with intention and care.

I look forward to welcoming you.

— Joshua C.

07/23/2026

Make this Saturday, July 25th, a day to remember at the Charleston House. 🫖

Invite a dear friend, a beloved family member, a colleague, or even a neighbor to join you for Afternoon Tea from 1:00–2:30.

Many guests have returned time and again, drawn back by the charm, the conversation, and the quiet beauty of the experience.

But who is counting…

When moments are this meaningful and bring people together, they are meant to be savored—never measured.

Reserve your table by calling or texting 217-758-0977.

✨ PLEASE SHARE ✨

The Charleston House is delighted to announce the return of our beloved Afternoon Tea service—now featuring an expanded selection of fine teas from Harney & Sons!

Gather your friends, family, neighbors, and colleagues for an elegant and relaxing experience this summer. Reservations are now open, and availability is limited.

🗓 Held every Friday and Saturday in July, plus Saturday, August 1st

🕰 Choose your preferred seating:
• 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
• 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM

Select your date and time, then sit back and enjoy the beauty of conversation within the timeless setting of the Charleston House.

💳 Payment accepted: Cash, card, or check

📞 To reserve your spot, call or text: 217-758-0977

📧 Or email: [email protected]

We look forward to welcoming you for an unforgettable afternoon.

**Private parking is available at the rear of the property.

For your convenience, the side entrance is the best way to access the Charleston House.

07/21/2026

You are warmly invited to Afternoon Tea at the Charleston House. 🫖✨

Leave a ❤️ if the thought delights you.

If you have already joined, I would be grateful for your kind words below ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Kindly gather your friends and reserve your table. Each service is set with five tables and soon fills up.

In keeping with the quiet elegance of the Charleston House’s formal dining room, each seating welcomes no more than fifteen guests. Should your preferred time be unavailable, I would be pleased to host you on another day.

📍 Charleston House
956 6th Street
Charleston, Illinois

📞 217-758-0977
📧 [email protected]

☕ August Tea Dates
Fridays: August 7, 14, 28
Saturdays: August 1, 8, 15, 29

🕰 Seating Times
11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
1:00 PM – 2:30 PM

Kindly share any dietary considerations at the time of reservation so each guest may be served with care.

I look forward to your company at the Charleston House.

Your host,

Joshua C.

07/07/2026

✨ PLEASE SHARE ✨

The Charleston House is delighted to announce the return of our beloved Afternoon Tea service—now featuring an expanded selection of fine teas from Harney & Sons!

Gather your friends, family, neighbors, and colleagues for an elegant and relaxing experience this summer. Reservations are now open, and availability is limited.

🗓 Held every Friday and Saturday in July, plus Saturday, August 1st

🕰 Choose your preferred seating:
• 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
• 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM

Select your date and time, then sit back and enjoy the beauty of conversation within the timeless setting of the Charleston House.

💳 Payment accepted: Cash, card, or check

📞 To reserve your spot, call or text: 217-758-0977

📧 Or email: [email protected]

We look forward to welcoming you for an unforgettable afternoon.

**Private parking is available at the rear of the property.

For your convenience, the side entrance is the best way to access the Charleston House.

06/10/2026

It has been over a month since The Charleston House last shared a moment here—and what a meaningful month it has been.

In that time, we have had the honor of graciously welcoming new faces through our doors, while also embracing the return of many familiar ones. Each guest, whether visiting for the first time or returning once more, is the very reason The Charleston House comes to life. It is more than a place to stay—it is a destination within Charleston, Illinois.

Behind the scenes, thoughtful enhancements continue throughout the property, all with one purpose: to further elevate this place of authentic hospitality excellence. A place defined by charm, warmth, beauty, and comfort.

And now, a new chapter begins.

The formal dining room is no longer reserved solely for breakfast. It has become something more—a space designed to bring people together once again. This time, over a cup of tea, accompanied by sweet and savory indulgences, shared in an atmosphere of quiet elegance.

As noted by the Charleston Historical Society, “956 6th Street is a symbol of elegance and Southern hospitality. It was the gathering place for Charleston’s high society.”

From 1890 to 1929, the Fuller family shaped this home into just that. And now, over a century later, that legacy is being thoughtfully revived.

When 956 6th Street became The Charleston House just over a year ago, a promise was made—to honor and restore this tradition of elegance and Southern hospitality.

That promise remains.

And it always will.

Joshua C.

For inquiries or questions about the Afternoon tea availability.

Please call: 217 - 758 - 0977

or

Email: [email protected]

PLEASE NOTE:

THIS IS RESERVATIONS ONLY SERVICE.

During this time, property tours are not offered in order to honor our commitment to providing overnight guests with an atmosphere of comfort, tranquility, and privacy.

Due to the intimate nature of the formal dining room, The Charleston House is able to accommodate only a limited number of guests for Afternoon Tea.

If your preferred date and time are unavailable, we kindly invite you to consider the next available seating.

As we thoughtfully continue to grow this experience, The Charleston House looks forward to offering Afternoon Tea on a more regular basis in the near future.

05/07/2026

🚫Mass-produced chocolates.

🚫No factory feel.

🚫No empty details.

🚫No cookie-cutter stay.

🚫Not a transactional stay.

🚫Some place you rent and a stay you booked.

All too common!

✨ The exquisite Blackbird Chocolate Company’s handcrafted bonbons are rich, refined and unforgettable! Is now paired with the Charleston House elevated experience: soft, inviting beds, luxurious linens, and a homemade breakfast crafted with care.✨

Information on how to order your signature chocolate boxes at the Charleston House will be provided soon.

04/29/2026

The Charleston House has just received its 50th guest feedback, all of which highlight the exceptional experience offered here—far beyond simply providing a place to stay!!!!

I am deeply grateful to every guest who has chosen the Charleston House. They consistently appreciate the welcoming atmosphere, comfortable accommodations, peaceful surroundings, and thoughtful touches that make this property truly special.

One recent guest shared that they “felt pampered,” a sentiment echoed by many. Once you experience the Charleston House, you’ll understand its unique charm and the authentic hospitality that sets it apart.

Another guest has stayed five times—often for multiple nights—since we opened in September, underscoring the lasting impression the Charleston House strive to create.

Whether your visit is for business or leisure, each of our three guest suites features luxury beds and linens, renovated en suite bathrooms with walk-in showers, and abundant natural light. There are no shared walls between suites, ensuring privacy and quiet without early morning disturbances from slamming doors.

Every morning, breakfast is freshly prepared and always offers something new and delicious to look forward to.

For extended stays, we offer weekly and monthly rates, along with additional perks for our long-term guests.

Charleston House Bed and Breakfast Inn
956 6th Street
Charleston, IL 61920
217 - 758 - 0977
www.craigcollection.com