XCHNG

04/16/2026

Welcome to episode 3️⃣ of The XCHNG Guide!

In this series, we’re taking you inside the businesses and meeting the owners who help make Effingham such a special place

This stop takes us to , where we got to spend time with the team and hear the heart behind what they do

Because Effingham isn’t just a stop along the way. It’s a destination

And if you’re making the trip, stay a while

Book your stay at The Lofts @ XCHNG → exchangestays.com

03/25/2026

Welcome back to The XCHNG Guide, episode two!

This time we stopped by The Thomas Shop and got to hang out with Elizabeth for a bit. Just a quick look inside one of the spots that makes Effingham feel like more than just a stop along the way.

Because it’s not just somewhere you pass through. It’s worth the stop.

And if you’re making the trip, stay a while. Book your stay at The Lofts @ XCHNG → exchangestays.com

03/16/2026

Welcome to the first episode of The XCHNG Guide.

In this series, we’re taking you inside the businesses and meeting the owners who help make Effingham such a special place.

Our first stop is Fox Holler Coffee and it was so much fun getting to hang out with Seth and hear the story behind it.

Because Effingham isn’t just a stop along the way. It’s a destination.

And if you’re making the trip, stay a while.

Book your stay at The Lofts @ XCHNG → exchangestays.com

11/20/2025

We asked our members to describe their job like they would to a 5-year-old 😜

One of the best parts of XCHNG is that there’s no “one type” of person here. Our community is a mix of different jobs, different schedules, and different kinds of creativity all working under one roof.

If you’re looking for a place to land or a new spot to get things done, come check us out. At the end of the day, it really is the people that make this place what it is.

11/11/2025

If you’ve ever walked into XCHNG and wondered,
“Wait… why is there a giant red stag on the wall??”

Meet Merle. 🦌

He came to us through our member , who’s been here since day one, and now he’s part of the crew.

Proof that our members (and their wild adventures) make this place what it is.

11/10/2025

Visiting Effingham for the holidays? Or making a trip to Wheat Penny’s Miracle Bar?

Make it a full experience and stay right upstairs at The Lofts @ XCHNG. Cozy beds, beautiful spaces, and all the holiday cheer just steps away.

Book your stay → exchangestays.com

Wheat Penny is a speakeasy-inspired cocktail bar located in Effingham, IL on a mission to blend uncompromising hospitality with inspired cocktails.

10/27/2025

We’re so excited about our collaboration with .co ☕️

What started as Carson’s 2025 business has grown into a passion he continues to pursue. Each mug is hand designed with intention and care, and we couldn’t be happier to have them in our space.

Collaboration like this is what keeps us brewing new ideas every day!!

10/01/2025

Plans this Saturday? Consider them handled. 🍂✨

Start the morning with the Fall Fest 5K, then stick around as Downtown Effingham turns into one big celebration with Bavarian brunch, live music, local shopping, Kids Korner fun (corn pit + bounce house = yes), and festive bites and brews all day long.

October 4th → The Fall Fest you don’t want to miss.

👉 Register for the 5K below:
https://runsignup.com/Race/IL/Effingham/EffinghamFallFest5k

PS: Save the schedule at the end of the reel so you don’t miss a thing.

09/28/2025

🍂 We can’t wait for Ham City Fall Fest Saturday, October 4th! 🎉

Kick off the day with the Fall Fest 5K 🏃‍♀️ then stick around for live music, local eats, kids’ activities, and all the fall fun your heart can handle. Bring the whole fam + check out the full schedule. It’s going to be the BEST day in Ham City! 🙌✨

LESS THAN A WEEK AWAY…🍁

Our Second Annual Ham City Fall Fest takes over downtown Effingham NEXT Saturday, October 4! 🎉

Start your day with the 5K and brunch (open to anyone), then enjoy kids’ activities, live music from 12–7PM, food, beer, and so much more. 🎶🍻

Don’t forget to shop local while you’re here as many downtown shops will be open all day, making it the perfect fall day in the heart of our community!

A portion of event profits will go directly to the Downtown Effingham Business Group, helping us continue to grow, enhance, and celebrate the heart of our community. 🙏

08/28/2025

Happy Birthday to Michael!! He’d never want us posting this… but too bad 😜

Michael loves Effingham and has always had a heart for creating places where people can connect, gather, and feel part of something bigger. That dream turned an old bank into XCHNG, The Lofts, and Wheat Penny, spaces that have become home to friendships, ideas, and countless memories.

We’re grateful not just for the vision he had, but for the way he cares about this community and the people in it.

So here’s to the guy who dreamed it all up and made it real. Cheers to you, Michael!! 🥂

07/17/2025

Mark your calendars! 📅 We’re hosting the Effingham County CEO Vendor Fair on Saturday, July 26 from 9 AM to 12 PM 🎉

There’s nothing better than spending a summer morning supporting small businesses and connecting with the community — and this event is all about that.

You’ll get to shop from a group of talented young entrepreneurs from the CEO Class of 2025, offering everything from handmade goods and permanent jewelry to iced coffee, snacks, collectibles, and more.

Swipe through to check out the full vendor list 👀 See you there!! 👋