I like knit beanies. When I saw them hanging on a hat rack outside Yates Market, I wandered in thinking the inside would feature more of the same. It does… and it doesn’t. I was sidetracked instantly by the adorable hats — newsboy, shearling earflap, fedora, pom-pom topped, plaid, houndstooth — spilling out of the drawers of a lovely antique dresser. Then my eye wandered from there to the beautiful old hutch showcasing vintage, leather-bound books and old furniture hardware like hooks and drawer pulls. And then my eye wandered to the shelves of Velveeta mac ‘n’ cheese. {{Jarring record scratch… the music stops.}} Velveeta mac ‘n’ cheese?!? And there’s boxes of crackers… and over there dish washing detergent… and in the very back, a glass case containing deli meats, free-range organic chickens, and cheese. So it’s antique shop, accessory store, grocery, and deli. You can get sandwiches. The market delivers. They only accept cash. We asked the woman running the show, «How long have you been here?» She replied, «Since 1884.» {{Second jarring record scratch!}} 1884?!? She’s the fourth generation of Yates to run the market. Her family owns the quaint little shop on Main and has for well over 100 years. She is an *awesomely* endearing character. And Yates & Son Market is a fantastic, confusing, and charming little spot to spend some time browsing. We left with two bags of homemade candies — gumdrops and coconut bonbons — made by a local lady. And a knit beanie for me.
