Pierre's Markette

We're having a great time here in Grafton, Illinois, a little town in Jersey County near the confluence of the Illinois and Mississippi rivers. The Pere Marquette State Park, winding trails, riverside wineries, eagle watching, and river bluff views draw tourists to this small town year around.

For sure, we're drinking our share of wine and enjoying the views! But for me, the highlight of our two-day visit here was discovering Pierre's Markette, a quaint shop on Main Street that Mark White opened 22 years ago; it features a distinctive variety of antiques and collectibles.

Dan and I are always looking for Humpty Dumpty figurines to add to my growing collection - but all thoughts of Humpty were lost this afternoon when I met Mark's son, Douglas, a 10-year-old entrepreneur who was selling geodes, fossils and other interesting rocks that he collects at nearby creeks.  Few things captivate me more than rocks, especially when they come with a free geology lesson!

I purchased a few geodes filled with sparkling crystals, a fossilized seashell, and several other rocks that caught my eye. We left with millions of years of history in our hands. Oh, and we noticed a vintage Humpty Dumpty lamp smiling at us through the window. He came home with us too!