A Peek In The Attic: There’s More Than Antiques To Be Found

from Life in Castle Hills Magazine November 2021

Sheriff’s Corner with Sheriff

There’s More than Antiques to be Found at A PEEK IN THE ATTIC

by Mark Miller | photos courtesy of Steve Pool

Its name may convey something old, but at A Peek in the Attic in downtown Carrollton, there’s plenty of new, too. A Peek in the Attic is owned by mother and son duo, Yvette and Mike Tooke, and their long-time friend and fellow Lantana resident, Steve Pool.

It’s not your typical retail antique shop. It’s a personalized place where you can find a versatile line of products to fit every budget and taste.

“One of our customers said, ‘You come in here, and you are transported to a different time and place,’ ” Mike said. “That’s what we want, a very personable experience. We want everyone to feel like part of the family – like it’s a little vacation. The 1940s music is playing. It’s kind of a departure from everything else.”

The trio opened the store in May 2019 after retiring from their previous jobs. Yvette previously worked at a local Kroger corporate office. Steve was previously a frozen food and produce executive, and Mike was in pharmaceutical sales. All had been interested in antiques for many years, including having booths at the Finishing Touch Antique Mall next door.

“I’d rather be doing this than sitting at home,” Pool said.

Top items include interchangeable doormats, candles, greeting cards, collectible glassware, jewelry, and furniture. There are also various foods and drinks like canned goods, olive oils, honey, bubble taffy, and peanut brittle that's thin enough not to break teeth. On weekend mornings, there’s a front-porch farmer’s market. For the holidays, there are ornaments and other seasonal items.

“We want to provide a little bit of happiness at moderate prices,” Mike said. “We try to maintain an inventory of locally-made products.”

Yvette added.

“We also create personalized gift baskets for the holidays,” she said.

Plus, the front of the store sports an oldtime front porch. This is where they host a bluegrass sing-along on the third Saturday of every month (weather permitting).

“We have a lot of fun together,” Mike said. “Customers have said we are short on space but long on product line and hospitality.”