Surrounded by rolling hills and new subdivisions, the Lakewood 400 Antiques Market in Cumming doesn't bear much of a physical resemblance to its predecessor, the Lakewood Antiques Market. That expansive showplace ran for 20 years on Atlanta's southside, but its closing left many wondering where they'd find that restored kitchen hutch or set of antique teacups.

Today, many of the same vendors who filled the southern market have taken their wares to the Cumming location, just a short drive from Ga. 400. There, buyers will still be challenged to find that jewel among aisles, displays and tables filled with home-decor items, collectibles, antiques and artwork. An almost overwhelming array of antiques and collectibles is packed inside the 75,000-square-foot center — and moved out again when the weekend is over.

Phil Skinner / pskinner@ajc.com (ENLARGE)

The Lakewood 400 Antiques Market still carries a variety of period furniture, such as this 1800's Victorian sofa.

Phil Skinner / pskinner@ajc.com (ENLARGE)

Decorative lamps and signs are grouped with furniture, jewelry and other accessories.

Phil Skinner / pskinner@ajc.com (ENLARGE)

Lakewood's 'Potting Shed' section features an array of gardening items.

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The concrete-floored, air-conditioned space was a vacant flea market when Barbara and Ed Spivia took over the building five years ago. The couple was also the founding force behind Lakewood south, so when that operation shut down two years ago they invited their vendors to join them on the north side of town.

"This let us take things to the next level," said Barbara Spivia. "It's different from the old Lakewood and from Scott's."

On any weekend, about 180 sellers from around the Southeast show up. And there's no rule of thumb on how to find the guy with the carved pine tables you saw last time you shopped there.

"I believe in diversity," said Barbara Spivia with a laugh. "It's all mixed in together. There are fine antiques and jewelry next to an upholsterer."

The mix keeps shoppers from getting antique burnout. "I don't want anyone to feel like they're walking through their grandmother's house," said Barbara Spivia.

But that can turn finding exactly what you're looking for into a scavenger hunt. So lace up those Reeboks and prepare to do some walking.

What you'll find

As Barbara Spivia points out, there's no grouping of like items, so shoppers will find antique furniture mixed in with a variety of items in and outside of the building. There are eight display halls, including four long, narrow spokes where vendors face off along aisles. So be prepared to wander at length.

The merchandise and the vendors may vary from month to month, but in general, the Spivias say, 85 percent of the dealers return regularly. Their goods include a large assortment of new and antique furniture, so tables and chests made out of old barn wood stand across from a display of shelves shaped like canoes. Close by is a new pine table with turned legs. Reproduction cabinetry for sinks, sofa tables, breakfronts, dining room suites, buffets and drop-leaf tables are scattered throughout.

Garden items are big, including statuary, urns and fountains. Mirrors, framed artworks, teapots, metal bins, quilts, china and wooden magazine racks may be mixed in with old linens, antique books and piles of silver teaspoons. Tassels, silk flower arrangements, mounted deer heads, a 1920s tapestry, steamer trunks, old Coke bottles and hat boxes show up in one vignette. There's also a fair representation of contemporary collectibles, including comic books, sports jerseys, signed guitars and autographed photos.

The market includes a few permanent shops. There's a silk flower greenhouse, a store devoted exclusively to ribbons and a local artist who personalizes decor pieces.

Outside the main building, additional vendors line the parking area with glazed planters, glassware, silver, iron hooks, rocking chairs and country furniture.

At your service

There's more than just shopping available at the market. Find an expert to talk to about furniture refinishing or jewelry restoration. A framer offers on-site framing of that poster you just found. And you can check out the services of an upholsterer and a lighting restorer.

Getting started

As with any shopping expedition, experts advise that you start with a specific goal in mind. Make a list of pieces you're looking for: a foyer table, a bedside table for the guest room, new artwork to brighten a hallway.

• If it's furniture you're hunting, bring along measurements of the room it will occupy. And put a tape measure in your pocket so you can measure the furniture you find.

• Pick up a site plan. Maps are available at the Lakewood office, in the center of the building near the food court. They show the way to the eight main exhibit areas and double as notepaper to jot down the location of areas you want to revisit.

Cash or charge

• Have your cash ready at the gate. A $3 per person admission is charged but the ticket entitles you to admission for the entire three-day sale.

• Some vendors take credit cards, but most prefer cash or checks. Bring your checkbook and identification.

• Delivery services are available to get those big pieces home. Rates vary by distance.

Recharge

The market's food court serves breakfast until 11:30 a.m. After that, the menu shifts to corn dogs, barbecued sandwiches, hoagies, funnel cakes and ice cream.

WHERE TO FIND IT

The Lakewood 400 Antiques Market is open on the third weekend of the month (this Friday, Saturday and Sunday). Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. 770-889-3400; www.lakewoodantiques.com.

Getting there

1321 Atlanta Hwy., Cumming

Take Ga. 400 north to Hwy. 20 and turn left; left on Hwy. 9; Lakewood 400 is on the left.