Be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes while visiting the massive Scott Antiques Market in Atlanta or Columbus, said the shows’ promoter, Don Scott, in a prepared release. “Both young and old alike make Scott’s shows a family event,” said Scott. “Dealers come from all over the world to exhibit their best antiques. The vast array of collectors and decorator items alone can keep a person ecstatic for a whole weekend.”

When the doors open to the public, shoppers scramble toward their favorite exhibitors to find Victorian and Eastlake furniture, period and transitional, vintage hardware, primitive furniture, rare art, vintage clothing and garments, rare prints, nostalgic photographs from early television and movies and antique Christmas decorations are among the mix. Visitors will also find vintage musical instruments, glassware, pottery, porcelain, clocks, tools, campaign memorabilia, reference books, rare books and much more.

Since 1990, Scott has hosted 2,400 booths overflowing to the outside for a three-day show (Friday-Sunday) at the Atlanta Expo Center. Scott cites the shows are in a growth posture. “With the current state of the economy, high-end antiques are doing very well,” he said. “Investors trust antiques during these uncertain periods.”

Mark Boultinghouse, Midway, Ky., offered this dental cabinet, circa 1880. The dealer has not missed a show in Atlanta since it started.

This show is conducted on the second weekend of every month.Situated on 155 acres, the year-round show has acquired areputation for international, high-end antique furniture. TheAtlanta Expo Centers are located at Interstate 285, Exit 55(Jonesboro Road), adjacent to Hartsfield International Airport.Interstate 285 is adjacent to Interstate 75, America’s majoreight-lane artery that runs north and south.

Luxury shuttle buses operate between both facilities every 15 minutes or so all weekend. Admission is $3 for the entire weekend.

On June 15, Scott Antiques Market marked its 15th year at the North facility in Atlanta.

Antiquers and collectors from all over the heartland descend upon the Scott Antiques Market at the Ohio Expo Center (Ohio State Fairgrounds) six times a year (November-April). Located just minutes from downtown Columbus (I-75, Exit 111), it is easily accessible. Admission is free and parking is $4.

The season opener of the Scott Antiques Market ushers in the winter months and to some folks is as much a tradition as an opening day kickoff. It falls on Thanksgiving weekend and fills the entire Ohio Expo Center.

This Ohio gateway drop leaf table made from cherry, circa 1860, was sold by Ron Eastman, Mount Victory, Ohio, a regular at Scotts Antiques Market in Columbus. The table opens to 68 inches and folds down to 24 by 48 inches.

“Vendors drive away with considerably lighter vehicles thanthey drove in, proving once again that the antiques industry isalive and well in America’s heartland,” said Scott. Many of theantiques dealers have been at Scott’s since it first opened nearly20 years ago, but the show will always welcome new dealers withfresh antique styles. The Ohio Expo Center also has an in-houserestaurant.

For those who have recently joined the collector ranks, Scott advises starting by collecting items that one can use, things in which one has an interest. Bring measurements, decorating plans, color swatches and a large truck, talk to dealers, purchase reference books and obtain free trade journals and related publications at the show.

The Scott shows have the traditional Sunday morning treat of children pulling wagons filled with fresh fruit around the entire show. “Free fruit, compliments of the Scott Antiques Market” is heard all over the complex as the children make their way meticulously down each aisle. Passing out the fruit is a way of saying thanks to the family of dealers.

For information, contact Scott Antiques Market, PO Box 60, Bremen, Ohio 43107; www.scottantiquemarket.com or 740-569-4112.