Lakewood 400 Antiques Market: A Local Guide for Atlanta Shoppers
If you love antique hunting in metro Atlanta, the Lakewood 400 Antiques Market in Cumming is one of the biggest and most popular destinations within an easy drive of the city. Whether you’re furnishing an in-town bungalow, styling a modern loft with vintage pieces, or just browsing for a Saturday adventure, this market is a regular stop for many Atlanta shoppers.
This guide walks you through what Lakewood 400 is, how it compares to other Atlanta-area antique spots, what to expect when you go, and how to plan your visit from Atlanta.
What Is Lakewood 400 Antiques Market?
Lakewood 400 Antiques Market is a large monthly antique and vintage market about 35–45 minutes north of most intown Atlanta neighborhoods, depending on traffic.
- Location: 1321 Atlanta Highway, Cumming, GA 30040
- General area: Just off GA 400 in Forsyth County, north of Alpharetta and Roswell
- Type of market: Primarily indoor and covered antique market with multiple dealers
For many longtime Atlanta residents, Lakewood 400 is considered a sort of spiritual successor to the old Lakewood Antiques Market that used to operate at the Lakewood Fairgrounds in the city. The current market isn’t in the city of Atlanta, but it draws a large Atlanta crowd and many Atlanta-based dealers.
How Often Is It Open and What Are the Typical Hours?
The market typically operates one weekend per month, often toward the middle or latter half of the month.
Because dates and hours can change, the most reliable approach is:
- ✅ Check the current month’s schedule before you go
- ✅ Plan for daytime hours (morning through afternoon)
- ✅ Expect Friday–Sunday as the standard market days
For Atlanta residents, it can be helpful to add the Lakewood 400 weekend to your monthly calendar—many regulars plan their furniture or décor hunts around it.
What You’ll Find at Lakewood 400 (From an Atlanta Shopper’s Perspective)
Lakewood 400 is known for its variety and scale. Compared with smaller in-town antique shops, you’ll see a much wider mix of:
Furniture and Home Décor
- Antique and vintage furniture: farmhouse tables, dressers, sideboards, buffets, cabinets, chairs
- Mid-century modern pieces: credenzas, lounge chairs, lighting, bar carts (varies by month)
- Architectural salvage: doors, windows, mantels, reclaimed wood useful for Atlanta home renovations
- Lighting: chandeliers, sconces, lamps, and sometimes rewired vintage fixtures
If you’re renovating an older Atlanta home in neighborhoods like Grant Park, Inman Park, East Point, or Decatur, Lakewood 400 can be a source of period-appropriate pieces and unique statement items.
Collectibles and Vintage Finds
- Glassware and china
- Vintage advertising signs and tins
- Old maps, postcards, books, and ephemera
- Vintage clothing and accessories (availability fluctuates by dealer)
- Rugs and textiles
This kind of variety is appealing if you’re decorating an Atlanta condo or loft and want one-of-a-kind items rather than new, mass-produced décor.
Art and Handmade Goods
Beyond strict antiques, you’ll often find:
- Local art and framed prints
- Handcrafted furniture or repurposed items
- Garden décor and outdoor pieces
This can be useful if you’re furnishing a porch, patio, or BeltLine-adjacent balcony and want unusual pieces that still feel local.
Who Typically Shops at Lakewood 400?
From an Atlanta standpoint, the crowd is a mix of:
- Intown residents furnishing older homes or eclectic spaces
- Suburban families from areas like Alpharetta, Johns Creek, and Cumming
- Interior designers and stagers sourcing for clients
- Film and TV set decorators (the Atlanta production industry often pulls props and set décor from regional antique markets)
If you’re an Atlanta-based creative professional—designer, photographer, stylist—this can be a useful place to build relationships with dealers and find recurring sources for shoots or client projects.
Getting to Lakewood 400 from Atlanta
Driving Time and Routes
From most parts of Atlanta, you’ll reach Lakewood 400 by heading north on GA 400:
- From Downtown/Midtown: Often 35–55 minutes, depending on traffic
- From Buckhead/Brookhaven: Sometimes closer to 30–45 minutes
- From Decatur/East Atlanta: Plan for I-285 or surface roads to connect to GA 400, adding some time
Because GA 400 and I-285 can back up during peak commute times, many Atlanta shoppers plan visits:
- Saturday morning (leaving by 9–10 a.m.)
- Friday mid-morning or early afternoon, if schedules allow
- Sunday mornings can also be relatively easier for traffic
Parking
Lakewood 400 offers on-site parking, which is a major advantage compared with many intown Atlanta antique destinations where parking can be tight. For larger pieces, the ability to pull your vehicle closer for loading is especially helpful.
If you’re coming in an SUV or small truck from Atlanta, you’ll be better prepared to bring home furniture or multiple large items.
Costs You Should Plan For
While specific prices vary and can change, most Atlanta shoppers factor in:
- Admission fee: There is typically a per-person entry fee at the gate.
- Parking: Generally part of the overall event setup, but confirm any changes at entry.
- Purchases: Ranging from a few dollars for small items to hundreds or more for quality furniture.
Payment options vary by dealer. Some accept cards or digital payments, while others are cash-preferred or cash-only.
💡 Tip for Atlanta visitors:
Bring a mix of cash and cards. Cash can sometimes make negotiation smoother and helps with dealers who don’t use digital payment systems.
How Lakewood 400 Compares to Atlanta’s In-Town Antique Options
If you’re familiar with Atlanta’s antique and vintage scene, you may be comparing Lakewood 400 to:
- Smaller antique malls in areas like Chamblee, Decatur, or Marietta
- Curated vintage shops in neighborhoods such as Virginia-Highland, Little Five Points, or West Midtown
- Pop-up markets and festivals around the Atlanta BeltLine or in city parks
Key Differences
| Feature | Lakewood 400 Antiques Market | Typical In-Town Antique Shops/Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Scale | Large, many dealers | Smaller, fewer dealers |
| Frequency | Once a month (weekend) | Usually open weekly or daily |
| Driving/Parking | Easy parking, longer drive from city | Shorter drive, tighter parking |
| Selection | Wide, ranges from high-end to rustic | More curated but less volume |
| Best For | Furniture, big décor hunts | Quick visits, specific styles or eras |
In practice, many Atlanta residents combine both:
They visit in-town shops for quick finds and design help, then head to Lakewood 400 when they’re ready for a deeper, all-day search with more inventory.
Best Time of Day and Season to Visit
Time of Day
Early arrival (opening time):
- Better parking choice
- First look at newly displayed items
- Cooler temperatures in warmer months
Midday–afternoon:
- More crowded, especially on Saturdays
- Some dealers may be more open to negotiation later in the day
- Good if you’re coming from a late start in Atlanta
By Season
- Spring and fall tend to be especially popular, with comfortable temperatures and often more outdoor browsing.
- Summer visits are manageable due to indoor spaces, but plan for heat when walking between buildings or outdoor booths.
- Winter weekends can still be productive for furniture and décor, particularly for interior projects in Atlanta homes.
Tips for Atlanta Shoppers Planning a Trip
If you’re coming from anywhere in the Atlanta metro, a bit of planning helps you get more out of your visit.
1. Measure Before You Go
For residents in condos, townhomes, or older intown houses with tight doors and hallways:
- Measure:
- Doorways and stairwells
- Available wall space
- Ceiling height for tall pieces or chandeliers
- Bring:
- A tape measure
- Photos of the room and existing furniture
This is especially important if you’re furnishing smaller Atlanta spaces like Midtown high-rise units or historic bungalows.
2. Bring Transport Essentials
- Blankets or moving pads to protect furniture in your vehicle
- Straps or bungee cords to secure items
- Some shoppers even bring:
- A folding dolly for heavy pieces
- A friend to help carry larger finds
If you drive a smaller car from Atlanta, ask dealers about hold policies—some may allow same-day pickup after you make separate transport arrangements.
3. Plan for Food and Breaks
Markets of this size can take several hours to explore. Options may include:
- On-site food vendors or concessions
- Nearby restaurants and fast-casual spots in Cumming, along GA 400
Many people from Atlanta combine Lakewood 400 with a day trip that includes lunch or a stop in Alpharetta, Roswell, or downtown Cumming.
4. Prepare for Negotiation
Negotiation is common but varies by dealer. General approach:
- Be polite and realistic; big discounts on already fair prices are less likely.
- Have a number in mind before you ask.
- Buying multiple items from one dealer can sometimes support a better deal.
Atlanta-area shoppers often find that Lakewood 400 pricing can be competitive with or better than some city shops, particularly for solid-wood furniture and larger pieces.
Is Lakewood 400 Worth the Trip If You’re Visiting Atlanta?
If you’re visiting Atlanta and have access to a car or rental, Lakewood 400 can be worth a day’s outing if:
- You enjoy antique and vintage browsing
- You want to bring home unique décor or smaller collectibles
- You have space in your luggage or are driving home
If your visit is short and you’re mostly staying near Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead without a car, in-town antique shops and smaller markets may be more convenient. But for visitors who want a glimpse of the broader North Georgia antiques scene that many Atlantans rely on, Lakewood 400 is a representative stop.
Practical Checklist for an Atlanta-to-Lakewood 400 Day
Before you leave your Atlanta neighborhood, run through this quick checklist:
- [ ] Confirm this month’s market weekend and hours
- [ ] Bring cash + cards
- [ ] Pack a tape measure and room measurements
- [ ] Load blankets, straps, or a dolly if you’re hunting furniture
- [ ] Check GA 400 traffic and plan your timing
- [ ] Wear comfortable shoes for several hours of walking
- [ ] Allow extra time to explore nearby North Fulton / Forsyth spots if you want to make a day of it
For many Atlanta residents, Lakewood 400 Antiques Market is less a one-time outing and more of a recurring tradition—a monthly chance to discover something unexpected, add character to an Atlanta home, and tap into a regional community of antique and vintage dealers.