Web Smarts

www.AntiqueguideUSA.com

WHAT: Antique Guide USA is an online national database for locating antique shops, malls, flea markets, refinishing stores, and Internet auctions. It was founded by two Midwest shop owners.

BEST POINTS: Antiques fans can easily search for shops and services by any combination of name, city, state, store type or service, and primary speciality. The site provides a database of 30,000 stores in the United States, so that if you're visiting an area, you can identify antique shops. The categories range from art glass and European antiques to vintage textiles, Disney collectibles, and fine watches.

Antique Guide USA also offers a short recommended sites list.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: Although the site is convenient for travelers, it lacks comprehensive reviews of the shops. Moreover, all the links are not yet activated.

Store owners can sign up for their businesses to appear on the site. They are expected to pay a per-month or per-year fee to obtain a customized home page, links to the Antique Guide's website, mapping, photos, and an e-mail address.

(c) Copyright 2001. The Christian Science Publishing Society