I found out about the taping for the Antiques Roadshow in San Diego through their website. I was thrilled because I tried to go to the taping when they were at the Convention Center in Los Angeles a few years ago, but they weren't letting anyone even close to the place when I arrived. The parking lot was filled to capacity. The show had sold out before the doors even opened at 9:00 am!

I noted the day the tickets would be going on sale for the San Diego taping (about month before). I live in Orange County, which is between Los Angeles and San Diego, so I was prepared to go the distance as before, only this time I was determined to get in!

While the tickets were free, the volume demanded that they be distributed through Ticketmaster. For the unfortunates who didn't go online to get their tickets, forget it. Trying to phone in got you only a busy signal. I was one of the few who tried going online and was rewarded with tickets - 4 max per household. Lucky me because the 6500 tickets for the show sold out within 20 minutes.

The convention center in San Diego was a perfect venue. The parking was underground, requiring only an elevator ride upstairs to the front door.

The road crew for the show had everything so organized. There was a cafe-type area where one could sit at tables and munch a snack from one of the kiosks while waiting for their spot in line to move forward. People would say to the person behind them in line, "I'm going to go have something to eat and sit down, would you mind?" And that was it, no problem.

Everyone was so thrilled and felt so lucky to be there. The atmosphere was one of nervous, happy excitement. Besides feeling so giddy, it was just the most provocative experience. There were so many odd and interesting items every time you turned and looked around.

And the taping area! All the appraisers one sees on TV were there! Just working the tables. They look just a little different in person. It was so fun seeing them up close.

The show has very few rules. You may wander freely going to whatever table you like, listening in on the appraisals of your buddies, or going over to where they are taping all the "finds of the day."

If the Antiques Roadshow comes near your town, I would say it is so worth it to find your way in. Good Luck!