Shop hops are SOOO much fun especially if you go with friends. It is great chance to see shops that you have never been to before or even knew that the existed. There can be several or many shops in the hop. (last one I went to had 7). the shops included in the hop are listed and are not always in the same town but ususally withing reasonable driving distance. There is usually a theme for the hop and each shop gives out a block pattern. Some shops will show you a sample of the finished quilt using all or only their block or as the last one I went on it was a mystery quilt and at the last shop you got the finishing instructions. The idea is to go to all shops in the hop within the a specific time frame. At the 1st shop when you sign up you get a "passport" that is stamped at each shop you go to. Usually each shop has a drawing for a prize. After you have completed all shops you turn in your passport and get entered in for the "grand" prize. Some hops cost money and other no cost. Yes I usually buy at most shops but It is really fun to see all the different fabric and patterns each shop carries. It seems that shops do not carry the same fabrics. So much fabric and so little money. Try a hop if you have on locally and HAVE FUN!!!!!! Remember-The one who dies with the most fabric wins!!!!!