We travel as a group of 6 and are able to visit all the shops in one day (start very early). We too, at the first shop buy a passport $5. The shops have designed one quilt and have it made and hanging for display - what they call the shop hop quilt (always very beautiful and one of those you can't pass up). At each shop you have the option to purchase the fabric with the pattern for a portion of the shop hop quilt - they have them precut and bagged and show you the portion their kit makes - the kits are usually $10 to $12. They always have gift bags with coupons, treats, etc. - refreshments - a large basket with a lot of sewing notions, gift card, etc. that everyone can register for a final drawing on the last day of the shop hop. You get your passport stamped and at the last shop you are given a copy of the completed quilt and how to set it up. That also gives you the opportunity as a group to work on the same project and you all have a finished project that each enjoy. We have a wonderful time and look forward to the shop hop each year. Ours comes up the middle of October and we have a three day sewing retreat the last weekend in October. Works perfect. There is usually 7 to 8 shops.