I love to look around and see whats different- what technique is favored in the area and the colors that are hot for them..
I do tend to pick up a seam ripper or two and sometimes a neat gadget that I havent seen..
As for fabric, I head for the clearance... Ill buy if its $5 or less a yard.. Last year when we visited Virginia I picked up bolts of LQS for $3/yard... I had to buy a new duffel suitcase to fly it home with me.. It was well worth it.. (Hubby is 'priority' flyer so HIS bags are free... So no addt'l cost !!!)
I did notice when we went to California earlier this month the fabrics ran between $9-15 a yard... a little pricey for me- saw nothing i just had to have..