ditto to all the above!
I make it into a holiday, whether it be for just one day or several. I check out the shops, looking for inspiration that I do not get from the more local LQS'.
Something that I do is to decide on a "mission" before I go on a Shop Hop. One time it was to get all the fabrics I needed for a project I wanted to do. Another I called it the 4-Bs, and paid special heed to backings, battings, borders and bindings. This year, it will be to "really" look at DSM quilting styles, or how I can adapt LAQ to DSM FMQ.
By doing this I have found I have learned a LOT more and felt productive with the Hops. Before that, I would get too caught up in snatch and grab mode! (not that, that can't be good!)