I would have loved to have gone with you! There is nothing more inspiring or fun than being with a person the first time they discover a "real" quilt store. It's just great fun!!
One thing I do is wait. When I find something I really like, I leave it where it is and wander through the entire store. If I still really like it after I'm done looking around, then I grab it. This saves me from making too many impulse buys; unless it's an almost empty bolt, which I snatch before anyone else can get it. :lol: