Shop hops I have been on have also participated in a Mystery Quilt pattern. Each shop on the hop offers 1 part of the pattern which you pick up as you visit each shop in the hop. You don't have to go in any particular order though. We plan our trips to begin with the shop furthest away from us and work our way home. Most hops go over a 3 day or 2 day weekend. Also, hops I have been on give you a passport that you get stamped as you visit each shop. At the end, you leave your completed passport at the last shop and it gets put into a grandprize drawing. And each shop will also have a door prize that you can enter for freebies as well. It's fun and a great way to learn about new shops and explore with your quilting friends. The shops usually provide free food, such as snacks and things for lunch. It is so much fun!