There used to be a lovely shop in Skippack, PA, which sadly isn't there anymore. I also remember a wonderful shop in New Hope when I was young. I saved up and bought some artisan pieces that I still have today. I'm looking forward to getting back into miniatures when I retire. Until then, projects are few and far between.
Someday, I hope to get to Circus Circus and Karen's Dollhouse. I visited Fingertip Fantasies several times before they moved to Delaware.
Philadelphia Miniaturia is a wonderful show and I plan to go again in 2021.
I agree that its so much better to pick out things 'in person.'