I have tried stopping and chatting as some larger shops. It didn't go over well. I was more interested in how the shop ran and not in buying a frame. So along with Brad's encouraging words look for the smaller shops you may have a better time. Maybe volunteer some time helping. I am not sure how even that would go over, it would be appealing to me. One of the things beyond skill is the desire to learn and a proper philosophy, with those skill will come. This type of workshop may not be available so you may have to put out some cash for the experience.
I liked the gardening/cooking analogy.
Burger King=mobil home.
Corn roasted on some coals with venison in a frying pan, blueberry cobler in a dutch oven=timber frame
Speaking of Dutch, that was a great article in Timber Framing on the Wemple Barn.
Tim
