FROM A DREAM TO AN ALPACA FARM
What started as a lifelong love of animals became something we never quite expected. In 2004, my husband and I took a leap into farming — despite neither of us growing up on a farm. I had always dreamed of someday having a farm of my own; I just didn’t know that dream would eventually be filled with alpacas!
With two young children at the time, choosing the right animals for our family was important. We wanted livestock that would be gentle around our kids, quiet, easy on the land and, of course, pretty fun to look at. Then, during a visit to a local fair, we met our first alpaca. It was love at first sight, and The Crafty Alpaca began to take shape.
Over the years, our alpaca farm has become about so much more than raising animals. Some of our greatest memories have come from watching our children grow up alongside the herd and learn the family business. Just as meaningful are the people we get to meet and the opportunity to share what we love with visitors from throughout Southwestern Pennsylvania and beyond.
Education has always been an important part of what we do. Whether you’re visiting the farm to meet the alpacas, learning more about these incredible animals or discovering how their fiber can be transformed into something beautiful, we want every experience at The Crafty Alpaca to leave you with a great memory — and maybe a new appreciation for alpacas, too.
We also take pride in creating one-of-a-kind handmade alpaca products using hand-spun yarn and felted alpaca fiber right here on the farm. From the animals we raise to the items we create, there’s a story behind what you’ll find at The Crafty Alpaca.
Ready to experience it for yourself? Plan a visit to our alpaca farm in Southwestern Pennsylvania to meet the herd, explore the farm and shop our handcrafted alpaca goods. We can’t wait to welcome you!
-Mary
WHY CHOSE ALPACA PRODUCTS?
Soft, warm and made to last — there’s a lot to love about alpaca fiber.
Visit The Crafty Alpaca in Southwestern Pennsylvania to experience alpaca fiber for yourself and shop a selection of alpaca products and handcrafted fiber goods. And while you’re here, you can meet the alpacas behind the fiber and discover what makes these animals — and the products they inspire — so special. Ready to find a new favorite?
Alpacas are shorn once a year, and their soft fleece is transformed into beautiful alpaca fiber that can be spun into yarn and used to create everything from socks and hats to scarves, sweaters and other cozy alpaca products.
What makes alpaca fiber so special? It’s known for being incredibly soft, lightweight and warm, with a luxurious feel often compared to cashmere. Unlike sheep’s wool, alpaca fiber does not contain lanolin, making it a popular choice for people who find traditional wool irritating. It’s also naturally durable, odor resistant and moisture resistant, so quality alpaca products can be enjoyed season after season.
Alpaca fiber also comes in a beautiful variety of natural colors, making every piece just a little more unique. Whether you’re looking for something warm and practical or a special gift, alpaca products combine comfort, quality and natural beauty in a way that’s hard to beat.
MEET OUR HEARD
Say hello to the real stars of The Crafty Alpaca! From the curious and cuddly to the sassy and sweet, every member of our herd has their own unique personality — and they’re ready to steal your heart!
Lady Force (Lady), 13
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The Alpaca Who Almost Made Everyone Late for Soccer!
Lady's arrival was quite the adventure! When her mom needed a little help delivering her, it was Emma to the rescue! With their small hands, Emma was just the right person to help bring Lady into the world.
There was just one little problem… Emma was supposed to be on their way to a soccer game! After announcing that they'd be late because they had an alpaca to deliver (now there's an excuse you don't hear every day!), Emma helped welcome Lady into the world and still made it to their game!
In honor of their soccer team, Emma named the new baby Lady Force. We just call her Lady for short.
Not many alpacas can say they were born between soccer warm-ups and kickoff!
Famous, 15
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Famous by Name, Fabulous by Nature!
With a mom named Almost Famous, it was only natural that her daughter would be called Famous! After all, why settle for almost when you can be the real deal?
And Famous certainly has the looks to live up to her name! Her beautiful medium fawn fleece is sprinkled with darker fawn spots, giving her a one-of-a-kind appearance. She even sports dark stripes down her back that make her look a little like a skunk!
With her eye-catching markings and unforgettable name, Famous was clearly born to stand out!
Pandora, 12
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Sweet, Gentle, and Always Ready for a Treat!
Meet Pandora, one of the sweethearts of The Crafty Alpaca! Born right here on the farm 12 years ago, Pandora inherited her gentle, lovable personality from her dad, Teddy Bear. Just like her father, she doesn't mind a little attention and is happy to let visitors pet her.
And when it's time for treats, Pandora doesn't hesitate! She's often the first to lead the herd over to greet visitors, making sure she doesn't miss out on any of the goodies.
Sweet, friendly, and always ready for a treat… Pandora knows how to charm her way into your heart!
Queen Hera (Hera), 13
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A Queen With a Sweet Tooth!
Meet Queen Hera, named after the goddess herself! With her gorgeous dark brown fleece and one distinctive gray spot, Hera has a look that's truly fit for royalty.
But when visitors bring treats, this queen isn't interested in playing it cool! Hera makes no secret of how much she loves a tasty snack. After all, why should royalty have to pretend they're not excited about treats?
A beautiful queen with a not-so-secret love of treats—that's our Hera!
Cracker Jack (CJ), 15
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The Handsome Heartbreaker With Million-Dollar Eyelashes!
Meet CJ, short for Cracker Jack, one of the most striking alpacas at The Crafty Alpaca! With his rare rose gray fleece, adorable freckles, and some of the longest eyelashes you'll ever see, CJ is quite the handsome fellow!
He may not be the cuddly type, but who needs cuddles when you've got looks like his? And his beauty is more than fleece-deep! His gorgeous fiber makes stunning yarn that knitters and crocheters practically fight over.
With his fabulous freckles, dreamy eyelashes, and highly coveted fleece, CJ is proof that some alpacas are simply born to turn heads!
Teddy Bear, 17
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Small in Stature, Big in Heart, and Still the Boss!
Don't let his small size fool you! Teddy Bear may be one of the little guys, but he's a big deal around The Crafty Alpaca! Sweet, cuddly, and gentle by nature, Teddy Bear has a way of winning hearts without even trying.
At 17 years young, Teddy Bear is still a leader of the herd. He doesn't need to be loud or pushy to be in charge. His quiet confidence and gentle nature prove that sometimes the best leaders are the ones who lead by example.
Small but mighty, sweet as can be, and still running the show… Teddy Bear proves that age is just a number!
Keisel, 12
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Retired PR Superstar, Full-Time Treat Enthusiast!
Meet Keisel, named after Pittsburgh Steelers legend Brett Keisel! Big, beautiful, and impossible to miss, Keisel spent years as our farm's PR boy, charming visitors until he decided it was time to put himself into retirement.
These days, Keisel is enjoying the perks of retirement, especially the treats! And when we say Keisel LOVES treats, we mean it! If we don't separate him from the others, he's more than happy to help himself to everyone else's share, too!
Retirement may have ended his PR career, but it certainly hasn't slowed down his appetite!
Keisel may be retired from the spotlight, but he's still the undefeated champion of the treat bowl!
Whipped Cream, 19
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The Quiet Gentleman Who Marches to His Own Beat!
At 19 years young, Whipped Cream holds the very special title of oldest alpaca on the farm! And after all those years, he's figured out the secret to a peaceful life: stay out of the drama and do your own thing!
Sweet, quiet, and wonderfully independent, Whipped Cream isn't one to follow the crowd. He prefers to go about his day at his own pace, avoiding conflict and minding his own business. In fact, he's so quiet and unassuming that sometimes we almost forget he's there!
Whipped Cream proves that you don't have to be the center of attention to be something special. Sometimes the quiet ones are the sweetest of all!
Beetle, 4
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The Quiet Guy Who Knows When It's Showtime!
Meet Beetle, named after the legendary rock group, The Beatles! Small, quiet, and a bit on the shy side, Beetle prefers to keep to himself when he's home on the farm. Petting? No, thank you!
But put a lead on Beetle, and it's like flipping a switch! He knows it's time to go to work as one of our traveling PR boys. Suddenly, meeting people, accepting pets, and enjoying treats are all part of the job, and Beetle is happy to oblige!
At home, he's the quiet guy. On the road, he's a working superstar! Beetle knows exactly when it's time to rock and roll!
Colby, 8
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The Quiet, Loyal Friend Who Loves His Herd!
With his beautiful dark brown fleece and striking white face, Colby is certainly easy to recognize, even if he prefers to stay in the background!
Colby isn't what you'd call a 'people alpaca.' While the others hurry over for treats and attention, he's usually content to hang back. So when Colby does decide to come over for a treat, it's a special moment worth celebrating!
But there's one thing Colby absolutely loves, and that's his herd. He prefers the company of his alpaca friends and is happiest staying close by their side.
Colby may not be a social butterfly with people, but when it comes to his herd, he's a friend through and through!
Jingo (the Llama), 4
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The Rock Star With a Heart of Gold!
Move over, rock stars… Jingo is in the house! Our beautiful white llama was named after the Santana song 'Jingo Rocks,' and with that wild tuft of fiber on top of his head, he certainly has the rock-star look!
But behind that fabulous hairstyle is one of the sweetest personalities on the farm. Jingo loves a good scratch and has a gentle way of winning over visitors. Even when it comes to treats, he's quite the gentleman, delicately accepting a snack whenever he decides he'd like one.
With his striking appearance and lovable personality, Jingo has a way of stealing the show wherever he goes!
He's got the rock-star style, the charm, and the star power. Jingo is our very own llama rock legend!
Cruiser, 4
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The Laid-Back Rock Star Who Moves to His Own Beat!
Meet Cruiser, named after the Pittsburgh rock group Donnie Iris and the Cruisers! With his beautiful fleece and absolutely adorable face, Cruiser has all the looks of a rock star, but his personality is much more laid-back!
Cruiser believes there's no need to rush through life, especially when it comes to eating! While the other alpacas finish their meals, Cruiser takes his sweet time, savoring every bite.
He's also one of our traveling PR boys! Although he's not a big fan of being petted, Cruiser travels like a pro and will even walk indoors for special events. Just don't keep him inside too long… even rock stars need bathroom breaks, and alpacas don't exactly ask to use the restroom!
Handsome, easygoing, and always moving at his own pace, Cruiser proves that you don't have to be in a hurry to be a star!
Clover, 15
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The Sweetheart Who Takes Life in Stride!
With a name as sweet as Clover, you'd expect a pretty special girl, and she certainly lives up to it! Big, beautiful, and wonderfully gentle, Clover is one of the most easygoing alpacas on the farm.
While some alpacas are in a hurry to be first, Clover is perfectly content to take her time. She's never pushy, doesn't get upset easily, and occasionally decides that a little petting is just fine with her!
Clover seems to have figured out the secret to a happy life: stay calm, be kind, and don't sweat the small stuff!
With her sweet nature, peaceful personality, and adorable name, Clover is simply a joy to have around!
Sidney, 11
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The Hockey Star Who Would Rather Be Swimming!
Meet Sidney, named after Pittsburgh Penguins superstar Sidney Crosby! His name was chosen while we were watching a Stanley Cup game with Crosby on the ice. With his gorgeous, solid black fleece and sweet personality, Sidney is a star in his own right!
But while his famous namesake loves the ice, our Sidney prefers water in its liquid form! This boy absolutely LOVES getting wet! He's first in line for a shower with the hose, a splash in the kiddie pool, or any opportunity to cool off. He'll even try to climb right into a bucket of water if you let him!
Ice may be Sidney Crosby's specialty, but our Sidney is all about making a splash!
Mystic, 4
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The Regal Gentleman Who Doesn't Miss a Thing!
Meet Mystic, named after the beautiful Van Morrison song 'Into the Mystic.' With his gorgeous, rare rose gray fleece and regal stature, Mystic has a commanding presence that's hard to overlook!
At home on the farm, Mystic prefers to admire visitors from a distance. Petting isn't really his thing! But put a lead on him, and he knows it's time to go to work! As one of our traveling PR boys, Mystic attends events throughout the area and is always a hit with the crowd.
And don't think for a moment that Mystic isn't paying attention! He's incredibly observant, always watching what's happening around him. Nothing gets past this handsome fellow!
Regal, handsome, and always on the lookout, Mystic is one alpaca who never misses a thing!
ABOUT ALPACAS
Alpacas are part of the camel family.
Those fluffy faces have some interesting relatives! Alpacas belong to the camelid family along with llamas, camels, guanacos and vicuñas.
Alpacas have been domesticated for thousands of years.
Their history stretches back thousands of years in South America, where they have long been valued for their beautiful fiber.
There are two types of alpacas.
Huacaya alpacas have fluffy, teddy-bear-like fleece, while Suri alpacas grow long, silky locks.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What can I do at The Crafty Alpaca?
The Crafty Alpaca offers unique alpaca experiences in Southwestern Pennsylvania where visitors can meet the herd, learn more about alpacas and agriculture, enjoy special events and shop for alpaca products and gifts. Experiences vary throughout the year, so be sure to check our current offerings and upcoming events before planning your visit.
Do I need a reservation to visit The Crafty Alpaca?
Reservations are recommended for scheduled alpaca tours and experiences to make sure we can provide the best possible visit for you and your group. Browse our available experiences online to find the option that works best for you and reserve your visit before heading to the farm.
Is The Crafty Alpaca a good place to visit with kids?
Yes! The Crafty Alpaca offers a fun opportunity for children and families to experience alpacas up close while learning about animals, agriculture and life on the farm. If you're searching for a unique family activity or animal experience in Southwestern Pennsylvania, a trip to The Crafty Alpaca can make for a memorable day together.
Can I book a private or group alpaca experience?
Yes! The Crafty Alpaca welcomes group visits and special outings. Our farm can be a unique destination for friends, families, clubs, agricultural groups and other organizations looking to spend time together while enjoying an alpaca experience.
For larger groups or special requests, contact us so we can help you plan your visit.
Is The Crafty Alpaca a good idea for a girls' day out?
Absolutely! If you're searching for a unique girls' day activity near Pittsburgh or in Southwestern Pennsylvania, come spend some time with the herd. Meet the alpacas, enjoy the farm, browse alpaca goods and make a few memories with your favorite people. It's a girls' day that's definitely outside the ordinary!
How far is The Crafty Alpaca from Pittsburgh?
The Crafty Alpaca offers visitors from the greater Pittsburgh area an opportunity to trade the city for a relaxing day on the farm. Our location makes us a fun option for those searching for alpaca farms, animal encounters, farm experiences and unique day trips near Pittsburgh.
We are located at 115 Rea Road, Avella, PA 15312, which is less than an hour from Downtown Pittsburgh.
What should I wear when visiting an alpaca farm?
The Crafty Alpaca is a working farm, so we recommend dressing comfortably and appropriately for the weather. Closed-toe shoes that can handle grass, dirt or mud are a good choice.
Because many experiences take place outdoors, checking the forecast before your visit is always a good idea.
What happens if it rains or there is bad weather on the day of my alpaca experience?
Because The Crafty Alpaca offers outdoor farm experiences, weather can sometimes affect scheduled activities. If severe or unsafe weather impacts your visit, we'll provide information about any changes to your scheduled experience. Check your booking information or contact us if you have weather-related questions before arriving.
Does The Crafty Alpaca host special events?
Yes! There's more happening at The Crafty Alpaca than everyday farm visits. Throughout the year, we offer seasonal events, educational programs and special activities that give visitors new ways to experience the farm.
Visit our Events page or follow The Crafty Alpaca on Facebook and Instagram to see what's coming up.
Can I shop for alpaca products at The Crafty Alpaca?
Yes! Shopping is part of the experience. Visitors can browse alpaca products, gifts and specialty goods during their time at The Crafty Alpaca. It's a great opportunity to find something unique for yourself or pick up a gift while supporting a local Southwestern Pennsylvania business.
Are alpaca experiences good for adults, too?
Definitely! Alpaca farms aren't just for kids. The Crafty Alpaca welcomes adults looking for a relaxing, unique and memorable experience. Whether you're planning a girls' day, date, family outing, group trip or weekend adventure, spending some time with the alpacas is a fun way to do something a little different.
How do I book an alpaca experience at The Crafty Alpaca?
Browse the available experiences on our website, choose the option that's right for you and follow the booking instructions to reserve your visit. If you're planning a larger group outing or aren't sure which experience is the best fit, contact The Crafty Alpaca and we'll be happy to help.
