There’s a lot to like about alpaca

Coinciding with alpaca sales, the company also offers training courses on the basics of owning and caring for the animals as well as alpaca investment and sponsorship opportunities. There’s even a live “alpaca cam” video stream broadcast on the company’s website.

In the gift shop, the shelves and displays are loaded with pretty much any gift item one can imagine—in an alpaca-related form. First and foremost, there are many items made from the soft and warm alpaca fleece, including sweaters and socks, scarves and shawls, hats, blankets and fingerless mittens. There are also t-shirts and coffee mugs, postcards and mouse pads. Looking a little longer, the visitor will find a manger scene with little golden alpaca figurines standing in for the cattle, alpaca dolls, greeting cards, and yarn—the shopping list goes on and on. Also available are packages of Alpaca Poo, a sweet, uniquely shaped concoction of dark chocolate and raspberries.

Looking back, Ronchetti says she may be able to explain the powerful alpaca-traction that changed her life. “I always wanted a dog growing up,” she says. “I think this is me compensating for all those years not having a pet. Discovering alpaca is really something everyone needs to do. I think every home should have two.”

Photo by Charles Sternaimolo

Located at 1 Head of the Pond Road in Vineyard Haven, Island Alpaca is open daily. Learn more at islandalpaca.com, or call 508-693-5554.