City Lifestyle

Want to start a publication?

Learn More

Featured Article

From Cozy Alpacas to Fragrant Lavender Fields

Exploring the Delights of two New Jersey Alpaca Farms

If you have never been to an alpaca farm, put it on your bucket list. This extraordinary experience is great for kids of all ages, including adults!

In the picturesque towns of Peapack and Skillman New Jersey, two distinct worlds await those seeking an escape from the bustle of everyday life. Bluebird Farm Alpacas and Hidden Spring Alpaca and Lavender Farm, offer visitors an opportunity to connect with nature and engage with alpacas. One promises the warmth and charm of alpacas, the other captivates you with an additional bonus of fragrant fields of the lavender they grow.

Nestled in Peapack, NJ, Bluebird Farm Alpacas greets guests with open arms and curious eyes. As you enter the farm, a sense of tranquility envelops you. The farm's pride and joy, a herd of gentle alpacas, welcomes you with their fluffy fleece catching the sunlight. Visitors can interact with these adorable creatures, learning about their gentle nature and unique characteristics.

Guided tours take guests through the farm, offering insights into the alpacas' history, lifestyle, and their incredible fleece. The owners share their knowledge and love for alpacas, weaving stories that leave guests captivated. They sheer their alpacas once a year and their yarn is sent to local artisans where they create products you can purchase at the farm.  Bluebird Farm Alpacas offers farm tours and alpaca walking where you can take an alpaca on a walk using a halter and lead line. The farm is open by reservation on weekends.  https://www.bluebirdfarmalpacas.com/

Another Alpaca farm worth the drive is Hidden Spring Alpaca and Lavender Farm located in Skillman, New Jersey.  A beautiful sight of lavender fields welcomes you as you approach the iconic red barn and stables where the alpacas live. They grow 15 varieties of lavender, used for culinary, floral and oil.   Rows upon rows of vibrant purple blooms dance in the breeze, casting a spell of relaxation over all who visit.

At Hidden Springs Alpaca and Lavender Farm, visitors are encouraged to pet and feed these gentle animals with treats you get from the farm.  They don’t charge to come to the farm but ask for a donation if you can.   They offer alpaca walking tours for a moderate fee and are truly worth the experience!   Each of their alpacas are certified and microchipped through the association Alpaca Owners Association.

The farm boasts a delightful gift shop, filled to the brim with lavender-infused and honey products. They also host outdoor themed “Farm to Table” dinners with options for every palette. You can visit their award-winning alpacas on weekends and make a reservation to “Walk an Alpaca”  at https://hiddenspringlavender.com/.

These two alpaca farms provide you with the opportunity to take an alpaca for a walk, a genuinely therapeutic, fun and memorable experience. We encourage you to visit them both with your kids this summer. You will be glad you did!  

Fun Facts About Alpacas:

Alpacas are gentle creatures that belong to the camelid family, which also includes llamas, guanacos, and vicuñas.

These captivating animals come in 22 natural colors, ranging from pure white to shades of gray, brown, and black.

Alpacas have been domesticated for thousands of years, primarily for their luxurious fleece, which is softer than sheep's wool and hypoallergenic.

Alpacas communicate through a range of sounds, including humming, clucking, and even screaming when alarmed.