Harvard Alpaca Ranch — Attraction in Harvard

Discovered another little New England gem while putzing around Google maps and decided to check it out on a whim. It was definitely worth the Saturday adventure and back roads Autumn drive🍂🍃🍁

Just pulling up to the little ranch was inviting! The two gentlemen directing parking were all smiles and the friendliness didn't stop there. The volunteer staff were welcoming and kind, offering a free 1/2 hour tour and opportunity to interact with the alpacas. I appreciated the fact that while there was an option to quietly donate by cash or venmo, there was no intimidation nor requirement to do so, which IMO, completely aligns with the owner's mission to give back to the community and to create both a welcoming and family-friendly farm that's accessible to all abilities - physically and financially.

The tour was well-organized and full, but certainly not overcrowded. Amy and Matt (the owners) were knowledgeable and kind, and offered a variety of alpaca facts and anecdotal experiences. The alpacas were friendly, clearly well cared for, and quite comical with their quirky personalities. There was ample opportunity to meet, feed, pet, and take pictures with the "boys and girls".

I wish Libby's baby was born while we were there, but since the little cria wasn't, I'm eagerly awaiting the Facebook post with pictures revealing gender, color, and whatever adorably fitting name Amy comes up with next!

All in all, the ranch is unquestionably a must-do for all ages. The staff (both human and animal🤣) is top notch! The experience allows you to be as involved or as hands-off as you'd like. The shop is affordable and offers a variety of ethically sourced alpaca products. There's even local options for felting, spinning, and weaving classes. And if you're looking to keep the alpaca experience close to heart, take home a tribble - guaranteed to fill your soul with happiness, joy, and a calmness that words...

Great small farm experience. Went during phase 3 of Covid19 reopening, so we had to make an online appointment to visit. We appreciate his efforts to managing social distancing, by requiring apointments with masks required and hand sanitizer available. It was a wonderfully relaxing experience, and a great way to get out of the house while avoiding crowded spaces during this unique time.

Had a great private (free!) tour by the owner. He was happy to explain how the farm runs, the plans for the future, and what it takes to keep the small farm operating. We got to go into the pastures with the Alpacas. Summer stopped by to take a look at us, but they mostly minded their open business. The owner pointed out which ones where more willing to be petted, but sometimes they are just not in the mood for a pet and will walk away.

After the tour, we were then sure to visit the farm store. They have a nice selection of hats, slippers, gloves, mittens and other products made with fiber from their own farm and other Alpaca products. We were happy to support the farm. I look forward to the winter when I'll get to wear my new Alpaka wool hat, and my wife looks forward to knitting projects with the wool she bought (labeled by which animal it came from!)

We highly recommend it as a...

What a fabulous place with the most friendly people. Wanted to see Alpaca because my partner and I were discussing the friendliness of split lipped animals and I said Llama are the least friendly and spit at you while camels are very friendly in the wild if you bring them apples. Alpaca seem somewhere in the middle, they don't seem to want to get Skritches all the time, but also don't seem to mind you hanging around. So camels, 5/5 stars for friendliness (bribed), alpaca 4/5 stars, llama 3/5 stars. Oh yea... the Ranch- nicest people, are willing to let you play with their animals and walk you around the ranch and answer questions. They ask you give a donation or purchase something from their store... too easy. They have some seriously nice warmer clothing, but the draw for me was the Yeti. In good Yeti fashion they were hiding and apparently don't come out till the holidays. Go figure this one out for yourself! Anyway... great place, highly recommended! No, camels are not available to bribe at this location, they don't seem to care much for...