I've been a long time llama lover, at least since The Emperors New Groove was released, so when my niece became a llama lover too, I was over the moon, though I was a little bummed that my favorite animal was becoming so popular all around, it was a catch 22, I hate feeling like I'm just following a trend, llamas were mine first! LOL But at the same time all the llama/alpaca merch that has been released has been AMAZING! Stickers to statues, it's all there! When it came time for my nieces birthday she only had one request, to visit an alpaca farm, and for those that didn't know Llamas and Alpacas are 2 different animals- while cousins they have different and distinct features. ⦁ Ears- llamas have long ears while alpacas have shorter more pointed ears ⦁ Body- llamas can weigh up to 400lbs, while alpacas are much smaller at about 150lbs ⦁ Fur- llama fleece tends to be course while alpaca fur is soft and luscious ⦁ Temperament- llamas are more herd guards and are much braver then their timid alpaca cousins who need the protection of the herd. When we arrived at Alpaca Magic U.S.A we entered onto a nice piece of property with the main housing up front, and the farm/store areas towards the back. Alpacas grazed and looked up to say hello to their human visitors, and there was even a chicken wandering just doing his thing. The area around the store and animal pens had a secret garden feel to me, where you never knew what treasures you would see laying around re purposed into whimsical garden decor. Entering into the shop, felt much like walking into grandmas house (I seriously wanted to stop and have a glass of sweet tea on the porch) filled with all kinds of items made with alpaca fleece there was something for everyone at this wonderful store. Every shelf, table, and hanging space was filled with soft inviting items from hair ties, to socks, belts, finished alpaca fiber yarn, and even alpaca purses (yes, a purse made from alpaca fleece, made to look like an alpaca) Upon leaving the store you could walk across to one of the main pens that held the female alpacas and sit at their dinner table. While they don't really like being touched (mainly because they have no forms of self defense) they were very much trusting at happy to share the table. After patiently waiting and slowly approaching my niece finally got her chance, one of the Alpacas had decided to lay down and rest, and my niece took her chance to kneel down, and make her dreams come true, she was petting a real live alpaca!! We spent about 2 hrs at the farm all together, and it made for some great memories, so if you are even in Homosassa,FL be sure to visit Alpaca Magic U.S.A. 4920 W Grover Cleveland Blvd Homosassa, FL 34446
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Photos used under Creative Commons from clkohan, Dyanna Hyde, Michael's Cookie Jar, B*2, ohsarahrose, HannahWebb, rocknroll_guitar, bochalla, ccharmon, Ashley Coombs, Ava R., swambo