Posted on: The Other List
Category: Family Adventures / New York Hidden Gems
🐾 Why Buck Brook Alpacas Made The Other List
Alpacas vs. llamas — not the same. And if you’ve never had a reason to care before, Buck Brook Alpacas in the Catskills will change that.
Tucked away in Roscoe, NY, this family-run alpaca farm turned out to be one of the sweetest surprises of our trip. It’s calm, scenic, and unexpectedly moving — especially when you’re lucky enough to visit during a once-in-a-lifetime moment (more on that below).
🌾 What Makes It Special
✅ Rare Experience
When we visited, one of the alpacas was giving birth. We didn’t expect to witness such a personal moment in nature, but it made the whole experience even more memorable. It’s not something you plan for, but it speaks to how intimate and real this place is.
✅ The Alpacas Are Adorable (and Chill)
They’re fluffy, curious, and super photogenic. You can feed them, walk around the pens, and get surprisingly close without them running off. It’s great for kids — and yes, equally fun for adults.
✅ Staff That Actually Cares
The people here clearly love what they do. They took time to answer our questions, explain the differences between alpacas and llamas, and even shared tips on how to interact with the animals.
🧭 Good to Know
- 🕒 Tours are typically scheduled, but they’re very accommodating. We were actually late for our walking alpacas appointment — and they still welcomed us warmly and made it happen. That kind of kindness makes all the difference.
- 🐾 Bring shoes that can get a little dusty (this is a real working farm)
- 🛍️ They have a charming on-site store where you can buy souvenirs handmade from alpaca fibers — like soft, warm scarves that make perfect gifts or keepsakes.
- 📍 Roscoe is about 2.5 hours from NYC — perfect for a weekend detour
🤔 Final Thoughts
Buck Brook Alpacas makes The Other List because it offers something refreshingly simple and grounding. No crowds, no screens, just animals, fresh air, and kind people.
If you’re heading to the Catskills — or even remotely near it — make the stop. Feed an alpaca. Pet some fluff. Maybe even witness something extraordinary. And don’t leave without picking up one of those alpaca fiber scarves — it’s like bringing home a piece of the warmth you felt here.
📍 Location: Roscoe, NY
🌐 buckbrookalpacas.com (opens in new tab)
⭐ My Rating: ★★★★★
💡 Best For: Families, animal lovers, couples, or solo reset days
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