Paca Pantry
133 East Center Street
(Hwy. 491)
Monticello, UT, 84535
Phone: (435) 419-0750
Email: dpalpaca9@yahoo.com
Website for Ordering and
Shipping of Items: alpacasofpetersprings.com, or find Wild Mountain Meats at
Overstock.com
Free Wifi is available.
Five years ago, Dorothy
Pipkin-Padilla, owner of Peter Springs Alpaca Ranch, had a wild idea. Doing research, finding resources that suited
her needs, Wild Mountain Meats was born.
This new business features Alpaca meat in the forms of burgers, ground
summer sausage, chops, and roasts.
Experimenting with dehydration techniques, a line of jerky will be added
to the lineup.
It was no wonder that a
shop would open one year later, featuring, what else, Alpaca products. Made from the fleece (fiber), Paca Pantry
features scarves, hats, shawls, sweaters, gloves, head bandanas and yarn. The bestselling item though are the socks
which have dedicated repeat buyers from locals and tourists yearly. “What is so wonderful about alpaca fleece?”
you might be asking. Each shearing
produces roughly five to ten pounds of fleece per animal, per year. This
fleece, often compared to cashmere, can be turned into a wide array of products
from yarn and apparel to tapestries and blankets.
There are two different
types of alpaca fleece. Huacaya fiber
grows and looks similar to sheep wool, causing the alpaca to look fluffy. The
second type is Suri and makes up less than 10% of the South American alpaca
population. Suri fiber is similar to
natural silk and hangs off the body in locks that have a dreadlock appearance. At Peter Springs Alpaca Ranch, Huacaya is
what you can see; simply ask Dorothy for tour information. I have visited the ranch, while some of the
alpaca can be a bit standoffish; several will gladly come forth to be petted,
or simply “vogue” for the camera. The
Ranch and Paca Pantry are associated with Airbnb.com | Vacation Rentals &
More (www.airbnb.com/) which helps to promote both businesses to those
planning on visiting Monticello and the surrounding areas.
The alpaca fiber products
at Paca Pantry come from the herd at the ranch; the fleece is sheared, carted,
woven into skeins, and knitted into wearable and comfortable art. Looking for something unique to hang over a
fireplace? A lovely, soft, full body
alpaca hide can be purchased.
Now every business owner
needs a right hand person; Sue Morrell, former award winning “31 Bags”
demonstrator, is Dorothy’s. Besides
doing sales and making sure the shop maintains its eye tempting look, Sue helps
to promote. Currently there is a 50% off
sale on all remaining “31 Bags” from Sue’s personal stock. I LOVE the thermal insulated bags that keep
items frozen or cold for approximately five hours! Quilters and other crafters will adore the
many pocketed bags made just for this purpose.
That’s right, Paca Pantry
is not about alpaca only; expansion of stock is key to keeping a business
interesting to the public. 85-90% of
items offered for sale are sourced locally; either through consignment, or
purchased outright. The other 10-15% are
Utah products; Dorothy and Sue believe in “Shop Local, Shop Utah”.
So, what else can be found
to delight any shopper? Beautifully
handcrafted pottery pieces by Tony Wojcik, Otis Wright and Cedar Mesa
Pottery. Unpainted ceramic pieces are a
best seller for the at-home crafter.
Essential Oils, postcards, photographs, jewelry, furniture, and I could
go on and go, but I will not. What I
will do is ask you to stop in and see for yourself.
Paca Pantry has a vision,
“To provide items that will satisfy locals and tourists alike”. Dorothy and Sue are community conscious by
donating to, and attending, events such as the Parks and Beautification Gala, Rotary
Club, San Juan Hospital “First Baby of the New Year”, Holiday Gingerbread House
Tour, and the Pioneer Day Treasure Hunt.
Book signings, like local author Eric Niven, are an enjoyable event at
the Pantry itself; along with classes on essential oils and alpaca
education. In future, cooking
demonstrations will be offered on alpaca meat, so expect to get some nifty recipes
for home use. Also included will be the
foods of local cultures such as Native American, Mexican and the Pioneers.
Speaking of food, in the
summer, stop in for a childhood favorite, well of mine at least, a rootbeer
float; or a cup of gelato which is sourced directly from the Moab Brewery. If you have not tried their gelato yet, you
will be in for a real treat!
Pet owners, do not feel
left out, items geared for your furbabies will be offered in the future as
well! Before I forget, book readers;
drop off used books for store credit, or come in and see what titles are a “must”
purchase.
Winter hours allow for a
little time off, Paca Pantry will be open Tuesday and Friday, from 11am-4pm,
and Saturday, 10am to 2pm. With the
holidays looming ahead though, there will be extended hours Thanksgiving week,
and the week before and during Christmas.
There will be a huge sale period beginning November 15th; 10%
off ALL items in the shop, except for historically based pieces. Looking for a special gift has now been made
easier.
Whether a local or simply
passing through Monticello; make a stop at Paca Pantry and shop!
Mary Cokenour
