Paca Pantry is Alpaca and More.

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 15^th; 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

Thirty-One Bags, A Product Review.

Thirty-One

Main Website: http://www.thirtyonegifts.com/

Sue Morrell - Consultant (my area)

Phone: (435) 587-2728

Her Website: https://www.mythirtyone.com/164339?verify=true


The first time I was invited to a Thirty-One party; I wasn't too sure what to expect.  I was used to Tupperware and Pampered Chef parties; I enjoy cooking, these belonged to my genre.  The party was hosted by a friend, so how could I refuse, right?  Sue Morrell was the consultant; she's a sweet lady, very knowledgeable about the products she sells, and passionate about them too.





At this party (I've been to three altogether now), I purchased a "Zip Top Organizing Tote" for my mother; she loves to crochet, so this would be perfect for her.  I was even able to get it engraved with her name on it; that's right, stitched engraving is available.  Besides names, you can get logos which is great for the kids going off to college; the prices depend on what you have engraved, but it's very reasonable.  I ended up purchasing one of these totes for myself, and my current quilting project is at my fingertips; all the pockets around the outside of the tote keeps me well organized!

With my travel blog, I do a lot of driving, hiking and climbing to get to the best sites, and take primo photographs.  I don't have the option of being disorganized or weighed down; so Thirty-One helped me solve these problems easily.  To keep my maps, notepaper and pens together; I purchased the "On a Stroll Bag".  Normally this bag can be used by a mom/dad with a child's stroller; it clips on easily and has pockets galore!  I simply clipped mine to the back of my head rest, it hangs down the back of my seat; when I need a particular map, it's right there where I want it.  Two other items are the "Bring a Bottle Thermal" which keeps a cold bottle of water cold to cool for about three hours.  If I put a frozen bottle of water inside, I'm looking at cold water for about 5 hours.  The "Vary You Backpack Purse" holds everything I need with two huge pockets and several small too.  I have packed up this baby with so much stuff (camera, wallet, snacks, first aid kit, etc) and it still doesn't weigh me down!  The "Bring a Bottle Thermal" has a utility clip which attaches easily to a metal ring on my backpack; leaving my hands free.

Here comes my all time favorite item, the "Fresh Market Thermal"; I was so impressed with this bag that I ended up buying another one.   It packs a lot of packaged items inside; put frozen ones on the bottom, dairy or must-keep-cold- items on the top; zipper it up and the items stay as they should be for hours.  Story: I went to Moab (an hour away) and did a bit of shopping at the local City Market, packed up my bags, but instead of going immediately home, I got delayed.  Anyway, the items were in my bags for about five hours; the frozen was still frozen, the cold items were still cold!!! 




If I'm buying ice cream, that's always a tough one to keep frozen properly; pack a few of those frozen thermal packs in the "Fresh Market Thermal", add the rest of your items inside; the ice cream stays perfect!  The ends of the bag snap onto the side, so if you need more space, simply unsnap and open it up wider.  It folds easily for storage in the trunk of your vehicle, or stack them onto a shelf.

I have to admit, at first I was a little thrown by the prices; but these are quality bags and have withstood my abuse of them well.  Every month there are special deals, and discounted items, so I was able to get other items at a well reduced price.  So, if you're in my area, give Sue Morrell a call and set up a party; if not, go to Thirty-One's website (listed above) and find a consultant in your area.

Mary Cokenour