Black Barn Alpacas, a Carroll County alpaca farm, has opened a retail storefront in the heart of downtown Sykesville’s historic district. The new store, located at 7606 Main St., offers clothing, yarn, home goods, and gifts made from alpaca fiber sourced from the farm’s herd.

A Dream Realized

Co-owners Yussy and Travis McManus began their business during the COVID-19 pandemic, seeking to reconnect with their agricultural roots. After visiting a local alpaca farm, they fell in love with the sustainable and gentle nature of the animals, as well as the luxury fiber they produce.

The McManuses’ business has grown from 20 alpacas to approximately 150 animals since relocating to Maryland nearly three years ago. The farm offers tours, birthday parties, and seasonal festivals, allowing visitors to meet the alpacas and purchase products made from their fleece.

The brand-new storefront carries a variety of products, including socks, sweaters, blankets, pillows, stuffed animals, and yarn made from alpaca fiber. The fiber is naturally hypoallergenic, and the animals are shorn annually for their health, making fleece harvesting part of their routine care.

A New Chapter

The downtown location marks the first retail storefront for the agritourism business. The owners hope to complement the farm’s tourism business while introducing more visitors to alpaca products and the animals themselves. With plans to be in Sykesville for 25 years or longer, Black Barn Alpacas is excited to become a part of the community.

Original reporting: Baltimore Fishbowl — read the source article.