Our History

The history of the Barnyard is rooted in community, family, and education. The origins of the Barnyard date back to the mid 1970’s when the original Thunderbird Bookshop was purchased by John and May Waldroup. To accommodate the success of the Thunderbird Bookshop, they founded the Valley Barn in 1976 which now stands today as The Barnyard Shopping Village in gorgeous Carmel, C.A.

What separated Thunderbird bookstore then, and remains a key role at the Barnyard today, is the community presence. The Thunderbird Bookshop placed community at its forefront, holding an array of monthly events such as book signings, panels, art exhibitions, and cooking classes. The bookstore always featured local artists and authors but also hosted notable guest visitors such as Ray Bradbury (author of Fahrenheit 451), astronaut Alan Shepard, and Pulitzer-winner, Wallace Stegner.

The Thunderbird bookshop thrived for a marvelous 28 years; even at one point opening a separate store called Thunderbird Kids. In 2004 the bookstore closed but the memories and stories live on in May Waldroup’s book, “Then and Now: A Short History of the Thunderbird Bookshop”.

In January of 2004, the Barnyard Shopping Village was purchased by SIMA Management Corp. In the two years that followed, the Barnyard underwent a revitalization that included new roofs with copper gutters, mosaic paths, and an open-air patio with outdoor fireplace. The improvements have continued with the introduction of a new color scheme in 2022.

In March of 2023, the Barnyard Shopping village was acquired by Barnyard Carmel, LLC and the current ownership is steadfast in preserving the center’s nostalgia and traditions. Rooted in community and family, the property will continue to be a focal point for hosting events and social gatherings.