SWVAL - Southwest Virginia Alternative Living Expo

07/14/2026

For those who were able to attend Ms. Toni’s course on canning (and even those who didn’t!) we’re happy to share that the Callaway Cannery is now OPEN and ready to use for the season! 🎉 Reach out to the cannery with any questions on scheduling a time to can there!

06/16/2026

A huge thank you to our friends at SolShine Energy for not only sponsoring this year's SwVAL Expo, but for taking the time to share their experience and help spread the word about what we're building together.

One of our favorite parts of their write-up was that they really seemed to "get" what SwVAL is about. It was never intended to be a typical trade show or a weekend full of sales pitches. The goal has always been to create a space where people can learn practical skills, ask questions, make connections, and hear directly from people who are actually doing the work every day.

We're incredibly grateful for sponsors like SolShine who support hands-on education, sustainable living, and stronger communities here in Southwest Virginia. More than just talking about solar, the SolShine team spent the weekend connecting with people. They answered questions, shared their experience, and helped attendees explore practical options for their homes and properties without pressure or sales pitches—just genuine conversations and a willingness to help.

Those real conversations between neighbors are exactly what SwVAL was created to encourage. Because sometimes the most valuable thing you take home isn't information... It's finding a community of people who care about the same things you do.

Getting Back to Basics: The SwVAL Expo Experience If you visited us at the Berglund Center in Roanoke this past May 30th and 31st, you likely felt the shift in energy. The Southwest Virginia Alternative Living (SwVAL) Expo is far more than just a typical weekend trade show; it is a deep dive into th...

06/16/2026

SwVAL RePLAY is officially here!

If you purchased your SwVAL 2026 weekend pass online, you should have now received an email with access to SwVAL RePLAY. If you didn't, before reaching out, please be sure to check your spam or junk folder first!

If you purchased your pass at the gate or didn't receive the email, send us a message at [email protected], and we'll get you taken care of.

Didn't make it to SwVAL this year? You can still purchase access to SwVAL RePLAY here:

https://givebutter.com/swvalreplay26

SwVAL RePLAY includes more than 20 hours of classes, presentations, vendor introductions, and tours covering topics like food preservation, foraging, herbal medicine, agroforestry, alternative construction, solar energy, gardening, cottage food businesses, and more.

One of the things that makes SwVAL so special is that our speakers aren't just talking about these topics—they're living them. These sessions are packed with practical knowledge from local folks who are doing the work every day and are willing to share what they've learned along the way.

Thank you to everyone who attended, supported, sponsored, volunteered, taught, vended, and helped make SwVAL 2026 possible. We appreciate your support and can't wait to keep growing this event together!

06/08/2026

We’ve been hard at work getting the SwVAL RePLAY videos edited and ready for viewing!! Keep an eye out for an announcement on them soon! 😍✨

06/01/2026

SwVAL 2026 is in the books!

When we started down the path of planning this event, it was with the goal of sharing knowledge and connecting folks to resources to help them “live differently” - something many of Ferrum Park members share a passion for… what we never expected was the sheer size of the community that would be built from this simple concept of ‘Alternative Living.’

This weekend was a testament to how vitally important community and connection are for all of us. In a world that can feel unpredictable and overwhelming at times, the vibe at SwVAL was hopeful, upbeat, and focused on how we can all support each other and make this world just a bit better together- with so many concrete ways shared to actually make that happen. A better future is possible, and we hope everyone who visited the expo this weekend walked away with more knowledge, more skills, and a better sense of connection and community. We know we sure did. 💚

Once again, thank you to everyone who came, our amazing vendors, and all of our fantastic speakers and volunteers! Big shout out to our sponsors SolShine Energy Alternatives, Earth's Essentials Apothecary, and Traditional Medicinals for all their support. And to the phenomenal Berglund Center for being a great host for our event!

And from the bottom of our hearts- the Ferrum Park board thanks you for your support of the park project! This is truly a labor of love from folks who care deeply about each other and our environment, and now you’ve helped to keep a dedicated public nature space alive for our amazing little community. 💚

If you liked this year’s event- just WAIT until you see what we have in store for next year!
More details coming SOON!

05/31/2026

What a great day!

A huge thank you to EVERYONE who joined us at this years Southwest Virginia Alternative Living Expo 2026 💚

05/31/2026

Be sure to swing by and say *hello* to SwVAL sponsor SolShine Energy Alternatives! 😍

05/31/2026

Just a few of the fantastic vendors at SwVAL 2026!

05/31/2026

It’s the FINAL day of the SWVAL - Southwest Virginia Alternative Living Expo and we’ll BEE at the Berglund Center all day from 9AM–5PM! 🐝🌿

If you’ve been thinking about coming out, this is your sign. From homesteading and holistic wellness to off-grid living, tiny homes, truck conversions, sustainable living practices, and more - SWVAL is full of inspiration for anyone looking to live a little more intentionally and a little closer to the roots that ground us.

Come spend your Sunday exploring, learning, supporting small businesses, and stopping by to see us for all your favorite hive healing goodies, natural wellness products, honey, skincare, and sweet conversation 💛



Can't make it to the expo? Shop Mountain Thyme products online, anytime, at mountainthymehoney.com, or in-person at The Sweet Spot, our self-serve farm stand, from 9AM-6PM daily.

Why is Virginia for Lovers? Plan a trip & find out: http://www.virginia.org