Welcome to the East TN Homestead Alliance (ETHA)
There's something stirring in the South East. A quiet return to what matters. To soil under your fingernails, food grown with your own hands, and neighbors who show up when it counts. That's what we are. That's what we're building — together.
ETHA is more than an organization. We are a movement born from longing — the longing to slow down, to live with purpose, to raise our children with roots deep enough to weather any storm. We are beginners who dared to start, dreamers who planted their first seed, and families who chose a different way forward. We are your people.
Cultivating Community. Nurturing Sustainability. Equipping the Next Generation.
Across the South East, something beautiful is happening. Kitchens are coming alive again. Yards are becoming gardens. Families are finding their footing on land they tend with love and intention. And none of us are doing it alone.
ETHA exists for the beginner who doesn't know where to start, the hopeful farmer who needs a hand, and the heart that believes community is our greatest resource. We share knowledge, open our gates, and walk alongside one another — because the journey toward a simpler, more intentional life is always better when it's shared.
This is more than homesteading. This is legacy. This is freedom. This is home.
Welcome to the family.
We're glad you're here.
Steve and Sandy Eplett
Founders
Inspiring New and Seasoned Homesteaders Across the South East
From hands-on canning classes to permaculture design workshops, our events calendar is packed with opportunities to learn, grow, and connect. Led by experienced local homesteaders and experts, these gatherings are your chance to gain practical skills and meet like-minded neighbors.
Grow your homesteading knowledge, in person
local events and workshops
Got a question about dealing with East Tennessee clay soil? Wondering how others manage their homesteads during our humid summers? Our active online forums are the place to seek advice, share successes, and connect with fellow homesteaders. With dedicated sections for gardening, animal husbandry, off-grid living, and more, you'll find a wealth of region-specific knowledge at your fingertips.
Join The Community
find who and what you need
Mark your calendars for the highlight of the East Tennessee homesteading year – the ETHA Annual Harvest Festival, held every September as summer's bounty reaches its peak. This vibrant three-day celebration brings together homesteaders, farmers, artisans, and sustainability enthusiasts from across the region for a weekend of learning, sharing, and community building. Set against the backdrop of the stunning Smoky Mountains, the festival grounds come alive with hands-on workshops, engaging talks, lively demonstrations, and a bustling marketplace showcasing the best of local produce and crafts. Join us September 12-13, 2025!
Connect with East Tennessee Homesteaders and Enthusiasts
the annual festival
Are you ready to transform your life, one episode at a time? Welcome to "Wild Crafted Life with Steve and Sandy," the podcast that's equal parts practical homesteading advice, personal growth strategies, and unfiltered storytelling from two people who've lived it all.
This WildCrafted Life
the podcast
