Twin Oaks Hammocks
Twin Oaks makes some really great tofu and soyfoods like tempeh and vegetarian sausage. But we also make Twin Oaks Hammocks, the last real handcrafted hammocks and rope chairs made in the US.
Wait…what? Why even try to compete against cheap international imports? Well, we know it doesn’t make a lot of sense. But we love spinning threads into rope and weaving the rope to make these unique works of utilitarian art. The hammock may be humble, but we take pride in our work. There is a great satisfaction in being able to craft something beautiful and genuine. We also feel good about sponsoring a hundred thousand lovely lazy afternoons, time that brings people together in restorative green spaces. Check out twinoakshammocks.com.
Acorn Community
Acorn is our closest community neighbor in Virginia. We’re back and forth all the time like good neighbors generally are, borrowing things and sleeping over on pizza night. Acorn Community is a secular, egalitarian community that was founded in 1993 as a spin-off of Twin Oaks.
Acorn is committed to the same income-sharing, sustainable living, and eclectic culture that Twin Oaks is, but is a smaller place, housing about 20 members. Acorn has a slightly more anarchic air than Twin Oaks, as befitting a younger community. Less rules & regulations, too. And we’ve been known to squabble a little bit like siblings. But both Twin Oaks and Acorn communities are growing and thriving.
Acorn’s seed business Southern Exposure Seed Exchange is part of an expanding network of farmers, gardeners and seed savers dedicated to organic and heritage agriculture. Acorn sells heirloom, open-pollinated, non-GMO and organic seeds and do seed saving education and outreach. Twin Oaks members help support these efforts happily, working side-by-side to grow, pick, pack and ship heirloom seeds. We are all fighting the good fight against GM encroachment, one seed at a time.
Acorn Community encourages personal responsibility, supports queer and alternative lifestyles, and strives to create a stimulating social, political, feminist and intellectual environment. They are pretty darn cool. Check out acorncommunity.com.
Moishe House
Moishe House is another really cool group. As an international network of peer-based communities for young Jewish adults, Moishe House provides a rent subsidy and a program budget to residents in exchange for hosting 3-7 programs a month out of their home. Residents work to create an ideal Jewish community with their fellow twenty-somethings. Moishe House is a non-denominational, pluralistic Jewish organization. Most Moishe House residents live in the house for 1-3 years, a great experience of cooperation and community. Check out their happening Food Justice BBQ featuring Twin Oaks Tofu. Visit moishehouse.org for more info.
Tempeh is our fermented soyfood. Twin Oaks Tempeh is a chewy, nutty, meaty type of protein, and besides tasting great, it is rich in isoflavones. Studies have shown that foods loaded with isoflavones are really healthy for the heart, and may even prevent cancer. Way to go, Tempeh!