For several years our family envisioned moving back up north someday to that fast-paced lifestyle that had raised us, not realizing the universe (gratefully) would have different plans. In 2020, the pandemic hit, and Oh Boy did the world feel the strain on our mental health and overall wellness like never before.  And that duration of mandated isolation highlighted the human spirit’s need for community and togetherness in safe spaces. As a result, our souls were now secretly seeking MORE SLOW, MORE CALM, and MORE PEACE and who knew Franklinton, NC is just where we’d find it.

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From the moment we first arrived on the property, we knew this place was SOUL Fuel.  Just BEING in such a magical space we could feel the fresh air and tranquil energy delicately replenishing us on a cellular level.  The balance of resounding peace amidst the calming chatter of resident wildlife creates nature's harmonious melodies that lulls all your cares away.  We were blessed with this gift and we understood instantly that this rejuvenating life force that was emanating from this land could not be coveted for us alone.  We were brought to The Porte to experience its history, its harvest and its wellness benefits, and to share those stories, traditions and practices, and that natural healing with all who visit.

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When we started in early 2022, the original vision for our property was simple: an Airbnb with serene walking trails and an open meadow for small outdoor events where people can reset in a botanical oasis. We had no outdoor facilities, no infrastructure, and certainly no plan to become a nonprofit, develop youth programs, or build an arts and agriculture wellness hub. We were just trying to offer people a peaceful retreat and create supplemental income for our family.

But the more people we welcomed onto the land, the more we realized there was a deeper need in our community. Guests were hungry for connection, nature, culture, creativity, resources, and food. We began adding small elements to transform our outdoor setup, and then came the first pivot: shifting from an outdoor rental/event space to a community wellness farm and gardens.

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From there, the pivots kept coming. We navigated zoning concerns, built infrastructure piece by piece, self-funded improvements, and adapted as the community’s needs became clearer. Each season brought changes; from expanding our gardens, to officially forming the nonprofit so we could meet the demand for accessible resources and community-centered programming, to launching arts & ag educational programs, to running an arts and ag youth summer camp, leading a rural women's wellness cohort; to building the Al’Umma Art Walk, to creating our Mobile Arts & Ag Learning Lab, to hosting arts and wellness fusion experiences and a free health resources fair, to curating a tour highlighting local black farmers, and documenting the exploration of the ancestral history of Franklinton and the greater Franklin County.  We divinely pivoted deeper into our true purpose.

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Porte NOIRE Farm & Gardens is more than a farm.  We are a living, breathing ecosystem of creativity, conservation, healing, and infinite possibility.  We’re building a space that honors heritage, uplifts artistry, celebrates land stewardship, and inspires people of all ages to reconnect with themselves, each other, and the environment.   And we’re just getting started!

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