Century Farm: Celebrate your special day with the Payne family

by Alana Moore | Jul 19, 2024

Five miles from the western tip of North Carolina sits Payne Meadows, a sixth-generation farm in the prime tourist town of Murphy. Surrounded by lakes, Appalachian Mountains and North Georgia communities, the atmosphere provides the perfect nature getaway. Previously a cattle farm throughout the years, Payne Meadows has transitioned to the events industry as of 2016. They proudly host affordable weddings and other gatherings, including a newly formed flower-picking experience on advertised days.

The farm has been in the family since Nehemiah Payne settled into Cherokee County from Rutherford County in 1853. This move brought his family and all future Payne generations to the property. Nehemiah passed down ownership of the farm to his son William G., who was also a state representative for the 95th North Carolina General Assembly in 1901. The cycle continued with family members Issac Napoleon, John Milton, Harold Milton and lastly, Ronnie Milton Payne.

William Goshen Payne led quite the life in rural Cherokee County. He was a mason for over 30 years and served in the Civil War. He was also on the county’s Board of Elections and served as its sheriff (1881-1886), treasurer and tax collector.

Ronnie and his wife Linda inherited the farm following his mother’s passing in 2008. However, the farm is largely operated by his son Robert Milton Payne. He is also a full-time computer science teacher and track coach at Murphy Middle School. Robert typically begins farm duties after the school day, arriving at Payne Meadows around 5 p.m. and often staying until dark.

During the summer, Robert dedicates most of his time to the farm. “It’s all about keeping a pristine-looking property so brides can show up and have a beautiful facility,” said Robert. “A typical day for me includes mowing, planting, cultivating new rows for flowers, as well as ensuring the farmhouse is stocked, cleaned and ready for guests.” Robert has planted 700 seeds in this past year alone and they should be ready for harvesting any day now.

Payne Meadows offers an array of flowers—four varieties of sunflowers, three to four varieties of zinnias and 100-foot beds of wildflower mixes. Robert’s favorite flowers on the farm are the limelight hydrangeas. “They are stunning showstoppers and can grow in anything,” he said. In the future, Robert hopes to offer gomphrena, snapdragons, bachelor buttons and celosia flowers on the farm, growing them from April to September.

Payne Meadows prides itself on preserving its past through restorations around the property. Most notable is the revamping of the old barn from the 1950s, which is now used for gorgeous wedding receptions. Fencing around the fields has been mended so cattle can return to the farm.

“Everything has been kept in its initial purpose,” said Robert. “No drastic changes have been made to Payne Meadows to keep the heritage.” Still standing are two farmhouses: one built by Robert’s grandparents and the original house that belonged to William G., residing on an adjacent lot at nearly 200 years old.

Operating Payne Meadows is incredibly rewarding for Robert, and he enjoys reflecting on its standout accomplishments. “I get gratification from seeing the farm grow and hearing visitors express their positive experience at Payne Meadows,” said Robert. “I have this huge vision of what I want the farm to be and each year I get closer to achieving it.”

When asked about his most memorable achievements with Payne Meadows, Robert was happy to share the farm’s success with hosting a wedding of over 200 guests.

“We parked over 100 cars, so we’re able to do both large-scale and small-scale events,” he said. “That was a big accomplishment because it squashed all the doubts you constantly have in an industry like this.” By the end of 2024, Payne Meadows will have hosted 107 events in eight years—including COVID years.

Robert has many goals for the farm. He wants to expand Payne Meadows to make room for more guests, hopefully with some minor additions to the barn to increase seating options. Robert also aims to improve the efficiency of the farm by implementing water lines in the barn and electricity to his small farmstand.

“Certain changes are not in the works right now because I face limitations with just me handling the operations,” he said. “However, I see myself retiring from the school system one day and doing this job, which I am passionate about, as long as possible.”

Robert was eager to express his gratitude on behalf of his ancestors for Payne Meadows’ Century Farm recognition. “I feel guilty as it seems I’m taking credit for all my family members before me who had huge financial sacrifices and lived hard lives out here in the middle of nowhere,” he said. “The legacy of Payne Meadows is what my family has meant to the community of Cherokee County and their commitment to North Carolina’s promotion. My forefathers were sheriffs and county clerks, and my parents have been local business owners outside the farm, too.”

Check out Payne Meadows’ Instagram page and website for more information on this Century Farm family.