Meet Alec Moore

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alec Moore.

Hi Alec, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers?
In August of 2020, my wife and I were living across the street from a beautiful property, one that had passed from one proprietor to another several time over the last ten years. My father-in-law was operating a summer camp, which had been decimated by the Covid-19 pandemic.

One afternoon, while I was giving him a haircut on the property’s deck overlooking the water, we got to discussing his future plans. I had a grand vision of creating a community hub on the property connecting our friends and neighbors with local farmers, crafters, brewers, musicians, and makers that they might otherwise never be exposed to. Long story short, I took over his lease at the end of August 2020 and went to work.

“The Vineyard” as those in the know call it, started out looking very different from what we currently operate. We offered the property to families and small groups who wanted a safe, outdoor setting to recreate. Throughout 2021 and as Covid-19 restrictions relaxed, we began to throw together some larger events such as our Fourth on the Farm Music Festival, Oktoberfest on the Farm, and Christmas Celebration.

In just a short time we have transformed our small slice of beauty into South Durham’s destination for local live music, highlighting musicians from around the Triangle at our weekly live music series Fridays at the Farm. This year, we continue to create new events and concerts for those in our community to enjoy.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Entrepreneurship has been a rocky road with a lot of successes and failures.

Having no real background in running a business, I’ve had to learn first-hand from my mistakes. The failures are often tough to swallow but they help to build resilience.

It helps to see how much joy our events bring to those who take part in them, from our guests to the performers, and our food truck friends, it makes it all worth it.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Old Mill Farm is an agri-tourism event venue and local live music destination.

We specialize in weekly live music events, educational programs & workshops, and a summer camp for kids. Our mission is to serve as the stage for local performers, brewers, farmers, crafters, and artists to connect with their community.

Our venue has a little something for everyone. Local live music and great local craft beer options for the adults, & farm animals, and a playground for kids. Oftentimes, you’ll see three generations of families out at our events, all having a great time together which is really special.

Old Mill Farm hosts weekly live music on Fridays, and many ticketed events such as beer festivals, baby goat snuggles, & holiday-themed events. The venue is also available for private rentals for birthday parties, weddings, and other celebrations.

Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
My best advice to those who are just starting out is to do just that; Start. It is very easy to get caught up in every detail of planning and execution and not get anywhere.

Take the plunge and embrace your business wholeheartedly. Don’t be afraid of the “what-if” scenarios and be prepared to roll with the punches.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.oldmillfarmdurham.com
• Instagram: @oldmillfarmdurham
• Facebook: oldmillfarmdurham