Southern Porch Magazine
From Our Rocking Chair To Yours.
From porch to porch, we’re educating and inspiring a healthier South — rooted in clean living, slow moments, and meaningful connection.
The Southern Porch Magazine was created by Southerners who have a passion for connecting people back to the land. Find recipes, home living, community stories, free educational events, local outdoor activities, and more!
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Meet The Writers
Raw & Real with Angie KenneyAngie Kenney
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My name is Angie Kenney, and I am a mother, wife, and devoted consumer of clean, regeneratively grown food. I grew up in Winter Springs, Florida, a quiet place nestled between the hustle of Orlando and the peaceful, pine-lined backroads of old Florida. My family and I have wandered across the country, living everywhere from Florida to Oregon, the Midwest to the Rocky Mountains. But now, we call the outskirts of Nashville, Tennessee—Murfreesboro, to be precise—home.
My passion for clean, local, and regeneratively grown food runs personal and deep. After spending 15 years in the medical nutrition industry, I learned the intricate science of micro and macronutrients, saw the gaps in doctors’ understanding of nutrition, and uncovered the business side of selling products. That experience shook my assumptions about food and nutrition. What started as curiosity soon grew into conviction when I discovered how regeneratively grown food
not only offers nutrient-dense nourishment but also restores biodiversity, breathes life back into tired soil, and uplifts the local economy. Supporting local growers means more than just nutrition—it’s about trust, transparency, and building resilient communities.
Caleb Stuart
Caleb's Story Corner-
Hi, my name is Caleb Stuart, the younger son of Shane and Elizabeth Stuart, owners of Crossing Creeks Farm. I was born in Murfreesboro Tennessee eleven years ago, but I always lived here on the farm. I am doing sixth grade work for homeschool this year. Writing for the magazine will actually be part of my English requirement.
I like adventure stories because they are usually outdoors-I love the outdoors! If I’m not doing school work, chores or mowing, I play with and care for my four ducks and one rabbit. I like riding horses, bikes, and go-karts. Whenever I can, I like to play Nerf war.
Maggie Few
Around the Bend-
From a young age, I have always loved being outside and exploring nature. There’s something so beautiful about sun rays peeking through the trees, mud squishing under my boots, and the sound of a calming stream. Nothing refreshes me more than being out in creation!
As soon as I got my driver’s license in highschool, I started exploring as many local trails as I could find. Living in central Tennessee, I was blessed enough to find plenty of options within an hour’s drive. In addition to my local adventures, my family, friends and I have explored places like Wyoming, Montana, North Carolina, Northern Georgia, Upstate New York, and even Maine. I’ve hiked every kind of trail from rocky and strenuous to literal walks in the park!
I am excited to invite you along as I highlight some of the BEST trails and outdoor activities in the Southeast. I’m sure you will be inspired to get outside, soak up some sun, and uncover a beauty in nature you’ve never experienced before. So invite your favorite people and let’s get out there!
Preschool TidbitsSusan Farmer
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I’m Susan Farmer a.k.a. Ms. Susan - wife, mother, and grandmother. Thirteen years ago, when we purchased the land that was to become Crossing Creeks Farm, I retired from children’s librarianship at Williamson Country Public Libraries. Although I enjoy my retirement, there are things I miss about working. One of these things is conducting preschool storytimes at the library. So, in order for me to get my “fix”, so to speak, Farm Preschool Storytime was born.
I love watching young children develop their listening manners and respect for the written word. I love seeing children and caregivers interacting with a story or a song. And last, but not least, I love getting rewarded with “kiddie hugs”.
Kristen Fortier
Holistic Home-
Hi, my name is Kristen Fortier and I'm originally from a small (very small) town in Southwest Virginia. My husband, Taylor, and I moved to Middle Tennessee in 2013. We’ve lived all over the East Coast and this has always felt like home. We are now settled in Lawrenceburg with a few chickens and dreams of what our property will be. We also have a 5 year old son, Baker who is our “why” and biggest blessing. He is full of curiosity and might just be the wittiest person I know. My passion for healthy and “lower tox” living came over 10 years ago after the challenges of an autoimmune condition. I realized early on that the conventional route of treatment didn’t come with true healing. I fully believe that God has perfectly created our bodies to heal, thrive, and find it’s way back to homeostasis. The road to healing isn’t linear and sometimes it’s downright frustrating especially with all that we face in our modern world. However, there are ways to simplify and truly enjoy the road to health and vitality.
Janette Shofner
Health & Wellness-
Let me introduce myself. I am one of 4 kids. I was adopted at 2 weeks of age and was raised in a wonderful Christian family in Knoxville, TN. Growing up in east TN allowed me to take advantage of the beautiful Smoky Mountains, where I enjoyed getting out in nature to hike and camp. I moved to Middle TN with my family in 2006, where I had the privilege of raising my 5 kids on a family farm along the Duck River. Today, I reside in the small town of Woodbury. Outside of my work, I enjoy spending time with like minded people and most of all, I covet the time with my favorite people (my family) and my grandchildren. I enjoy running, hiking, and spending time outdoors. My happy place is the beach and I feel my very best when I am there grounding and soaking up the sun, crisp salt air, and God’s beauty all around.
I have always loved health and I am blessed to have the opportunity today to educate and help others obtain optimal health. I got into this field out of necessity. After prescriptions and recommendations failed my family, I cried out to God for guidance and help. He led me to a couple of holistic doctors and chiropractors that helped plant the seeds that inspired me to start researching, learning, and making changes in our day to day living.