In this Green Bluff Newsletter episode, the farmer feature is the Jackson family, owners of The Ridge at Green Bluff wedding venue.
Background
Talk about livin’ on the edge! This isn’t about the Aerosmith song. We’re talking about a new spin on an old business in Green Bluff. Actually, nobody is livin’ on the “edge” at this business anymore. Let’s instead talk about livin’ on the Ridge – The Ridge at Green Bluff, a first-class, luxury wedding venue.
Formerly known as Cannon’s Edge, the new owners of The Ridge at Green Bluff wedding venue of 7607 E Greenbluff Rd, have brought their rich farming history, love of community, and touch of hard work to give this place an edgy, excuse me, a “Ridgy” new feel.
A Pair of Jacksons History
Meet the Jacksons – Steve, Lodi, Conner, Taylor, and Dalton. Farmers, educators, business owners, spunky students, passionate supporters of family and community, sometimes serious, sometimes funny – all the time down to earth and good folks! This family of five is full of life, and the two that started the whole bunch are Steve and Lodi.
Steve’s Redneck Roots
Both come from farming backgrounds, but their stories started elsewhere before their pilgrimage to Green Bluff. Steve hails from Virginia. In my conversations with him, he discovered that I was a Kentucky boy in a former life. From there, the stereotypical redneck debate began about which state was better. It was a battle of the wits….or maybe dim wits.
After telling me his childhood stories of driving cattle, riding horses, and slingin’ hay, he started to prove his worth! Eventually, those life skills transferred to his current profession as a supervisor criminal investigator for the VA. Instead of herding cattle, he has a new bunch of animals to corral with managing the federal agents he supervises. His 30-year career in Federal Government law enforcement earned him the honor of being one of our nation’s finest, and for that I’m grateful. From what I hear, Steve runs a tight ship at the office, and you would think with these skills he’s just as good at managing their home business. But we know who keeps him and the family organized!
Lodi’s “Sophisticated” Redneck Roots
Meet Lodi Jackson. Perhaps the more civil one who made Steve and me painfully aware that we were both small-time rednecks. Albeit, she did so gracefully by simply stating that she grew up on a 7,000-acre Idaho cattle ranch (add smug look and confident grin)! Small timers Steve and I are indeed! This lady Lodi even earned the name of “Cattle Queen.” Story goes she drove cattle on prom night. Nobody goes cow-tippin’ on Lodi’s watch! Although from Idaho, she’s no Idaho couch potato!
In fact, smart cookie is a better way of describing Lodi. Her Master’s in Education led her to serve the special needs community. Eventually, she transitioned from public service to raise a family. In time, she started her own business as an education consultant to “help kids find the best way they can learn,” and worked hard to accomplish just that.
Choosing Life in Green Bluff
Speaking of work ethic, that’s why they chose Green Bluff. Well, it was one reason. Steve was looking for a place where all of his family could work, creating a family business. Lodi? Community support was important where she grew up. She feels children are missing that in day-to-day life in our current culture. Her childhood ranch was a family affair; everyone chipped in. Eventually, her family sold the ranch; she wanted to get back to her roots that she felt the Jackson five needed. With their shared background in work ethic, community values, farming, and a bit of redneck ingenuity and duct tape, Green Bluff was a natural fit!
Now that Green Bluff is their home, they hope to give and receive. After moving in, their farm needed a little TLC, part of which was “treeding” the orchard of 200 fruit trees better by making them healthy again. They’ve also been working toward spring plant sales which may grow into more. Opportunities are just warming up for this family, and the possibility of converting some shop space to a greenhouse seems bright. Mending fences, tending orchards, flowers, veggies – all part of their day-to-day business.
The Ridge at Green Bluff – The Wedding Venue
Along with land stewardship, the Jacksons are into caring for people, which is why they also offer a service for couples to start their married lives together. That’s right, counseling!! Just kidding. Their property is also a full-service wedding venue.
Supplementing their farming enterprise, the Ridge at Green Bluff is, more specifically, a full-service event venue. This place is legit, not just on paper, but in practice. The Jacksons’ long history in management and business shows a proven track record of consistent success and reliability. Why is that important? Peace of mind…..they’re not just some flash in the pan or Johnny come latelies, here today, gone tomorrow. Oh no. They’ll be there for you after you book your event. No worries about the details – the Jacksons listen to what you want, take care of your needs, and make it happen.
The Ridge at Green Bluff not only passes the sniff test, it also passes the “sip” test. Aside from peace of mind and full-service, your event attendees can have a drink while they dine! Relax…need a place for a family gathering, corporate meeting, reunion, social mixer, local business event, wedding? The Ridge at Green Bluff does it all.
More than Just Weddings
Aside from the Ridge at Green Bluff being a working farm and event venue, the Jacksons plan to use it for community nights where folks can come for free movies and/or sports watching. Their hearts are about supporting community, and they’re looking for ways to be involved. With the wealth of knowledge in Green Bluff already, they’re hoping to fertilize their farm with the wisdom of the existing Green Bluff pioneers and hard-working community members with boots on the ground and hands in the dirt. Rather than react to problems (which they can do masterfully), they’re planners who take the proactive approach. They’re looking to understand more about how to prepare in advance for the responsibilities of each coming season.
Conclusion to a Redneck Wedding Story
Upon their first visit to Green Bluff they said, “This is where we need to live. We feel like we can breathe here.” It brought peace, clarity to their goals, and they felt like they were “on top of the world.” Indeed, Green Bluff has a sense of peace. Preserving farming communities is important, especially since more and more are disappearing in the name of development. Not all land has to be developed into more space for houses. There is a way to “develop” farmland by finding new ways to use it to meet the needs of the community. Farms are the lifeblood and heritage of our American history, and with their rich farming legacy, the Jacksons intend to preserve that heritage and farming legacy in Green Bluff.
For the Jackson’s version of their story, learn more from them About the Jacksons.
Make Your Wedding Booking at:
The Ridge at Green Bluff
7607 E Greenbluff Rd
Colbert, WA 99005
(509) 238-3030
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