My tribute to Joe Rueffert, who passed away on Friday, March 19, 2010~I truly appreciate having known Joe, who was a wonderful, funny man. It was great just being around and talking with Joe. Our prayers are with the whole family. May we celebrate Joe’s death as we would celebrate with him in life.

This article was originally posted on Thursday, June 5, 2008:

The other day, I had the pleasure of meeting with Joe Rueffert, owner of The Woodbridge Inn. He talked with me about how he and his wife, Brenda, purchased The Woodbridge Inn in 1976 with the hopes and dreams of bringing great foods to Jasper. They wanted unusual items on their menu, items you cannot find anywhere else and people drive from far away to seek out these great treats.

They are the owner/operator of The Woodbridge Inn and their customers look forward to seeing them when dining. Joe says that Brenda always recognizes their customers and knows their names. Their whole family has worked at The Woodbridge Inn at one point or another and their son, Hans, was the chef until about 3 years ago. Joe is very proud of Hans. Several years ago, Hans was 3rd runner up in The Next Food Network Star, and today he cooks on ETCTV3.

Their restaurant is open for dinner Tuesday through Saturday from 5PM to 9PM and for lunch Wednesday 11-2pm and Sunday 11-2:30pm. There are 6 guest rooms above the restaurant and the lodge has 12 rooms, all with views. There is high-speed internet, cable TV and hot & cold running water (a funny story told by Joe). All rooms are ‘German Clean’! There is also an on site laundry.

On the premises, there are two fishponds, built by Joe himself some 25 years ago. Joe put benches at the ponds where you can sit and enjoy the peace and quiet of nature and read a book. Please know that the fish will come to the side of the pond looking for food from you. There is a swimming pool and several areas where you can walk around and enjoy nature up close.

Joe discovered the semi precious stone – marble, and was fascinated with it! Pickens County is home to Georgia Marble, which is located in Tate, Georgia. He loves working with marble -and has carved many things in marble. He even has his unique marble pieces for sale! Working with the marble is Joe’s escape. When he is stressed or tired, or just needs to ‘get away’, he goes out back and begins ‘carving’ his stress away. He has made many carvings – wine coolers, wine holders, candle and napkin holders (you will see many of his marble pieces on the dining room tables at the restaurant), vases, different types of animals, wall art, you name it, and Joe has probably carved it in marble.Joe’s hand made, one of a kind, unique marble carvings are for sale. You can stop into the restaurant, have a wonderful meal, even stay the night and take home one of Joe’s carvings. Or they can be shipped to you. (Look for the items Joe has for sale in a later post).

The flowers and plants that you see in and around The Woodbridge Inn were grown in Joe and Brenda’s green house. When you see the flowers and plants, and how luscious and vibrant they are, you will know they were grown with tender loving care.

The Woodbridge Inn and Lodge is located on the outskirt of town, walking distance to Main Street and just minutes from many historic places in Jasper. When you are planning your next ‘get away’ from the city, check out The Woodbridge Inn and Lodge, you will fall in love with the place and the area, and we know you will come back, time and time again. The Woodbridge Inn and Lodge The Woodbridge Inn and Lodge

Original Thursday, June 5, 2008

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