MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

On a quiet stretch of countryside in Jennings County, winding garden paths lead visitors through blooming flowers, historic buildings, and peaceful spaces that invite you to slow down.

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For more than 50 years, the Manning family has welcomed guests to Stream Cliff Farm, building it into a beloved destination known for its restaurant, winery, gardens, and rich history.

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At the center of that story is Betty Manning.

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“I’m a farm girl,” she says.

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And for Betty, that identity has shaped everything that followed.

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Growing Up on the Farm

Betty was raised just up the road from what is now Stream Cliff Farm. Her father was a lifelong farmer, and with no sons in the family, Betty and her sister learned to help at an early age.

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By age 12, Betty was already working the fields, gaining a deep appreciation for hard work and the land. Horses were also a big part of life, with the family raising and showing Appaloosas—sometimes caring for as many as seventeen at a time.

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Those early experiences laid the foundation for what would come years later.

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A Farm with Deep Roots

The farm itself has been in Betty’s family for seven generations, dating back to a Revolutionary War land grant. Historic structures still stand today, including the farmhouse built in 1836 and a barn dating to the 1820s.

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Rather than replacing these buildings, Betty and her husband Gerald chose to preserve them—transforming the property into a place where history is part of the experience. The old barn now hosts events, markets, weddings, and gatherings that bring visitors together from across the region.

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Their efforts earned recognition from Indiana Landmarks, but for Betty, the goal was always simple:

“We’ve always loved the history of this place, and we wanted to keep it that way.”

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Building a Dream

The success of Stream Cliff Farm didn’t happen overnight.

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For years, Betty balanced her career as a nurse practitioner with evenings and weekends spent building the farm. Gerald, a skilled blacksmith, contributed handmade items, while Betty grew herbs and created crafts.

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Little by little, the farm grew. Gardens expanded, greenhouses were added, and visitors began to arrive. Over time, the addition of a restaurant and winery transformed the farm into a destination where guests could enjoy food, wine, and the beauty of the countryside.

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“We just hung in there with it,” Betty says.

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A Family Legacy

Today, the next generation continues that work.

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Their son Greg and his wife Lauren help lead the farm’s gardens and nursery, offering a wide selection of herbs and heirloom plants. Their daughter Elizabeth played a key role in expanding the farm’s vision by opening the Twigs & Sprigs Restaurant, which has become a favorite for visitors.

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Even the youngest generation has contributed, with Betty’s granddaughter creating artwork that now appears on one of the winery’s labels—a small but meaningful reminder that the family story continues to grow.

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A Place to Slow Down

Visitors to Stream Cliff Farm often arrive for a meal but stay much longer. Gardens, antique displays, live music, and scenic views create an experience that feels both peaceful and memorable.

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It’s a place where people gather, explore, and enjoy time together—whether sharing a meal, strolling through the gardens, or relaxing with a glass of wine.

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A Connection to the Past

Betty also remembers when electricity first came to the farm.

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In the late 1930s, a single pole brought power to the property. Before that, evenings were lit by kerosene lamps. That one light bulb marked a turning point—transforming daily life for rural families.

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Powering Communities — Together

At Southeastern Indiana REMC, that same spirit continues today.

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Founded to bring electricity to rural communities, the cooperative remains committed to supporting the people and places that make southeastern Indiana strong.

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Stream Cliff Farm reflects that same cooperative spirit—a place built through hard work, family dedication, and a deep connection to the community.

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Honoring the Past, Looking Ahead

At Stream Cliff Farm, history is not something remembered—it’s something lived.

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Through her work, Betty Manning has helped create a place where people can connect with the land, with one another, and with the traditions that continue to shape the region.

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It’s a reminder that strong communities are built over time—by people who stay rooted, work hard, and open their doors to others.