EDDIE’S RETREAT, a charming wedding and events venue, sits on a secluded yet convenient 17 1/2 acres of pristine Tennessee farmland just 20 minutes outside Murfreesboro and 10 minutes north of Manchester. Once a part of the Thomas Farm settled in the 1800s, the property features a beautiful 18th-century-style red and white barn event space that provides clients with a private and quaint setting for the most memorable moments in their lives. Owned by Debbie and Ron Myers, the venue offers a personal touch and a sense of home that is hard to find in conventional venues.
Debbie said, “When folks come to our venue, we want them to feel comfortable like they are at home. We live here, so it really is our home, and we invite them to share what God has provided us.”
Debbie and her husband, Ron, acquired the property from descendants of the Thomas family in 2016.
They spent the past seven years creating an accessible, convenient venue while maintaining the old farm feel. With their residential construction and real estate background, Debbie and Ron built and designed the venue with the help of local workers and subcontractors. Their mission is to provide the community with an affordable venue with high-end amenities.
Eddie’s Retreat was named in honor of Debbie’s brother, who passed away several years ago from a tragic accident.
The couple, who met while dancing, was looking for a place to dance whenever they wanted. Their love for people and dancing inspired them to create a place where they could enjoy time with loved ones and provide services for their community.
They host baby showers, bridal and birthday parties, end-of-life celebrations, company Christmas parties, and weddings.
Debbie said, “People love to have baby showers here because our space is not so large that you feel overwhelmed, but you can still have up to 110 attendees.”
The couple works with clients to organize events based on their budgetary needs. Wedding parties typically have the venue for the day, from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., allowing them to spend their day on-site preparing for the big event without rushing from another location.
The bride and her bridesmaids can use the upstairs master suite to get dressed, do makeup, and enjoy each moment their special day brings. The groom and his groomsmen can hang out in the accessory building, the “stable,” a fully furnished guest quarters with a full bath, couch, big screen TV, and separate bedroom they can dress in.
The main building contains a large kitchen area just off the event space that the party’s caterer can use to plate sit-down meals or serve buffet-style meals on the large counter area. The kitchen features unique 18th-century-style appliances, and a 15-by-4-foot table, a conversation piece that Ron built himself.
Debbie said, “We try to make everybody feel like they’re really at home and just having a party with their family and friends.”
Debbie was raised in Alabama and moved to Tennessee over 30 years ago. She lived in several different areas around Nashville before moving to Manchester 2 1/2 years ago to open the venue. Her husband, Ron, was raised in Iowa and moved to Nashville over 37 years ago.
Ron and Debbie love hosting family gatherings at the venue with their five children, ages 23 to 42, and 10 grandchildren, ages 1 1/2 to 22.
Starting a business comes with its challenges. Debbie and Ron do most everything regarding running the venue, from setting up tables and chairs to parking attendants. They are always readily available during events to ensure their clients enjoy their experience.
As they continue to grow, they plan to give back to the community by offering special pricing for charitable events. Debbie volunteers at the local food pantry and witnessed firsthand the need to give back.
The team is currently collaborating with a nearby middle school to organize an event that honors the achievements of several students.
Debbie said one of the most fulfilling aspects of running Eddie’s Retreat is seeing families enjoy themselves and knowing they made it a pleasant experience. GN
