A new event space called The Ironwood at Thomas Memorial Golf Course is now open in Turners Falls, after the Snow family purchased the 55-acre property in April 2024 and renovations got underway in 2025.
The renovated venue at 29 Country Club Lane can accommodate up to 185 guests for corporate events, weddings, reunions, baby showers and more. The facility is outfitted with a full bar, an outdoor ceremony space and patio, and an extended parking lot, according to Cassie Holmes, event coordinator for The Ironwood.
“It’s really a space that anyone can make their own,” Holmes said about The Ironwood and its versatility in use.
According to a statement from the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce, The Ironwood, named for the mix of golf terminology with “iron” and the wooded setting of the venue, is part of the Snow family’s investment plan. Upon purchasing the property in April 2024, the new owners embarked on a three-to-five-year improvement plan, with The Ironwood being part of this effort.
“The golf course has always been the draw, but The Ironwood gives people a reason to stay, celebrate and come back,” Kelly Snow, who owns the property alongside Kyle Snow and his parents, Kerrilynn and Edward Snow Jr., said in a statement.
Holmes explained that while the venue sits on Thomas Memorial property, staff members are part of The Ironwood exclusively, with four bartenders working the venue. She herself used to work at Thomas Memorial where she learned about and came to enjoy event planning, taking the opportunity to become the event coordinator for The Ironwood.
Holmes highlighted a number of features of the new space. The “focal point,” she said, is the new full-service, floor-to-ceiling bar, with high-end liquors and draft beers available, including local beers from Berkshire Brewing Co. and signature cocktails.
Additionally, the bar top is locally made by Sam French of Gill CC Woodworks as part of his Tree to Heirloom program, which turns local trees into heirloom pieces, according to the Chamber of Commerce. The tree that was used to create the bar top was taken down on School Street in Northfield.
“It’s stunning,” Holmes said. “It just really gets the space into a premium event space.”
In addition to the main room available for the 185 guests, there is a cocktail lounge available for smaller events, which can be reserved on its own. Holmes said event packages are available to those interested in booking and customizing the experience.
Holmes noted that the venue has an “à la carte” approach, meaning there can be customizations for each booking when it comes to how the venue is set up for the event. While the venue will not serve food from a kitchen for catering, the venue has a list of approved vendors that can supply food.
“What sets this project apart is local owners who understand they are stewards of something bigger than a business,” Franklin County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Jessye Deane said in a statement, adding that the Snow family is “honoring this property’s legacy while building its future.”
As time goes on, and into the winter months, Holmes said the plan is to be able to continue to use The Ironwood for community events that are open to the public, such as trivia, open mic nights and comedy shows.
More information about reserving The Ironwood is available at theironwoodevents.com.
