McDowell has three dining halls that can be set up in a variety of ways to accommodate your group and preference. During the planning process, you will discuss your vision and options for meals with your Conference Coordinator to come up with a plan that works. Meals are served buffet-style, where guests progress through a line and are served by kitchen staff, or family-style, where platters of food are provided for each table and guests serve themselves.

Certain times of the year, guests enjoy farm-to-table meals with food grown on McDowell's farm. Typically, guests help with the clean up of meals by busing their own place settings according to the direction of the Conference Center Coordinator or group leader. We are careful to accumulate very little waste and encourage guests to follow our recycling guidelines.