Pleasant Picnics and Memorable Meals
A visit to PARI often spans a whole day or more. You're bound to work up an appitite. Whether you purchase meals from us or bring your own, we want your dining experience to be enjoyable!
We have areas both indoors and outdoors to enjoy a bite. Many of our events also come with meal options. If you're planning a special event of your own, we can cook for you, or set a space aside for you to serve your own food.
Our primary picnic area is on our dining hall deck. It is next to the pond and fountain with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and forest. The deck is flat and level and has picnic tables.
There are also picnic tables outside of the Cline Administration Building, where our museum and visitors center is located. These tables are in a grassy area under trees, providing shade for a hot day.
Some guests choose to hike or drive to our south ridge and observation deck. There are no tables here, but the deck does have benches. A picnic lunch here has stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
If the weather is right for outdoor dining, PARI allows indoor dining in several of our classroom areas for field trips and other large groups that have scheduled programming or events with us. This option may not be available at all times depending on whether indoor areas have been booked by other groups.
Our dining hall and commercial kitchen can serve up meals for your group.
There is seating to accommodate up to 80 simultaneous diners depending on configuration. For special events, let us know your group size and whether you want formal or casual dining. We can arrange tables and chairs to suit your needs.
Smiley's Dining Hall is only available for eating PARI provided meals. Outside food is not allowed in the dining hall. See our meal options to learn about what we can cook up for you!
Is your group camping at PARI? Ask for a camping area adjacent to one of our fire pits to cook up camp food over an open fire. You'll need to provide your own wood and cooking implements. Fire pit use is allowed so long as there are no burn bans in place. Check with Transylvania County for any current burn restrictions.
You may also bring camp stoves or gas grills. PARI does not provide any grilling equipment.
Let us cook for you while your enjoy your visit!
We can work with you to create a menu that keeps you happy and healthy. Our kitchen and staff can accommodate allergies and dietary restrictions and has a wide variety of options.
Choose from:
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Meal pricing is dependant on menu choices and party size. Contact us for a quote.
Ready to schedule a visit? Have Questions?
Contact us to set things up!
Or, see other visit options.
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