The Appalachian Pine Mixer
Ever heard of Trail Magic?
Neither had most of our group when we set out as an unlikely bunch of design students about to hit the Appalachian Trail at peak NorthBound (NOBO) season at the Southern Terminus, Springer Mountain, GA. We quickly learned the beauty of Trail Magic on our first night at the Springer Mountain Shelter where some friends of a thru-hiker had joined him for his first few miles north. They came prepared with hotdogs, buns, and some cold drinks and were generous enough to share. This was our first taste on Trail Magic. After completing the first 50 miles of the AT. We came back to the studio full of energy and excitement as we brainstormed ways to reciprocate the generosity we'd experienced on the trail.
After we got some of the more outlandish ideas off our chests, we arrived at a few more realistic ones. We spent a lot time considering what makes the trail such an amazing place and what sacrifices are required to make such an amazing journey. Then we got it. The Appalachian Pine Mixer.
Loosely inspired by the Catalina Wine Mixer (an over-the-top event capped off by Brennan Huff (Will Ferrell) and Dale Doback (John C. Reilly) closing the event with a song) from the movie Step Brothers, the Appalachian Pine Mixer was imagined to be over-the-top. We wanted a gourmet menu, live music, cheerful service, and all hand-designed, handmade furniture that could be broken down, easily carried up a mountain, and reassembled.