1969 Shasta trailer gets a new life as a mobile bar

Paul and Kim Fuelling are the dual forces behind Mabel Studios, which is fittingly located in Mabel, North Carolina, deep in the Blue Ridge Mountains and just outside of Boone. Both halves of this power couple graduated from the John Herron School of Art, and they spend their days working with wood to create unforgettable pieces of furniture and fine art. The majority of their projects are commissions, and they are best known for the custom-made tables and doors they make for clients around their area and the nation. Their finished works are breathtaking, and it is no wonder they have built an impressive reputation for themselves and their studio.
Recently, the Fuellings took on a different kind of project when the folks behind Camp Cocktail approached them to renovate this 1969 Shasta trailer. This special client wanted to turn this tiny camper into a mobile bar to cater a variety of events. The Fuellings tackled this remodel with gusto, and the finished product is quite impressive.
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This 50-year-old trailer is small, but it has so much heart. Although it is only 13 feet long, 6-1/2 feet wide and 7-1/2 feet tall, these miniature dimensions actually work in its favor. Once the Fuellings removed the interior furniture, the space inside opened up. Because of its small profile, it can easily be towed and parked pretty much anywhere.
One of the first changes the Fuellings took on was to install two giant windows for serving. These are both beautiful and functional, providing an opening on one side and in the rear. Both can be propped open easily to show the bar is open for business. The bars and window frames showcase reclaimed heart pine wood.
These custom wings on both sides of the camper add a little style while still capturing the vintage feel of the Shasta trailer. It's remarkable what such a small detail can do to improve a vehicle. When the trailer arrived for its makeover, it also needed a few coats of paint. Applying them really helped to make this five-decade-old trailer look brand new.
The interior is spacious enough for several bartenders to stand and work simultaneously. Like the window frames, the bar and other wood accents inside are also made of reclaimed heart pine, which offers a timeless look for the space. The Fuellings also installed sinks and a beer tap to meet their client's specific needs.
The floor really needed an update too, and what they did really adds a bright accent to the interior. They also installed cabinets to provide some storage space while traveling from place to place and during events.
Because it is not possible to get a liquor license without owning a brick and mortar establishment, Camp Cocktail does not have one. Instead, party organizers provide their own alcoholic beverages, and Camp Cocktail staff mixes and serves the drinks. This is a unique bar setup for weddings and other events.
Camp Cocktail provides seasonal drink menus for every season, as well as a morning menu that includes mimosas and bloody Marys, and a coffee and hot cocktails menu for colder days. The company is also happy to customize for clients and create specific, one-of-a-kind drinks for catered events.
In addition to offering creative and attentive bartenders, Camp Cocktail also provides custom printed menus, glassware, bar tools and cocktail napkins. The trailer arrives ready to go and is equipped with a vintage record player and a wide variety of vinyl records to play for the crowd.
This little Shasta trailer is so versatile and can be set up in almost any location, which makes it popular. In fact, Camp Cocktail reports it even bartended for a party thrown by actor Bill Murray.
Camp Cocktail couldn't provide this unique catering service without the creativity, innovation and hard work offered by Paul and Kim Fuelling of Mabel Studios. This trailer is stunning and is so special and unique. Camp Cocktail exists in its current form thanks to great work by Mabel Studios.
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