Mtn Dew's Mountain Outpost Offers Hiking, Archery, and Loads of New Soda Flavors
In 2008, Mountain Dew announced plans to shorten its name to Mtn Dew — and the beloved soda has regularly been missing vowels ever since. But though the "Mtn" may remain in the name, this summer, the brand is getting back to a literal hillside, opening their first-ever Mtn Dew Outpost on Tennessee's Doe Mountain.
From June 4 to June 12, the Mtn Dew Outpost will be taking over the Adventure Center at Doe Mountain, "the main entry point to 8,600 acres of rugged mountain wilderness that sits outside the town of Mountain City, Tennessee," a location chosen to honor drink's origins in the hills of Tennessee in the 1940s. Mtn Dew says they'll be providing free passes for those who want to visit during its daily open hours of 8 a.m. until dusk.
As for what to expect, the brand says the pass "provides access to Doe Mountain, all Dew-sponsored activities and the Mtn Dew Outpost Flavor Adventure." Mtn Dew poured money into a bunch of permanent improvements at the site, and many of the activities show off what they've done. For instance, the brand will be hosting an archery tournament on the brand new archery course as well as scavenger hunts, hikes, and birding tours that take advantage of the new trails that have been blazed across 3,000 acres of previous unexplored land. Additionally, the Mtn Dew Outpost features a new overlook and viewing platform.
"As Doe Mountain's popularity begins to increase during the start of summer, this is the perfect time for Mtn Dew to revisit its roots and encourage those who are local or traveling to get outside and visit our mountain," Shawn Lindsey, executive director of the Doe Mountain Recreation Area, stated. "The new programs and activities we can introduce as a result of the Mtn Dew Outpost ultimately benefit tourism for the entire state of Tennessee."
Of course, this is Mtn Dew, so the event will also feature plenty of limited-edition soda. In fact, true to their never-stop-releasing-new-varieties style, Mtn Dew's Flavor Adventure will offer six brand new flavors, while supplies last, with guests being encouraged to provide feedback and vote for their favorite. And those scavenger hunts? The winners can score one of just 750 limited-edition Mtn Dew Outpost bottles which are wrapped in a special camouflage label.
"Mtn Dew Outpost honors Dew fans' bold approach to flavor and outdoor adventure," said Pat O'Toole, the brand's chief marketing officer. "The mountain projects we've funded, along with the variety of activities we're offering fans, back our commitment to helping nature lovers access more of the great outdoors."
Speaking of which, the brand even hired a Mtn Dew Outpost Ranger for the week, with Oregon resident Donovan de Leon landing the coveted position out of nearly 4,000 applicants. "For one week, he will be responsible for managing duties at the Mtn Dew Outpost, like leading trail trim back and wildflower-planting volunteer activities for those looking to support trail expansion on Doe Mountain," Mtn Dew wrote. "In addition to a cash prize of $5,000 and staying in a tricked-out RV on Doe Mountain provided by RVshare, he will also sport a brand-new Polaris Ranger XP 1000 Premium courtesy of Polaris."
If it all sounds like a lot, well, it's a nine-day event, so you're not wrong. And so, if you're feeling the desire to make a Mtn Dew pilgrimage, check out MtnDewOutpost.com which has all the details you need, including a full schedule of events.
