I think there are some growing in the Atlanta area (zone 8a).

There is a fellow also named Erik (no relation) who sells mule pams from his base in the San Juan islands. He posts on the various forums, mostly palmtalk. I think his screen name is Eriksji and/or Eriktampabay. You might want to track him down to ask how they do in your climate. --Erik

The Mule Palm is a borderline palm for this area. They will need protection if you want them to look green and healthy. I have around 200 Mule palms up here varying in sizes the majority of these are still in 1 gallon containers and spent the winter in a unheated green house and did fine. All the ones outside have received burning at one point or another. I lost 4 this winter out of 30 that were outside and had seen 18F on several occasions with 4 inches of snow and may loose more by the looks of some of them. If you are ever on San Juan Island you are welcome to come pick one up and give it a try. I will be in Florida this summer doing the Butia x parajubaea and the Butia x Jubaea and giving that a try here on San Juan Island.

Erik

What plant zone are you?

I am a zone 8a on San Juan Island WA. Just south of you. I spend my summer's in Parrish Florida at Mule Palm Nursery.