BowlinOnline is now fully operational!!!

After many hours of work, our new online store is now fully operational.  As in our previous post there are many items to choose from.  You can simply go here to enjoy shopping through our many unique southwest gift items!  As our customers, you are very important to us.  We want to give you the most satisfying online shopping experience that we can.  So, you are encouraged to contact us with any questions you may have.  You are also more than welcome to let us know how to improve your shopping experience. 

Another great feature of our web store is that you can now follow us on facebook!  We can't wait to have you join our fan page.  You even have the convenience of placing items in your BowlinOnline shopping cart straight from facebook.  That is one feature that is sure to make you want to join.  Once again, we are so excited to have you as a part of a new online experience.  So, come on, LET'S GO SHOPPING! 

Coming Soon- The NEW BowlinOnline.com

Coming Soon!  You've probably already received some communication from us about our new web store.  I hope you all are as excited as we are for the change.  Well, not only did we want to send you another reminder, but we thought we would show you a glimpse of the new items that will be available once the store goes live!

As you all know our retail stores specialize in southwest gift items and souvenirs.  Some of you may have even purchased items on our existing web store.  Well, your online shopping experience is about to change.  You are sure to enjoy your new shopping experience with us.  

Not only will we continue to offer many of the same items as our current online store- we are adding many more new items.  Hey, just take a look at these wonderful new Handbags.  Trust me, there will be many more styles to choose from!  We will also feature the latest designs in Minnetonka Moccasins.  Minnetonka Moccasins have been a staple item in our stores for many years.  So, you are sure to find some great new styles soon.



Another item we pride ourselves on is our collection of Native American Handcrafted Jewelry.  Our new site will also feature these one of a kind creations.  Here is a sample of our new line of "Inlay" jewelry.  This jewelry comes straight from New Mexico.  In fact there is a wonderful story about how this type of jewelry is made.  But, I'm saving that for a future post.

Of course our new web store wouldn't be complete without offering you some of our interesting figurine items.  We have some of our hand painted resin figurines like the wonderful "Inspiriters".  You will also be able to find a great selection of Native American Handcrafted Kachinas.

We can hardly wait for you to stop on by and visit our new online store.  You are sure to be pleased!  So, keep looking for the new store to go live soon.  We are putting all the finishing touches together to make your shopping experience special.  We'll see you again really soon!  

Spotlight on Butterfield Station DQ® & Travel Center

  This month we shine the spotlight on our Butterfield Station DQ® & Travel Center.  This store is located just about 20 miles west of Deming, NM along I-10 at exit 62.  In fact, here is a map to help you have a good idea of the store's location.

  The store was originally built in 1973.  Back then it was actually called Bowlin's Teepee Store.  The center section of the store was actually shaped like a Teepee.  As you can see from this old newspaper clipping- it also featured a Baskin Robbin's.  In 1989 the store was rebuilt to the current design (see top image).  The Baskin's was replaced with a full service DQ® Restaurant®.

  Interestingly enough, that same DQ® Restaurant® serves a full breakfast menu everyday from 7am-11am.  You would be hard pressed to find a better breakfast along this stretch of highway.  If you've got a morning hunger, try our Big-ol' Breakfast Burrito.  It is sure fix your hunger!

  Of course, we also have a full store of great gift items.  Whether you are looking for simple souvenir items or interesting gift ideas, chances are we have what you are looking for.  Do you like Native American Handcrafted items?  Guess what, you'll find it here.  We've got everything from Jewelry to Kachinas.  Just check out these sample images.

  So, as you travel the great southwest this summer, stop by our Butterfield Station DQ® and Travel Center.    Don't forget your B-backer card or key chain.  After all, that is your gateway to savings on your gift items or DQ® purchases.  We sure look forward to meeting you or for that matter- seeing you again!

Its Independence Day Weekend!

This Sunday, we as a nation, celebrate our independence.  I think it is fitting that this year's Independence Day falls on a Sunday.  It gives us the opportunity to reflect on all that we have done as a country and the sacrifices made to maintain our freedom.  But, it also gives us the opportunity to thank God for blessing this great nation in our various houses of worship.  

Along with this celebration is the age old tradition of fireworks.  I still look back on my childhood with fond memories of my family coming together, having a cookout and lighting fireworks.  Bowlin's has a long history of selling some of the best fireworks on the planet. Seven out of our ten stores sell fireworks all year long.  However, this time of the year is by far the busiest.  I have a map below to show you where each of these fireworks stores are located. 

You'll notice, they are all located in New Mexico, since Arizona does not allow fireworks in their state.  All but one of our New Mexico stores sells the full menu of available fireworks.  Only our Old West Trading Post store location (#4 on the map) is limited to "Safe and Sane" fireworks due to local county ordinance.  "Safe and Sane" fireworks are generally the type that only stay on the ground such as Fountains, Ground Spinners, Sparklers and various other novelty type items.

As I mentioned earlier- the remainder of our stores sell the full menu of consumer fireworks that are allowed by law.  That includes the amazing 500 gram fireworks, such as the multiple shot aerial (as shown below).  Each of these fireworks contain the maximum powder allowed by law.  They are truly amazing and are a must this 4th of July!  We also have a full compliment of Firecrackers, Rockets, and re-loadable mortar style fireworks.  You are sure to find a huge selection.  By the way, did I mention that we have some of the best prices on the planet too?  Because we sell fireworks all year 'round we are able to buy low and pass those savings on to our customers.  That means you get the best BANG for your buck (pardon the pun- just couldn't help it)!  You really won't find better deals or better selection anywhere else.   While some may say they'll give you "Buy One, Get One" deals- don't be fooled.  Usually it is only on certain items AND they mark the prices WAAAYYY up!  Don't forget, if you are a B-backer you automatically get 10% off your purchase when you present your B-backer Card or Key Chain.  There is still plenty of time to get out to our stores and pick up your arsenal of FIREPOWER!  So, come on down and let the celebration begin!

Spotlight on "The Thing?" Travel Center & DQ®

This month, we put the spotlight on one of the most recognizable store locations of our company.  "The Thing?" has been a roadside attraction for nearly 50 years!  If you have ever traveled through the southwest along I-10 you are sure to have seen the billboards marking the landscape that leads to the store itself.  "The Thing?" is located approximately 17 mi. west of Benson, AZ and just outside of Texas Canyon near Dragoon, AZ.  Here's you a map so you can get a better idea of just where it is.

If you are looking for a really fun place to stop this summer, make "The Thing?" your choice.  Not only does "The Thing?" have tons of history in its museum (more on that later), it also operates a full scale DQ® Restaurant.  You can sit down and cool off with a Blizzard® Treat or curb your appetite with a Flamethrower® Grillburger® meal.  You are sure to find exactly what will fill up yer food tank.  Speaking of filling up yer tank- you can fuel up with our Shell® branded gasoline.  We even have 24hr pumps, just in case you stop by after normal store hours.

As I mentioned earlier, there is a lot of history in this store.  When you arrive you'll be welcomed by a warm "howdy", or "how y'all doin'?" by our friendly staff.  If you look up on the wall to the immediate right you'll see an enormous Python skin.  That Python used to reside right there in the museum, back when we had live critters.  At the back of our store is the gateway to one world's most compelling mysteries.  It is adorned with a cave-like structure and secured by a large steel door.  The entry fee to the museum is one of the best deals on the planet at just $1.00.  But, you must only enter if you have the guts.  You'll see plenty of great stuff including a 1937 Rolls Royce said to have been used by Adolf Hitler.  As you mosey on through the attractions, you'll eventually come to "The Thing?" itself.  You have to see it for yourself to believe it.  Legend has it to have been found near the Dragoon Mountains, a few miles south of where the store is located.  One thing for sure, the story of "The Thing?" is truly shrouded in mystery.  I believe it could even be some sort of government conspiracy.  But, who knows?  What is it?  Perhaps no one will ever figure it out.  Or, perhaps you will.  Hey, for just $1.00- it's worth it just to see for yourself.

As soon as you finish visiting the museum- you'll be right back in the store.  A whole new adventure awaits you there.  We have thousands of gift items available for you to choose from.  Are you looking for simple souvenir items to reminisce about your travels?  Or, are you are looking for authentic Native American Handcrafted Jewelry and Artifacts?  Whatever it is, chances are we have it!  Don't forget to pick up a "The Thing?" t-shirt, bumper sticker, or shot-glass. 

So, as you travel this summer, make sure you stop at "The Thing?".  Don't forget to show us your B-backer discount card or key chain, so you can get 10% off your DQ® or gift item purchases.  You won't be disappointed.  More importantly, you're sure to have fun! 

2010 Dragoon Car & Bike Show Images

Well... the 2nd annual Dragoon Car & Bike show has come and gone.  A great time was had by all that participated.  I just thought I would take some time and give you a small sampling of the cars and bikes that were there.  I hope you enjoy these images.  Thanks to everyone that participated in this year's event.  We look forward to having you back again next year.
(Click on images to enlarge)

 

One of the highlights of the show was the car that won best of show.  It was the 1954 Kaiser Darrin owned by Lee & Gary Abrahams.  Only 435 of these cars were ever built.  It was actually one of the very first, truly "American" sports cars.  It feature and all fiberglass body, actually designed by a boat company.  It also had unique sliding doors.  The original cars had a 90 hp 121 cubic inch engine.  Of course Lee and Gary's is a bit of an upgrade.  Notice the photo below of their Chevy 502 with the Ramjet intake.  These cars have been known to sell at auction upwards of $200,000.00.  So, as you can imagine we were honored to have their car present at our car show.  Thanks, Lee & Gary!

Finally, in honor of Ray White, the founder of the Dragoon Car Club.  One lucky patron won a framed fine art print of his car.  A big thanks go out to his wife for the effort she put in to make sure the car show went off without a hitch.  Thanks Bonnie!

2nd Annual Dragoon Car & Bike Show - Memorial to Ray White

Its that time again folks!  This Saturday brings us the 2nd annual Dragoon Car & Bike show.  It is presented to you by the great folks of the Dragoon Mountains Car Club.  This event will be hosted at our store "The Thing?" near Texas Canyon, AZ.  It is located about 17 miles east of Benson, AZ I-10AZ Exit 322- or the Johnson Rd. Exit.  You are sure to love this fun filled day of really awesome cars and bikes.  We'll have Classics, Bikes, Muscle Cars, Customs and Hot Rods.  There are plenty of events and even live music by "Chuck Wagon and The Wheels".  

This year is in memorial to Ray White (seen above w/ "T-bum")- the Car Club's founder.  Unfortunately, Ray passed away only a few weeks after last year's event.  So, come on out and enjoy remembering Ray the way he would have wanted.  Enjoying custom Hot Rods and more.  You'll even get to see Ray's multi-award winning car "T-bum".  That alone is worth coming out.

There are a ton of events for you to enjoy.  Do you have a car that you want to put into the show.  Here is a sign up sheet for you to register your special vehicle.  The more participants we get, the better.

Registration begins at 7:00am and goes to 10:00am.  The judging is from 10:00am to 1:00pm and the awards begin at 2:00pm.  Remember this is a family car show- so please, no loud stereos.  There is even a 50/50 raffle that will take place at the end of the event.  Plus plenty of door prizes.  Many items will be there for raffle, so there is a great chance for you to win some awesome prizes.  Hey, once you're done browsing the cars and bikes- head on into our store for more great deals.  You can even visit "The Thing?" itself for just a buck.  "The Thing?" even has a full DQ® Restaurant.  So, you can pop in and grab you a meal or nice cool treat.  We are expecting over 100 cars to participate this year!  I'm sure you won't be disappointed.  We look forward to seeing you at the event this Saturday May 22nd!

Spotlight on Flying "C" Ranch Travel Center & DQ®

Flying "C" Ranch is located on Interstate 40 near the middle of New Mexico a long way from 'civilization'. It is about 70 miles east of Albuquerque and 40 miles west of Santa Rosa. Flying C Ranch has a huge selection of merchandise that is offered at all our Bowlin Stores, but this store has a better than average selection of T-shirts, bajas, Indian and Mexican made blankets and leather jackets and vests.  To top it off this store sells an enormous selection of FIREWORKS the whole year 'round.  Heck we've even got a full sized stuffed Buffalo- you've just got to check it out.    

Though this store is not a real working ranch it is a tremendous place to stop.  When you are traveling the vast expanse of New Mexico Flying "C" is place to relax a spell and enjoy refreshment at our full DQ® Restaurant.  While your there you can enjoy free WiFi internet service.  You can even watch world event on our brand new 47" HD television.  If you're coming on through this month- don't forget to bring your b-backer card in for your 10% discount on souvenirs and DQ® menu items.  

 

Aerospace & Arizona Days - Davis Monthan AFB - Mar. 20 & 21st

Hey B-backers!  Here is another great event on the horizon.  March 20-21st is the Aerospace & AZ Days at Davis-Monthan AFB.  This is sure to be a really awesome event.  If you are planning on being in the area during that weekend- make plans to attend this exciting show.  Here is a link to the event page.  There will be plenty to keep you entertained at this airshow.  Between the static displays and the live air demos- you'll be blown away.   If you are looking for great family fun and entertainment- make this event one of your Spring Break stops.

While your in the area, stop by and see us at any of the THREE stores in the area.  If you are traveling from the west (Phoenix Area), you can stop at our Picacho Peak Store facilities.  You can read more about those stores right here on the blog (featured stores this month).  However, if you are traveling from the east (Willcox, Benson area) you can stop by our "The Thing?" store location.  We don't call it the "Mystery of the Desert" for nuthin'.  Heck both facilities have full DQ® Restaurants for you to sit down, relax and have a treat or two!  Plus- if you bring that b-backer Key Chain with you, you'll get your 10% off discount on food and gift items.  What a deal!  It so good you just gotta stop!

DON'T FORGET ABOUT THIS WEEKENDS EVENTS! - MARCH 13-14th 

Just a quick reminder about the awesome events of this weekend.  We have the Civil War Re-enactment happening over at the Picacho Peak State Park.  Find out more right here.  This is truly a blast from the past, so make plans to head by this weekend if you are in AZ or passing through.

Or...

You can attend the Cowboy Days in Las Cruces, NM at the Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum.  See the right up from our blog right here.  So, if your heading through New Mexico or are already in the area, plan to attend.  Heck, there sure is plenty of great things to choose from.

Don't forget to check back here often.  You never know when we might post more events from around our stores.  We sure hope you come by and see us and any of our 10 store locations throughout NM and AZ.  Don't forget to bring your discount Key Chain!

Spotlight on Picacho Peak Plaza & Picacho Peak DQ® Travel Centers

This month we put our spotlight on our two store locations at Picacho Peak, AZ.  These stores are located on I-10AZ at exit 219, just about 45mi. west of Tucson, AZ.  This is a great stopping point about half way between Tucson and Phoenix.

Picacho Peak Plaza is the newest store in our Bowlin inventory.  Opened in 2005, it offers a state of the art shopping experience.  You will enjoy over 10,000sqft. of retail shopping area and even a large convenience store area.  You can sit down and enjoy a snack in our Food Court and catch up on all the latest news on our high def  television.  This store is filled with an enormous selection of wonderful southwest merchandise.  You can choose from a huge variety of Native American Handcrafted items, to gold jewelry, Mexican Imports, T-shirts and more.

Picacho Peak DQ® is our original store at the Picacho Peak facility.  Located directly across from Picacho Peak Plaza, it features a full service Dairy Queen® Restaurant and a great souvenir shopping area.  This is the perfect place to stop and have a bite to eat.  Whether you are just commuting between Tucson and Phoenix or you are on a fun road trip.  You just gotta stop in and relax, do some shopping and fill up your food tank.  We even offer a full service Breakfast from 7am- 11am seven days a week. That right there should be enough of an incentive to stop!  By the way- we've got the best darn breakfast burritos on the planet!  Can you say Mmmmm!  Both store locations offer 24 hr Pay at the Pump Shell fuel service.

Civil War in the Southwest: its still happening on March 13th &14th so don't forget about this great event.  In fact it could be the last Southwest Civil War reenactment for a really long time.  Unfortunately, Arizona is closing all but nine State Parks.  The Picacho Peak State Park is one of the casualties of the State's cutbacks.  So, you all have to come out and support this event.  You never know if it will happen again.  We'll keep you posted on any updates on this parks closure.  Hopefully, someone will have mercy and not shut it down.  It really is a great little place to visit.  In fact, they just finished a new visitor center there last year.  While your there visiting make sure you stop in and say hi at either or our two stores above.  Don't forget to bring along your B-backer Key Chain so you can receive you 10% discount.  That is just a great deal so take advantage of it.  Remember it works on FOOD & MERCHANDISE.

Cowboy Days: March 13th-14th & Come see us at Old West Trading Post

Another great event happening on March 13th and 14th is the "Cowboy Days" event.  It is the biggest annual event at the Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum located in Las Cruces, NM.  You can read more about it right here.  The Wild West will be brought to life through on-going activities like horseback and stagecoach rides, blacksmithing, dowsing, weaving/ sewing, Back Country Horsemen, milking demonstrations, children’s activities and crafts, branding, leather stamping, and more.  So, come on out and see what it was like back in the early days of the Wild West!

While you are visiting Las Cruces, NM and enjoying "Cowboy Days"- stop in and see us at our Old West Trading Post store location.  It is located just 17 miles west of Las Cruces, NM on I-10.  It is a wonderful place to stop and stretch yer legs and do some shopping for unique southwestern gifts.  You won't be disappointed with all this store has to offer.  Don't forget your B-backer key chain so you can get your 10% discount.

The Civil War is Back in the Southwest!

The Civil War in the Southwest is back at the Picacho Peak State Park in Arizona! Due to budget short falls, last years event was canceled. However, it is back in 2010 and happening in just under a month. Mark your calendars for the March 13th-14th event. If you are looking forward to getting away for an early spring vacation be sure to check this out. This years event should be a lot of fun. I'd bet you didn't even know there was a battle this far west. Well, there was and this event re-enacts the western most Civil War engagement. They even throw in some other engagements that happened throughout the Southwest. You can go to the Arizona State Park Website for more information on this event right here.

Not only is this event kicking off the spring- it is a great time to see the natural beauty the park has to offer.  Generally this time of year the poppies are in bloom.  Just about every 5 years or so, they bloom extra pretty.  Due the extra moisture the area has had this year- the chances are pretty good for a strong poppy season.  But, the only way to find out for sure is to go and visit the park.  Make sure you pack your camera!  Either way the park offers great scenery and unique Southwest landscapes.

While your in the area, you might as well stop in to our two stores right there at the Picacho Peak State Park exit (I-10AZ exit 219).  We have one store with a Dairy Queen® restaurant.  You can sit right down there and "chill out" with tasty Blizzard® or curb your appetite with DQ Grillburger®.  Or, you can visit our Picacho Peak Plaza location that features over 10,000 sqft. of shopping.  You'll be able to find tons of stuff to help you remember your trip.  You may even want to buy a gift for someone special.  So, be sure to come by and say hi!   We look forward to seeing you there.  Don't forget to bring your b-backer key chain so you can save 10% on your purchases!

Our Company History

For over 90 years, the Bowlin family has taken pride in serving the traveling public with Southwestern tradition and hospitality. Their business venture actually began in 1912 when Claude M. Bowlin began trading with the Native American Indians of New Mexico and began learning their languages and customs. After World War I, from 1919 to 1935, Mr. and Mrs. Bowlin bought and sold several trading posts in the Gallup and Farmington areas of New Mexico. In 1935 they built the Old Crater Trading Post at Bluewater, New Mexico. It was named for the extinct volcano (or crater) to the north of the store. The wagon wheel-rutted road leading to the trading post later became Route 66. This store was closed in 1973 due to the construction of the new Interstate 40, which bypassed it. Bowlin's Bluewater Dairy Queen Travel Center now serves this area.

After World War II Mr. and Mrs. Bowlin expanded their horizons. With wisdom and foresight, they anticipated the needs and desires of tourists visiting the Land of Enchantment. They wanted every visitor to have the opportunity to enjoy the beauty and talent of the Native American artisans through Navajo and Zuni jewelry, Navajo rugs, and baskets and pottery from many pueblos. Beginning in 1946 three trading posts were built in southern New Mexico on Highway 70-80 (later designated I-10). The first was the Continental Divide Trading Post followed by the Akela Flats Trading Post (now called the Akela Flats Travel Center) and the Wagon Wheel. In the following years more stores were added including the Jack Rabbit Ranch, the Old West Trading Post and Running Indian at Alamogordo.

By 1953, Claude and Willa Bowlin's business had expanded to the point that it was advisable to incorporate under New Mexico laws. In reality, however, the Bowlin Family has been extending Southwestern hospitality steeped with tradition for over 90 years; offering a cup of coffee, a warm "Howdy," and a big smile that says, "We're happy to see you!"

Since 1953, more stores have been added on the interstate system. Full service facilities, extensive selections of gifts, souvenirs, Black Hills Gold Jewelry, and outstanding Indian Handmade Jewelry are offered year 'round at Bowlin stores. To ensure excellent food services for our customers, many of our locations include Dairy Queen Brazier restaurants.

Further, in the early 1980s, the company expanded into the outdoor advertising business, which served as an extension of service to the traveling public. By the mid 1990s, the company covered the southwest with over 3,000 billboard faces in New Mexico, Colorado, Arizona, Texas, and Oklahoma.

On December 17, 1996, Bowlin's Incorporated officially became BOWLIN Outdoor Advertising & Travel Centers Incorporated, as the company began its initial public trading on the NASDAQ Stock Market. With this step the company and its employees entered into a new and exciting era of growth and new challenges.

In 2001, Bowlin's sold the outdoor advertising operations. The sale of the Outdoor Advertising division provided outstanding value for our shareholders. After a period of listing on the OTC Market, Bowlin Travel Centers Inc. is now traded on the Pink Sheets under the symbol " BWTL."

We are proud to be a part of the heritage of the Southwest. Our founder, Claude M. Bowlin, passed away in 1974, his youngest son, Michael L. Bowlin, took the helm in 1972 and continues as President/CEO to date.

Our company shall always strive to maintain the pride and tradition started many years ago - carrying first-rate merchandise and offering first-rate service to the traveling public. Our mission statement says it all, "Bowlin Travel Centers shall continue to grow and serve our customers in our long standing tradition of honesty, integrity, and hospitality by providing high quality products and services at competitive prices, while providing financial stability and a reasonable return on equity for our stockholders, and compensation in excess of market along with a satisfying work environment for our employees."