Wednesday, June 16, 2010

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! 

Friday, June 4, 2010

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!

Monday, May 17, 2010

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!

Friday, April 2, 2010

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.  
 



Wednesday, March 10, 2010

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!

Monday, March 1, 2010

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.