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!