Flying C Ranch

 

Bowlin Travel Centers, Inc. has 10 store locations and 5 Dairy Queens across New Mexico and Arizona.  Most of our stores are along Interstate 10 and Interstate 40.  Our featured store this month is Flying C Ranch, located on Interstate 40, close to the middle of New Mexico.  

Flying C Ranch is not a real "working" ranch, but it is a tremendous place to stop for a while when traveling through the vast expanse of New Mexico.  This store is located approximately 70 miles east of Albuquerque and 40 miles west of Santa Rosa. Flying C Ranch has the original, large selection of merchandise that is offered at all of our Bowlin Stores, but this store has a better than average selection of T-shirts, bajas, Indian and Mexican made blankets, and Native American Handcrafted Jewelry. Exxon® fuel is available along with 24 hr. pay at the pump service. 

In addition to the store, we also feature a Dairy Queen located here. This Dairy Queen® has a large menu of Brazier® items and DQ Treats® available for you any time of the day.  Before you head on down the road, you will want to be sure to fill yourself up too. So on your next trip through New Mexico, why not stop at the Flying C Ranch and let us show you some true southern hospitality!

Hand Painted Ornaments

Christmas is here, and that means many of us are decorating our Christmas trees!  If you want bright, colorful ornaments, visit us online at www.bowlinonline.com.  We offer a wonderful assortment of hand painted ornaments. All of these ornaments are hand painted from the inside!  Each ornament is hand-painted by a skilled artisan using special narrow brushes and pointed sticks. 

The painting begins with the artist carefully outlining the design for the ornament inside the globe.  Next comes the more difficult step of slowly filling in the colors that brings these designs to life using the reverse glass painting technique.

This entire process in creating these ornaments requires several days to complete, and since each ornament is hand painted, no two are alike.  Each ornament is a unique collectible (that comes in its own gift box)!  These beautiful ornaments are the perfect addition to any Christmas tree! 

Native American Artifacts

Our carefully crafted artifacts are modern day replicas of historical artifacts used by the Native Americans.  Take a look at the Medicine Wheel to the right. It represents the circle of life.  The center cross bar symbolizes the four winds, four seasons, four directions and four teachers.  It is considered to be good luck by the Native Americans.  Many Natives display it in their homes for protection. When you purchase one of our artifacts, you will receive a Certificate of Authenticity including the name of the Native American responsible for crafting it.

One of our Featured Artists-Curtis Bitsui
Curtis Bitsui is a great example of a modern Native American Navajo who is preserving his heritage while working in the 21st century world.  The Navajo Nation, where Bitsui and many skilled artisans originate, extends into the states of Utah, Arizona and New Mexico. 

Curtis has been making artifacts for over 15 years.  His bows, quivers, and arrows are all made by hand using buckskin with hand stitching and braiding, representing traditional handcrafted Indian artifacts.  Many of his bow and quiver sets also have genuine red fox or coyote fur, real glass beads, and prayer feathers.  Curtis' business has grown from a one-man shop to employing many Native Americans from the Reservation.  As a leader among his people, he offers hand crafted Indian crafts that have become sought after around the world.

Rattlesnake Beer Mug

Our company is notorious for carrying unique, one of a kind items.  For years we have sold the coiled rattlesnake beer mug featured at the right, but it wasn't until just recently that they became extremely popular!  An actress bought this mug-the same one we have been selling for years-for night time talk show host Craig Ferguson.  Since that episode aired, we have been selling these mugs at an unbelievable rate! 

Our mugs are different from others in the sense that our coiled rattlesnake mugs are hand painted...created by artist Jack Graham.  Upon the purchase of one of these coiled rattlesnake mugs, you will find Graham's name signed on the bottom!  Why not go to www.bowlinonline.com and purchase one of these unique, nationally televised coiled rattlesnake mugs for Christmas!  It is sure to be the hit in any home or office!

The Legend of Black Hills Gold

Most people don't know the story of how Black Hills Gold came to be.  Well, as the legend goes, a young Frenchman came to the Black Hills in South Dakota, seeking a fortune in gold.  His search for gold was more difficult than expected...discouraged, tired, and homesick, he fell in to a deep sleep.  That night, he dreamed of the beautiful vineyards in his homeland.
 
Awakening feeling refreshed, this Frenchman decided he would purchase gold from other prospectors, and harden the metal into green, rose, and yellow karat gold.  Inspired by his dream, he made grape leaves and clusters of 3 colors...creating Black Hills Gold!

This authentic Black Hills Gold Jewelry by South Dakota Gold is made in the USA.  The pure 10 karat gold is alloyed to create the soft colors of pink and green that you see on these jewelry pieces.  Each piece is warranted against defects in workmanship and manufacturing for the life of the product.

Come visit us at www.bowlinonline.com where all of our Black Hills Gold is currently 50% off!   Happy Shopping!

Mexican Hand Painted Pottery

This beautiful, brightly colored Mexican Hand Painted Pottery is handcrafted in Mexico.  Because this pottery is carefully hand painted, each piece is different and unique.  The colors and designs may be similar, but they will vary from piece to piece...making each piece truly one-of-a-kind.  In addition, the paint used on this pottery is derived from vegetables instead of chemicals.  

We carry a wide assortment of Mexican Hand Painted Pottery such as vases, jewelry boxes, crosses, and even piggy banks. Head to our online store at www.bowlinonline.com to pick up the perfect piece for your home!  Happy Shopping!

Mexican Imported Falsa Blankets

Mexican-style blankets, also known as Falsa Blankets, are becoming hugely popular.  Not only are they used as  blankets, but they are also being used as yoga mats, interior car seat covers, prayer blankets, and even door mats!  What makes our Falsa Blankets so unique is that we go straight to the source.  We order our blankets right out of Mexico from the vendor who actually makes them!  Our pricing is very competitive, as we only charge $7.99/blanket.  But, if you are wanting to order in bulk, simply give us a call and we'll see if we can make a deal!

We offer a wide variety of colors-from turquoise, purple, pink, blue, red, and even orange.  You name the color, chances are, we've got it!  So, the next time you are looking for Falsa Blankets, go to our online store or give us a call and we'll make sure you get what you are looking for!

Visit us at www.bowlinonline.com
                OR
Call us at 1-800-716-8413

Handcrafted Navajo Kachina Dolls

Whether you are new to the Southwest or are a Southwest native, the story behind Kachina Dolls is really special.  The Hopi tribe were the ones to first begin to make Kachina Dolls.  These Hopi Kachina Dolls, also known as katsinas, are the representation of the Hopi deity and have much religious significance and meaning attached to them.  They were originally made to be given as gifts to children so that the children could learn the stories behind each doll, and the religious significance of each one.  The Hopi make their Kachina Dolls by carefully carving cottonwood root and hand painting each one.  No two dolls are alike, as each one is hand made!  Hopi Kachinas can be very expensive-due to the amount of work and effort that has to go in to each doll.

The Navajo tribe really enjoyed these Hopi kachinas, so they began creating their own.  Unlike the Hopi Kachina Dolls, the Navajo kachina has no religious significance.  They are not hand carved from cottonwood root as are the Hopi katsinas.  The body parts of the Navajo kachina are machine made, and the dolls are then pegged and glued together.  They are, however, finished by the Navajo.  Each of our Navajo Kachina Dolls are individually handcrafted and hand painted.  Because of this, no two are alike in feathers or clothing.  Navajo kachinas can be more affordable than the Hopi, since it is not hand carved from cottonwood root.

You will know a Kachina Doll is authentic by looking at the bottom of it.  There, you should be able to find the name of the artist responsible for creating that kachina.  Head to our site, www.bowlinonline.com to view our selection of beautiful handcrafted Navajo kachinas!

How Bowlin Travel Centers Came To Be

Most people don't realize how long Bowlin Travel Centers has been in business-or even how this business came to be.  Our company dates back to 1912 when Claude M. Bowlin first began trading with the Native Americans in northern New Mexico.  He worked hard to learn their language and customs, and to conduct business with integrity and honesty. Before he knew it, Mr. Bowlin had laid the foundation to what would become a thriving business!

Now, almost 100 years later, Bowlin Travel Centers, Inc. works hard to maintain the traditions of integrity, honesty, and hospitality that this business was founded on.  We provide high quality merchandise at competitive pricing at all of our 10 store locations in Arizona and New Mexico.  There, you will find anything and everything such as Navajo handcrafted Horse Hair Pottery, handcrafted Native American jewelry, Minnetonka Moccasins, western figurines, even T-shirts, shot glasses, and fireworks! 

In addition to our store locations, Bowlin's has expanded to encompass 5 Dairy Queens along I-10 and I-40, a web store, an outdoor advertising division, and an up and coming wholesale division. Mr. Claude Bowlin worked hard to get this business started, and we are working hard to maintain it in a way that would make him proud!  If you're ever in the area of our office or store locations, please stop by for a visit!  We'd love to show you true Bowlin hospitality! 

Our 10 store locations:

 1. Flying C Ranch Travel Center & DQ

2. Picacho Peak Travel Center & DQ

3. Picacho Peak Plaza Travel Center

4. Bluewater Outpost Travel Center & DQ

5. Running Indian Travel Center

6. Old West Trading Post

7. Akela Flats Trading Post

8. Butterfield Station Travel Center & DQ

9. Continental Divide Trading Post

10. "The Thing?" Travel Center & DQ

Handmade Inlay Jewelry

Our Inlay Jewelry is handmade by Native Americans in Northern New Mexico.  I have to say, there is no other jewelry quite like this!  You have to know how it is made to really appreciate each unique piece.

First, the silver molds are created from wax moldings.  Then, the artists melt the silver to pour on to these wax moldings. After the silver has been hardened, it is linked by a silversmith.  Next, each stone is shaved down by hand to fit perfectly in the silver moldings (as seen in the picture to the left).  Each color you see is a different stone, and these stones come from all over the world- Brazil, India, Afghanistan, China, and even right here in the United States.  Finally, the inlay piece is polished and is ready for you to wear!  Every inlay piece you will find in any of our stores has been diligently and tirelessly handmade, using exact precision.  When you purchase one of these inlay pieces, know that no one else will have an inlay piece like yours, for no two are alike.  Each piece truly is a work of art!

 To view our selection of Inlay Jewelry, visit us online at www.bowlinonline.com

The Thing???

As we gear up for that last road trip before the school year begins, why not make The Thing??? one of your stops!  It is such a popular tourist destination that it fell on the list of "The Official Best of for Arizona 2011!"  The Thing??? is located on Interstate 10 (Exit 322), about 17 miles east of Benson and approximately 40 miles east of Tucson, AZ. Not only do we carry handcrafted Native American Jewelry, authentic Navajo pottery, and many other souvenir items, but we also have a museum attached.  Inside this "spooky" museum, we have what we call...The Thing??? It is the mystery of the desert...you have to see it for yourself to believe it!

Once you are through the museum, you may be a little frazzled...and maybe even a little thirsty.  Go ahead and hop on over to our Dairy Queen location that is attached to our store! There, you can sip on an ice cold soda, or even treat yourself to one of our famous DQ Blizzards.

Why not make The Thing??? one of your next stops along I-10? We promise, you won't be disappointed! Happy traveling!

Navajo Horse Hair Pottery

Our Horse Hair Pottery has been handcrafted by Navajo artists.  Each piece reflects the careful, precise work of our artists. To create each beautiful piece, "slip "(liquid form of clay) is poured into the mold.  After allowing time to harden, the artist removes the damp clay (which is now no longer in liquid form) from the mold.  Before baking the clay in the kiln, the artist makes it nice and smooth.  Upon removing the piece from the kiln, the artist immediately begins to apply horse hair.  The fine lines are created with the hair form the main of the horse while the thick lines are created from the hair of the tail. Once all of the horse hair is applied, the artist allows the piece to cool.  After cooling, the artist hand etches each piece.  If stones or turquoise are used to decorate the pottery, those are applied at this time.  Finally, the piece is varnished in order to protect it.  Every piece of horse hair pottery is original and made in New Mexico. 

The bottom of each piece of Horse Hair pottery has been signed or etched by the Navajo artist responsible for creating it.  To view photos of our artists creating this pottery, or to shop our selection, visit us online at www.bowlinonline.com.