EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14\/CBS4) \u2014 EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14\/CBS4) \u2014 If you\u2019ve ever cruised westbound on I-10 just outside Las Cruces, chances are you\u2019ve spotted the big building that\u2019s hard to miss: Bowlin\u2019s Old West Trading Post, a longtime stop where travelers can stretch their legs and pick up a little piece of the Southwest.<\/p>\n
The business has deep roots in the region. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve been around since 1912,\u201d said Valkyrie Bowlin, chief operations officer of Bowlin Travel Center. <\/p>\n
Bowlin said her grandfather started as an Indian trader, and the business evolved over time as travel changed and highways reshaped the way people moved through southern New Mexico.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis store in particular was opened in 1953,\u201d Bowlin said, adding that other stores opened and closed before it, helping \u201cset the stage in motion for the ones we have now.\u201d<\/p>\n
Inside, the trading post leans into its Southwestern theme, aiming to give visitors a quick taste of the region. <\/p>\n
\u201cTravelers come from all over, even other countries, and they get a taste of the southwest just from coming through our doors,\u201d said Alfred Villegas, Director of Operations. \u201cMost of them end up purchasing something to remember their travels.\u201d<\/p>\n
The store carries a mix of gifts and practical travel-stop essentials. Villegas said it includes \u201cyour basic convenience store,\u201d noting that many customers are simply looking for a restroom break and a snack while on the road.<\/p>\n
Beyond the basics, the trading post also sells Minnetonka Moccasin products. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve been in business with Minnetonka selling their product for a handful of years,\u201d Villegas said. \u201cThey\u2019re a great partner to have in our stores, and we do very well with these shoes.\u201d<\/p>\n
And for shoppers looking for something a little more explosive, Villegas said the store sells fireworks year-round, while keeping local rules in mind. <\/p>\n
\u201cSo obviously we got to check county ordinance,\u201d he said. <\/p>\n
He added that the store checks IDs, as some customers may not be able to buy fireworks depending on where they live.<\/p>\n
Among the fireworks offerings is an assortment called the Godfather. <\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s one of our biggest assortments,\u201d Villegas said, describing it as six feet tall.<\/p>\n
Families and curious collectors can also find what Villegas called the store\u2019s \u201ckiddy area,\u201d which includes rocks \u2014 lots of them. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe sell a lot of rocks,\u201d he said. \u201cFor whatever reason, we sell a lot of rocks.\u201d He added that the store imports products from all around the world, while also carrying items made in the United States.<\/p>\n
The trading post also features jewelry and other items, including \u201chandcrafted artifacts from the natives,\u201d Villegas said.<\/p>\n
He noted the store is very proud to sell items that support Native Americans. Another popular option, he said, is Black Hills Gold, which he described as an item made in the United States.<\/p>\n
The store also works with local vendors, including one Villegas said is based in Las Cruces. <\/p>\n
\u201cAnd actually we found them, believe it or not, at the farmers market here in Las Cruces,\u201d he said, adding, \u201cWe brought it in, tried it out, and they\u2019re flying out the shelf.\u201d<\/p>\n
Exploring New Mexico: Bowlin’s Old West Trading Post<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
RECOMMENDED: El Paso muralist paints five 30-foot murals honoring firefighters at downtown station<\/a><\/p>\n