Dragoon, AZ-It’s time to start thinking about summer travel. I’m going to share a few quirky places I’ve visited while working on the Gas Station Gourmet™. These are places you should not miss. Top on my list is a convenience store called The Thing. It’s located on Interstate 10 right outside the town of Dragoon, Arizona. You’ll know your heading the right way because a series of billboards teases the unusual store.
It is basically a convenience store with an oddities-filled museum. Over 50 years ago the Bowlins purchased this store which included a variety of oddities that at one time, traveled the country in a carnival side show. It’s a fun store that has become a tradition for lots of families. “I’ve had people say they’ve seen it over a hundred times. People say they do not pass without stopping,” said Diana Byrant, store manager.
This oddity causes jaw dropping reactions. Visitors point and ponder about the origins of this desert mystery.
I cannot reveal the mystery. When you pay the dollar to enter the museum you agree not to reveal the secret. You don’t want to spoil it for future visitors. I can tell you a little about the other exhibits. There are wood carvings of Medieval scenes. There is a limo that might have belonged to Hitler. There’s even a mannequin that resembles him sitting inside. Someone collected drift wood that resembles strange animals. Look, it’s worth a dollar. Diana told me she’s had grandparents visit with their grandchildren because their grandparents took them to see “it” when they were kids.
The Thing sells hand crafted Native American Art. Store manager, Diana Bryants says each piece is unique.
The Thing is owned by Bowlin Travel Centers. I stopped in several of the locations and each one is different. If you’re passing through check out the various themed stores in New Mexico and Arizona.
For locations check them out online at www.bowlintc.com/?mod=locations
These stores are fun. The staff is motivated and really polite.
Email me at al@gasstationgourmet.com if you’ve been to a cool convenience store or had great food in one.
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