Life + Culture

Cody Johnson

Telling New Mexico's Story Article by Keri Bridgwater | Photography by photos courtesy New Mexico Tourism Cody Johnson’s New Mexico roots run deep. Born and raised in Albuquerque, his understanding of the state is less about any one place and more about how they connect—from Truth or Consequences, where his grandfather has owned property for decades and childhood summers were spent at Elephant Butte, to college years in Las Cruces. That experience shapes his work as Communications Director...

Shopping

The Man's Hat Shop

Quality Western Headwear Article and Photography by Richard Lakin If you live in New Mexico, there’s a pretty good chance that you’re going to purchase a Western-style hat at some point. In fact, you’re probably going to own several for different occasions. Going to a music venue in Albuquerque or strolling along Canyon Road in Santa Fe, a cowboy (or cowgirl) hat is practically de riguer.   A good hat is generally not cheap, so you want to buy it from a quality place where the salespeople are...

Life + Culture

Joshua Jackson

A dream deferred Article by Richard Lakin | Photography by Courtesy of the Jackson Family Losing your life’s dream is hard, but as educator and Morehouse College president Benjamin Elijah once wrote, “The tragedy of life doesn’t lie in not reaching your goal. The tragedy lies in having no goal to reach. It isn’t a calamity to die with dreams unfulfilled, but it is a calamity not to dream.” Such is the case with a young Albuquerque man named Joshua Jackson, who dreamt of being a race car...

Travel

Scottsdale in Summer? Yes, Really!

Off season adventures in the Southwest Article by Jill Robbins | Photography by courtesy Experience Scottsdale Scottsdale is known for outdoor adventure set against the dramatic Sonoran Desert landscape, swoony wellness-focused resorts, and top-tier shopping. It’s also known for hot, arid summers, with highs spiking to 105 and beyond. While winter peak season is generally considered the best time to visit, Scottsdale in summer still has a lot going for it: killer resort deals, sparkling pools...

Sports + Recreation

Golf Envy

Technology for the busy golfer Article by Rudy Carrillo | Photography by courtesy of Golf Envy In the back of our suburban heads, we all envy golfers. They get to worship the sun while eschewing the rain; they flex their muscles and make tiny white spheres go where their eyes intend. And walking or driving around amidst all that Arcadian greenery with good times and great conversations, apres the 18th hole, has got to be one of the best lived experiences a person might have, while otherwise...

Style + Beauty

Patricia Michaels

Heritage to High Fashion Article by Keri Bridgwater | Photography by Nate Lemuel, Darklisted Photography Patricia Michaels returns to SWAIA Native Fashion Week in Santa Fe this month as a defining voice in contemporary Indigenous couture. The first Native American designer to present a full collection at New York Fashion Week—and a competitor on Season 11 and All Stars of Project Runway—Michaels has spent decades creating space for Indigenous storytelling within an industry that was slow to...

Travel

Spring in San Antonio

A Mini Guide to the Season Article by Jill Robbins | Photography by Courtesy Visit San Antonio Late spring in San Antonio hits a sweet spot. May and early June bring long, sunny days, landing visitors in the pocket of the year where the Texas heat isn’t too intense. While San Antonio doesn’t really have a slow season, the spring break crowds have mostly dissipated by the time May rolls around. San Antonio’s biggest bash, Fiesta San Antonio, happens mid-to-late April, so May and early June...

Style + Beauty

Keri Ataumbi

Stories in Gold and Stone Article by Keri Bridgwater | Photography by Razelle Benally, Raechel Running From her Cerrillos Hills studio, the Santa Fe jeweler creates heirloom pieces that combine precious materials, Native traditions, and powerful storytelling. Keri Ataumbi’s jewelry often begins the way a conversation does—with an opening that draws you in. A glint of gold, a carved shell, a form that feels both ancient and entirely new. “The pieces can be an invitation to connect,” she says...

Life + Culture

The Picuris Bike Park

World class sports in New Mexico Article by Richard Lakin | Photography by Eric Arce In 2019, the state of New Mexico wanted to make outdoor recreation an economic priority. With snow regions, rivers, mountain trails, deserts, and other wild areas, there was a great deal of interest in outdoor recreation. When the pandemic came along, there was even more interest as people wanted to get out of the house without encountering crowds. A recent release of federal data shows that this was a...

Arts + Culture

Christa Valdez

NM Film Maven Article by Rudolfo Carrillo | Photography by Courtesy Christa Valdez Talking art, particularly film and New Mexico movies, here in the city of Albuquerque, means talking about Christa Valdez. Talking to Christa Valdez is even more important; she’s a mover and a shaker in our city’s creative community, after all. On the phone, our local arts and cinema maven said that her latest project — focused on bringing local creatives to the fore via passionately homegrown but...