The Luxury Swiss Timepiece* he never bought himself. The pocket knife he'll hand down. The ball marker that'll find its way into every round he plays for the rest of his life. *Curated. Fully Authenticated. Pre-Owned. John Thomas Jewelers is not an Authorized Rolex Dealer. All Timepieces have been fully inspected, authenticated, & serviced, and come with a One Year Warranty Give
“I
- Allie M.
This month we honor the men and fathers that inspire, mentor, and persevere.
In the heart of the high desert, beneath the shadow of the Sandia Mountains, the role of fathers and men in Albuquerque is more than a social necessity—it is the bedrock of our community’s resilience. In a city where heritage and modernity intersect, men serve as the vital bridge between generations, carrying forward the rich cultural traditions that define the "Duke City."
The Foundation of Family and Mentorship Fathers in Albuquerque provide the emotional and physical stability necessary for children to thrive. In neighborhoods ranging from the South Valley to the Northeast Heights, a present father figure acts as a shield against the systemic challenges that can face New Mexico’s youth. Beyond the home, men in Albuquerque—as teachers, coaches, and small business owners—offer mentorship that transforms potential into purpose.
Guardians of Tradition Whether it’s teaching the art of roasting green chile, navigating the trails of the Bosque, or sharing the technical expertise required at Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque’s men are the keepers of local wisdom. By modeling accountability and compassion, they reinforce the spirit of Querencia—a deep love of place and home. Their presence ensures that Albuquerque remains a city where the next generation feels anchored, empowered, and inspired to lead.
The Unstoppable Vision of Joshua Jackson
A catastrophic accident at Southern New Mexico Speedway left him with a traumatic brain injury. Doctors feared the man he was was gone forever. He lost many things, but he never lost his vision . Read about Joshua and his incredible perseverance.
Thank you for reading!
In our May issue, the article on San Antonio includes an incorrect address for the Briscoe Western Art Museum. The correct address is 210 W. Market Street. https://citylifestyle.com/articles/spring-in-san-antonio
June 2026
PUBLISHER
Rich Ringrose | rich.ringrose@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Richard Lakin | richard.lakin@citylifestyle.com
STAFF WRITERS
Jill Robbins, Keri Bridgwater, Rudy Carrillo, Regan Bervar
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Autumn Oglesby
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Keri Keri Bridgwater, Jill Robbins, Rudy Carrillo, Richard Lakin
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
New Mexico Tourism, Experience Scottsdale, The Jackson Family, Richard Lakin
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Andrew Sapad
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kathy Nguyen
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell
AN EXCERPT FROM EPISODE 6 OF SHARE THE LIFESTYLE, A CITY LIFESTYLE PODCAST
Photographer: Brittany Dawn Short
Creative Director: Jen Birn
Stylist: Stephanie Coultress O’Neill
Location: Hotel Saint Cecilia, Austin, TX
MIKE JOHNSON HAS BUILT HIS LIFE AROUND ONE QUIETLY RADICAL IDEA: THE STANDARD YOU SET PRIVATELY IS THE ONLY ONE THAT MATTERS.
After eight years in the Air Force, a celebrated run on national television, and a health crisis abroad that sent him deep into supply chains and ingredient certifications most founders never touch, the result is Oshun — a luxury ritual brand built on provenance you can trace and integrity you can verify. In an exclusive conversation for the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Mike shares what it actually takes to build something worth putting your name on. Read the highlights below, then scan the QR code for the full episode.
Q: YOU BECAME A FAN FAVORITE ON THE BACHELORETTE AND THEN LEFT THE SPOTLIGHT. YOU MOVED TO MEXICO, LEARNED SPANISH, THEN COSTA RICA, AND BUILT A COMPANY. WHAT DID THAT EXPERIENCE TEACH YOU ABOUT HUMAN BEHAVIOR?
A: “If you’re a good person going in, that shows. If you’re not, that shows too. I also learned that people form this parasocial relationship with you — they assume things about you. When all actuality, different circumstances bring out different parts of who you are. I was on TV trying to find love. The kindness people were showing after felt a bit fake, because they wanted to be a part of something that isn’t who I am individually, but a part of what they saw on TV. And so I had to get away from everybody and everything and the noise.”
“Too many people have prayed for me. So I’ve got to get up and do the walking.”
— Mike Johnson
Q: YOU JOINED THE AIR FORCE RIGHT OUT OF COMMUNITY COLLEGE. WHAT WERE YOU ACTUALLY RUNNING TOWARD?
A: “There was something in me that was saying: I’m not living up to my full potential. I was being a follower. My uncle said, ‘What’s going to make you become an adult the fastest?’ I said, obviously, the military. The Air Force broadened my thought process more than anything. We’re so caught up in our own perception — when you learn to understand different people’s perspectives, it adds to you in so many ways.”
Q: WITH OSHUN, YOU OWN YOUR MANUFACTURING, YOU EMPLOY A CHEMIST, EVERY PRODUCT HAS A BATCH NUMBER TRACEABLE TO ITS ORIGIN DATE. WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO GO THAT DEEP WITH THE BRAND?
A: “The EU bans 1,100 ingredients in personal care products. The U.S. bans nine. That’s my starting point. Oftentimes, it might be the same ingredient, but it comes from a place where it doesn’t have the highest purity. And 60% of what we put on our skin is absorbed. Every product Oshun makes carries a batch number that goes back to the exact day it was created — I can show you every single supplier, the date, the origin. I own more than one part of the supply chain because that’s the only way I can stand behind what’s in the bottle.”
This conversation is just the beginning. Mike goes deeper into why he’s buying land up north, the family in the Philippines who prayed over his factory floor, and what he’d tell every person ready to stop performing and start building. Scan the QR code for the full, exclusive City Lifestyle interview on the Share the Lifestyle podcast.
In the US, over 80 billion dollars is paid out in low risk, high reward insurance fraud. A Large majority attributed to staged auto accidents causing property damage, and costly medical bills. Don’t be a victim of insurance fraud, come to Accessories Unlimited to have us install a Garmin Dash Cam Tandem. A pocket size dash camera features two 180-degree field of view lenses that record in tandem. View footage from your smartphone, add an optional parking mode that records motion in front and inside the car when parked and unattended. Give yourself peace of mind that you won’t become a victim of fraud.
Mention this Ad and receive 10% off.
Because exceptional eyewear should feel personal.
Artistic Vision has become the go-to independent optical boutique for distinctive designer eyewear, known for personalized service, expert fittings, and a vibrant collection of unique frames. Inspired by European design and craftsmanship, our curated selection features frames in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and colors to complement every face and personal style— blending comfort, clarity, and distinctive style.
ARTICLE BY KERI BRIDGWATER | PHOTOGRAPHY 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 for the New Mexico Tourism Department. Since taking the role in 2019, Johnson’s view of tourism has shifted well beyond promotion. What’s often seen from the outside as “just marketing,” he explains, is a much broader ecosystem—one that spans storytelling to workforce development, infrastructure, and the experiences communities can offer.
He expanded the communications team and helped revive the state’s travel trade program, part of a larger effort to focus less on short-term visibility and more on building lasting value for both visitors and the places they come to experience. Across New Mexico, he’s also seeing a shift toward slower, more intentional travel— longer stays, fewer stops, and a desire for deeper connection. “People are really looking for relaxation and rejuvenation—what we refer to as ‘slow travel,’” he says. Hot springs and spa experiences are booming— nowhere more so than Truth or Consequences, where Johnson returns often. “I usually find time to take a soak or two at Riverbend Hot Springs,” he says. His unofficial “license plate test”—spotting cars from Texas, Arizona, and Colorado—offers a quick read on how strongly the area appeals to out-of-state visitors. Dark-sky tourism is on the rise, and train travel—once a nostalgic afterthought—has reemerged as a draw, from the historic Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad to the Rail Runner commuter line linking Albuquerque and Santa Fe.
Beyond well-known anchor cities, Johnson sees momentum building in places that many travelers are only beginning to discover. Las Cruces is undergoing
a transformation he’s observed directly. “When I was in college, downtown was kind of an afterthought,” he says. “Now it’s the place to be.” With a revitalized main street, a growing food scene, and proximity to agricultural hubs like Hatch, Las Cruces is emerging as a destination for travelers looking to go beyond the familiar. But Albuquerque itself remains central to the state’s tourism story—and to Johnson’s own.
“Albuquerque is always going to be home and hold a special place in my heart,” he says. Describing the city as a collection of distinct districts—Nob Hill’s “live like a local” energy, Old Town’s historic charm, and a downtown core that continues to evolve. Newer additions, like boutique hotel brand ARRIVE and the former Firestone Tire building—now reimagined as Ex Novo Brewing Company—are bringing new energy to the area, creating fresh reasons to linger.
At the same time, Albuquerque’s growing presence in film and television has added another dimension, drawing a new wave of “set-jetting” travelers curious to experience the city they’ve seen on screen. This year, the city finds itself in the spotlight as New Mexico marks the Route 66 centennial. “There’s a lot of renewed attention on Albuquerque,” Johnson says, pointing to events such as Route 66 Summerfest. The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in October, he adds, remains a global draw.
For Johnson, though, the best way to experience his hometown is simple. An ideal morning starts in the North Valley, walking or biking through open space near Los Poblanos. From there, it’s less about a fixed itinerary and more about what he calls “serendipitous discovery” — a mural, a tucked-away shop, or chile roasting stand you might miss from the car. It’s an approach that reflects how he thinks about tourism in New Mexico—not as a checklist of attractions, but as a way to move through a place with curiosity and care. The goal isn’t just to bring people here, he says, but to make sure what they experience is worth coming back to. For Johnson, that balance is the real story New Mexico has to tell.
CONTINUED >
“Albuquerque is always going to be home and hold a special place in my heart.”
“When I was in college, downtown was kind of an afterthought. Now it’s the place to be.”
All World Travel clients decide the level of involvement that’s right for them. If you enjoy research and planning, you’ll have a professional partner. If you prefer having your advisor handle all the details, they can do that, too.
Our advisors have years of industry knowledge, global relationships, and personal experience. A great advisor offers insightful recommendations to tailor each trip to your interests and budget.
Advisors have access to the same (and often better) pricing that is available online, and can secure VIP amenities and extras that you can’t get on your own.
Rely on our advisors to make planning your trip more efficient and enjoyable, to save time and money, and to lend expertise that makes a world of difference. We work on your behalf before, during, and after every trip.
“Albuquerque is always going to be home and hold a special place in my heart.”
“There’s a lot of renewed attention on Albuquerque,” Johnson says, pointing to events such as Route 66 Summerfest. The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in October, he adds, remains a global draw.
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 knowledgeable about fit, style, and how it works with your appearance. One such place is the Man’s Hat Shop on Central Avenue in Northwest Albuquerque. The shop’s long history makes it a local institution for proper Western headwear. There are wooden blocks in their workshop, used to shape the crown of the hat, that are 120 years old.
Stuart Dunlap is the president and owner of the shop. His father started the business in 1946, when he returned from World War II. It started out as a place that only cleaned hats. Business was good in the dusty High Desert climate, so he started making hats as well. Stuart tells us, “In 1964, he expanded into pre-made hats such as Resistol and Stetson and other major brands. That's what we do today. We do not do any raw bodies like he did back in the day. All of ours are finished, and we carry an inventory of usually about 5,000 hats in here.”
Although the shop doesn’t actually make hats from scratch these days, they do customize their high-quality hat stock...the fit, crown height, brim width, shaping, crown crease, and the hat band. There are a lot of adjustments that can be made, rather than just the way it comes out of the box. It should be complementary to the shape of your face, as well as reflecting a style that fits your personality.
Stuart says, “We can help them judge what would be the best for them and then we cut and shave them and style them to whatever specifications they’re looking for.”
When we visited the shop, it was early in the morning, but the place was packed. There were ladies there buying hats, and there were rodeo riders in the store, too.
Stuart told us, “We have actual cowboys come here. Also, the Teamsters and the truck drivers and the wranglers that handle all the livestock. We get a lot of ladies in here who are in the horse business. These are Western people and a big part of our return customers.”
CONTINUED >
Bryan Cranston came in and picked several hats to take back to costume to get approved, and everybody liked Walter White’s pork pie hat.
The shop also has occasional business from the New Mexico film industry. Johnny Depp bought a hat there. Stuart tells us, “Bryan Cranston came in and picked several hats to take back to costume to get approved, and everybody liked Walter White's pork pie hat.” We were impressed that the shop is the source of the iconic Heisenberg hat. It was customized at the shop as well.
When you enter the shop, you find that almost every inch is covered with a vast selection of hats. There is nearly any style imaginable. We asked about a Homburg style (made famous by Winston Churchill and the Godfather), and they have those, too. There is an endless variety of white straw rancher hats. There are top hats, fedoras, vaquero hats, rodeo hats, winter hats, and summer hats.
Stuart sums up the hat purchasing process in his store. “Seldom does anyone buy one off the rack or right out of the box and walk out the door with it. They usually want something done to it, and the majority of the time, we won't let them leave if we don't think it looks good on them. We explain why, and then I can take the hat and show them what I can do to make it look more attractive on them.”
The Man’s Hat Shop is at 511 Central Avenue NW. Their phone number is 505.247.9605.
CONTINUED >
to Accessories Unlimited to have us install a Garmin Dash Cam Tandem. A pocket size dash camera features two 180-degree field of view lenses that record in tandem. View footage from your smartphone, add an optional parking mode that records motion in front and inside the car when parked and unattended. Give yourself peace of mind that you won’t become a victim of fraud.
ARTICLE BY RICHARD LAKIN | PHOTOGRAPHY 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.”
Ginger says, “His grandad was a race car driver. Josh was five years old, and my dad called me and said I got your son a race car, and my first thought was there is no way my five-year-old is racing a car but we went out to the track, and he loved it from the very beginning.”
Such is the case with a young Albuquerque man named Joshua Jackson, who dreamt of being a race car driver in NASCAR. His Mom, Ginger, told us, “I think every single one of them, when they start kart racing, the dream is to go to NASCAR. Every single one thinks they're going to be the next Dale Junior or Jeff Gordon. As they get older, I think they start to realize that it's not so easy, but that's their goal, and that definitely was Joshua’s goal.”
Ginger and her dad run Accessories Unlimited in Albuquerque. They sell high-end auto accessories, as well as outfitting police cars and emergency vehicles. Joshua does the leather work at the shop.
Joshua started to show skill as a driver. Ginger tells us, “He was an extremely talented driver. He could avoid things that other drivers just couldn't. At a very young age, we traveled all over the country, pretty much in every state except Alaska and Hawaii. I know a lot of racers. I grew up with a lot of racers, and if there was one person that I could tell you who was going to make it, it was Josh. He was very much on his way to NASCAR. He had tried out, and he got to meet a lot of the NASCAR officials, and everybody was very impressed with how he drove the car. All they asked of him was please go out and get in a faster car and then come back. So, the decision was made to go to a Sprint car.”
Sprint cars are very high-speed open-wheel race cars with big V8 engines that give them a power-toweight ratio exceeding Formula One cars. They are an intermediate step to professional IndyCar and NASCAR racing.
Then, ten years ago, just before he was going to finish high school, Josh had a bad crash at a Las Cruces track. His Mom described the incident. “A driver started to spin in front of him. Because it's open wheel, they touched wheels, and then the nose of a third car went into the opening of Joshua’s Sprint car. It broke the roll cage and struck Josh."
“I THINK EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THEM, WHEN THEY START KART RACING, THE DREAM IS TO GO TO NASCAR”
For years, Albuquerque Handyman LLC has been your go-to for top-notch handyman services. With 20 years of construction experience, we handle everything from yard work to home repairs. Just hand us your manchores list! Our Services:
Improvement Projects
He was air-lifted to a hospital in El Paso and was given a grim prognosis. Josh told us, "I actually don't remember anything when the tire hit my helmet. I don't have peripheral vision. I have speech aphasia, so I can think of something and then when I go to say it, it comes out completely different than what I'm thinking.”
Josh went through nine months of physical rehab but found himself dissatisfied with the tedium of his recovery life, and Ginger saw a sadness in him. His Mom says, “We were going to a movie theater, and right next to the movie theater was a karting track, and Josh was like, ‘Now, Mom, we're going now,’ so I agreed, and we went in.”
Josh told us, “I'm just one of those people that can't give up on racing because I don't know what to do if I don't race, so you have to focus your mind on where you're at now and finding a way to make yourself go out and win or at least try to win.”
His Mom told us, “I don't have a single worry about his ability. He’s still just as amazing as he was before the accident, which is very unique, and it's amazing to watch. This year, he decided to race
nationals. He won six races in a row. He's happy, and it's a happiness that I haven't seen from him in a long time. The people who are close to him know why he still does what he does. We also know that it gives him his power back and it gives him the right to make the decisions himself. He knows the risks, and he accepts those risks, and I accept them with him.”
Inspiration for your best local life.
Locally-inspired food & drink recipes.
Roofing Company in Rio Rancho, Santa Fe & Los Alamos, Taos, & Albuquerque, NM
White
EXPERIENCE THE TRANSFORMATIVE BENEFITS OF ACUPUNCTURE
Experience
Off season adventures in the Southwest
ARTICLE BY JILL ROBBINS | PHOTOGRAPHY
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
“While winter peak season is generally considered the best time to visit, Scottsdale in summer still has a lot going for it.”
in summer still has a lot going for it: killer resort deals, sparkling pools, and a rhythm that rewards staying cool in the shade by day and exploring after the sun dips.
Southwest and American operate multiple daily nonstop flights from Albuquerque to Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport. Flight time is an hour and change, which puts Scottsdale solidly into a doable weekend trip range.
Luxe Stays and Cool Pools
One of Scottsdale’s biggest draws is its array of fine resorts and fun boutique properties, and the summer rates are designed to entice travelers to book a summer stay.
Hotel Valley Ho
This fun, retro hotel in Old Town was once frequented by celebrities like Marilyn Monroe and Frank Sinatra. Chill beside one of two pools, get pampered at the spa, or dine onsite at ZuZu. New: two Hideaway
Suites that feature a separate King bedroom plus a living room with a sofa bed and adjoining bathroom, plus a wet bar and a private wraparound balcony. Other touches include a vanity inspired by mid-century dressing tables and Hollywood backstage lighting that align with the property’s vintage movie star vibe.
Best for: Couples and friend group getaways.
Hotel Solaya
This newly remodeled boutique property has artfilled common spaces, two curated dining concepts and an outdoor pool deck where Slo Social, a weekly Saturday pool series, runs through Labor Day.
Best for: Trendy friend trips and social weekends. Privado Villas at Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
This AAA Five Diamond resort is the ultimate in luxury and pampering. Expansive, private accommodations, dedicated concierge and host services, exclusive
pools and dining venues, and seamless access to the resort’s award-winning amenities, such as six pools, onsite golf and spa experiences, chauffeur and concierge services, and a dedicated kids club.
Best for: Families and multigenerational groups. Kimpton Miralina Resort & Villas
This newly opened property is introducing signature weekly programming, including immersive sound baths, storytelling under the stars, Friday night live music, and floating mahjong. Set on 40 acres between Camelback and Mummy Mountains, the resort blends polished desert design with a wellness-forward atmosphere, multiple pools, spa experiences, and easy access to Old Town Scottsdale. It’s a fresh, stylish option for travelers who want resort comforts with a modern twist.
Best for: Girls’ trips and wellness-minded couples. Fun In the Sun and When the Sun Goes Down
While summer visitors will want to save intense outdoor adventures for a cooler season—or head out first thing in the morning—there are still plenty of things to do beyond the resorts. Camelback Mountain can be manageable for early risers, but Scottsdale’s summer sweet spot is mixing light daytime activities with evening adventures.
On-Water Adventures
Take a guided paddle tour with Yak N Sup on Canyon Lake. Offerings include themed excursions such as history-and-nature tours and lantern-lit evening paddles with eerie storytelling. Self-guided tours and day rentals are also available if you’d rather explore at your own pace.
The Wonders of the Arizona Night Sky
Take an interactive astronomy tour in a dark-sky location away from the city lights with Scottsdale Adventure Tours. Guests can view constellations, planets, nebulae, and more through a high-powered telescope led by a professional astronomer.
“Flight time is an hour and change, which puts Scottsdale solidly into a doable weekend trip range.”
If a pool-party bike crawl sounds like your jam, check out Arizona Party Bike’s collaboration with Hotel Solaya. These pedal-assisted group bikes are part rolling patio, part mobile happy hour, with shaded seating around a central bar-style setup as you cruise through town. Morning and afternoon tours stop at cheeky watering holes in Old Town such as Not My First Rodeo and 50 Shades of Rosé before ending at Hotel Solaya for poolside drinks and music.
If you want a respite from the pool, here are some creative ways to explore Scottsdale that keep you out of the heat.
Located in greater Phoenix, the Musical Instrument Museum is one of the area’s most unique attractions, with galleries showcasing instruments and music traditions from around the world. Its popular summer concert series brings live performances to an intimate indoor theater, making it an easy evening escape from the heat.
Old Town Baseball Experience at Frasher’s Tavern
This free exhibit space inside Frasher’s Tavern in Old Town Scottsdale spotlights the city’s long connection to baseball, with memorabilia, books, and local history tied to Scottsdale’s Cactus League legacy. Pair your visit with a drink or meal at the tavern.
Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West
This Smithsonian Affiliate explores the art, culture, and history of the American West through rotating exhibitions, Western art, film, and artifacts. It’s a polished, air-conditioned stop that adds depth and context to any Scottsdale itinerary.
Summer Bites and Sips: What’s New
• Three James Beard Foundation standouts: INDIBAR, Café Monarch, FnB
• Newly opened Telefèric Barcelona brings a taste of Spain to Scottsdale
• Emerald Lounge at CATCH Scottsdale
• Summer cocktails at HULA’s Modern Tiki and Cala
INTERIOR DESIGN
ARTICLE BY RUDY CARRILLO PHOTOGRAPHY 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 navigating the gritty complexities of urban life.
Certainly, the urge to play is strong among those who’ve already learned the aspects of the game lovingly described above. But what happens when time and circumstance get in the way; life constantly changes after all. But as the wiseman once said, the more that things change, the more they stay the same.
With golf, that’s good news because it means that there are ways of meeting that urge, thwarted by a busy life or a thriving business interest, that can be met in modern times using adaptation and technology.
That brings us to the subject of today’s lecture: Golf Envy, an indoor golf simulator, is a bustling at-the-seems new venture in Northeast Albuquerque that brings the best of technology together with the essential and joyful golf experience itself. The state-of-the-art facility, currently under construction, is due to open in early June 2026.
Albuquerque City Lifestyle Magazine met with the folks behind this city’s iteration of Golf Envy to find out how the three couples behind the business keep the game alive and vibrantly alluring for just about any citizen, from novice to pro, interested in the once ancient but now totally updated sport. Here in Albuquerque, Golf Envy is part of the entrepreneurial vision of Chris and Taryn Rivera, Brian and Selena Palmerton, and Brad and Sheree Palmerton. Brian and Brad are brothers. For our interview, we met with Chris Rivera, Brad Palmerton, and Selena Palmerton, who also owns Massage Envy in Rio Rancho; here’s their story.
RUDY CARRILLO: COULD YOU TELL OUR READERS ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS VENTURE, GOLF ENVY?
Chris Rivera: Golf Envy is a franchise based out of California. We’re three couples here in Albuquerque that came together to form an LLC to buy the franchise. Golf Envy is basically a golf simulator business that has a private membership-based model that features 24-hour access! We will be open every day of the year, and our Northeast Heights location will give members a chance to work on their game; the setting is very high-end. It’s kind of a country club style environment inside the facility, it’s being built for the golf enthusiasts that want to work on their game, that want access any
“Golf Envy is basically a golf simulator business that has a private membership-based model that features 24-hour access!”
time of the day. We use state-of-the-art simulators called golf zone simulators. We are hoping to have a grand opening in early June.
BRAD, DO YOU WANT TO CHIME IN ON THE PROCESS THAT’S BRINGING GOLF ENVY TO ALBUQUERQUE?
Brad Palmerton: Chris actually brought Golf Envy to my attention about a year ago and told me the concept. I’m a huge golfer. I've golfed my whole life since I was about eight years old. I was very impressed. So, then we took it to Brian and Selena; the last 10 to 12 months, we’ve all been working on it. We are currently under construction at a physical store located at 7900 San Pedro NE, just south of Paseo. Golf Envy is for people who want to go in and do the work; it’s the total opposite of our competitors in town right now. It's not Top Golf! We don’t have alcohol or food and beverages at all; it’s really for people who want to go inside and work on their game, no matter the weather.
HOW DOES GOLF ENVY OFFER A NEW SORT OF PATH FOR PEOPLE WHO LOVE TO GOLF?
Selena Palmerton: I’m out in the community a lot; I do a lot of events, and I know I’ve talked to a lot of doctors who just do not have time during the day because they are in surgery, you know? They tell me that Golf Envy would be great for relaxation after a long day. I know some people don’t like to golf in the heat of the day. They don’t like to golf in cold weather. Golf Envy allows them to golf in an air-conditioned building! That's nice for them. There's enough room for each participant to take a full swing and do all the athletic sorts of things that are involved in golf in a comfortable and supportive indoor setting.
WHAT’S YOUR PITCH FOR GOLF ENVY TO GET PEOPLE INTERESTED AND ON BOARD WITH YOUR NEW VISION OF THE SPORT?
Brad Palmerton: I think it’s just a great facility for anybody; a beginner just starting, all the way up to someone who has been playing for 60 years … and the technology is phenomenal! I think seeing your numbers live on the screen is a big deal. Seeing your feet, it even shows your feet move during your swing, which is something golfers can appreciate. So just seeing the technology, being able to use that to improve your game, is what we are about at Golf Envy.
Selena Palmerton: Well, I am more of a fun golfer, and so I am ready to grow my game, ready to become a better golfer with the help of Golf Envy. I go out there with my husband Brian just to have fun. So I would like to improve my game while having fun. That fun part of golf, I think that’s gonna mean a lot to me and those like me. This is as good as it gets if you want to golf in Albuquerque!
Their phone number is 505.410.6225, and they are at 7900 San Pedro Dr NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109.
Email: AlbuquerqueNE@golfenvy.com
“Thwarted by a busy life or a thriving business interest, that can be met in modern times using adaptation and technology.”
ARTICLE BY KIM HILL
Has it been too long since your tribe gathered to rib and one-up each other as only guys can do? To help plan a getaway for just the guys, City Lifestyle gathered an eclectic list of locations offering tons of things to see, do and experience. Here’s hoping the only ribs one will get on this guys’ getaway are the kind to hold in hands while barbecue sauce drips onto shirts. Scottsdale/Phoenix
There’s no other tournament on the PGA Tour like the Waste Management Phoenix Open and no hole like the legendary 16th, where 20,000 boisterous fans boo the tee shots that miss the green. The other 51 weeks of the year, golfers can play TPC Scottsdale or try one of more than 200 courses in the Scottsdale area, a top golf destination. Another winter event is the BarrettJackson Collector Car Auction. Even if one’s only collector car was a Hot Wheels, it’s a blast to peruse the acres of autos for sale before heading inside to watch the unique or renowned cars crossing the auction block. When it’s time to get moving, the strenuous hike up Camelback Mountain in nearby Phoenix
is a bucket-list item. Need a more moderate trail? Experience the same magic of the majestic saguaro cactus in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve.
It’s always a party in New Orleans (NOLA), especially when it comes to festivals, many of them centered around music. Folk to funk, gospel to jazz, zydeco, blues, African and other musical styles are celebrated on the Jazz and Heritage Festival’s 12 stages. If free admission is more desired, don’t miss the French Quarter Festival featuring local musicians and food vendors representing dozens of New Orleans restaurants. Part of the fun of Mid-City Bayou Boogaloo is admiring revelers’ watercraft, some of them homemade just for this festival on the banks of Bayou Saint John. If one of the festivals can’t be attended, there’s still plenty of NOLA live music, particularly the jazz clubs on Frenchmen Street. And when a break from crowds is needed, take a guided swamp tour. Kitschy, yes, but it’s a hoot to cruise around on a swamp buggy while looking for alligators.
Bowling Green, Kentucky
“America’s Sports Car” is produced at the Bowling Green Assembly Plant, where visitors can join guided tours to observe Corvettes being built and learn the fascinating history of these sexy autos. See examples of all Corvette generations at the National Corvette Museum. And if the need for speed is still felt, a few times a year Xtreme Experience offers driving or ride-along events in exotics like Ferraris or Lamborghinis at the National Corvette Museum Motorsports Park. After getting all revved up, cool down at Mammoth Cave National Park, the longest known cave system in the world and a World Heritage Site, where guided tours take participants through tunnels humans have used for thousands of years. And after all this touring, the Bowling Green area is the southernmost point in the Kentucky Bourbon Trail of distilleries.
Austin
Live music rules here, with iconic venues such as Antone’s, The Continental Club, the White Horse and hundreds of other locations, from dive bars to big stages. From rock and blues to country and urban, music is heard every night of the week (and many afternoons as well). When guys are hungry, there are tons of barbeque and Tex-Mex joints. Unique food trucks are truly a thing here, with nearly 2,000 food trailers in town. Burn some calories biking or running the Southern Walnut Creek Trail or one of many paved paths. Get out on the water in a kayak, canoe or stand-up paddleboard on Lake Travis or Lady Bird Lake. Take a dip in the historic Barton Springs Pool, where the underground springs keep the water around 68 degrees all year.
FOUR GREAT PLACES FOR GROOVES, GRUB AND GAWKING WITH BEST BROS
Celebrate Father’s Day weekend with an e xperience he’ll talk about all year. On June 20th, step into a world of craftsmanship, horsepower, and good taste—where e xceptional pre‑owned luxur y timepieces meet smooth whiskey tastings and a car show packed with prizes and giveaways. Ever y timepiece is pre-owned, e xpertly inspected, and 100% authentic—the perfect blend of style, histor y, and precision.
5 0 5 . 8 9 2 . 3 8 4 1
W A T C H E S W H I S K E Y & W H E E L S W H I S K E Y & W H E E L S
ARTICLE BY PAULI REEP
I’ve spent years searching for the perfect wing flavor, never quite satisfied, until I heard a podcast suggestion: brining chicken wings in pickle juice. It sounded strange at first, but it yields incredibly tender and flavorful wings! Since then, I save pickle juice from every jar I buy just to recreate these beloved wings. If I run out of pickle juice, olive juice works too. I air fry mine, but if you don’t have an air fryer, cook them as you normally would. Don’t forget to toss them in a buttery dill sauce and try the Alabama white BBQ sauce for an extra layer of goodness!
INGREDIENTS
• 2 pounds chicken wings (flats and drumettes)
• Pickle juice - enough to cover wings
• 1 – 2 teaspoons garlic salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• 6 tablespoons butter
• A few dashes of hot sauce
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Place chicken wings in a non-reactive container and pour pickle juice over chicken wings until completely covered.
2. Place it in the fridge and let it marinate, covered, for at least 8 hours.
3. Drain wings, discard pickle juice, and completely pat wings dry.
4. Put dried wings in a bowl and sprinkle with garlic salt and pepper. Mix well.
5. Place wings in an air fryer basket, being careful not to crowd. Cook at 400 degrees for 28 minutes, turning every 8 minutes until crispy. If you don’t have an air fryer, bake them in the oven for 35 - 40 minutes at 400 degrees, flipping halfway through.
6. Melt the butter and add a few splashes of hot sauce of your choice and mix in a bowl. Add wings and completely cover with butter mixture. Sprinkle with fresh dill and toss a few times, and serve with my white barbeque sauce.
INGREDIENTS
• 1 ½ cups mayonnaise (I prefer Duke’s)
• ¼ cup water
• ¼ cup white wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon pepper, coarsely ground
• 1 tablespoon Creole mustard
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 teaspoons prepared horseradish
INSTRUCTIONS
Whisk all ingredients together until blended. Dip your pickle juice-brined wings in this sauce and taste the joy! Store in the refrigerator for 1 - 2 weeks.
ARTICLE BY CASEY WEBER, TALL GRASS MEAT COMPANY
Nothing describes summer better than a good cookout! And what is a cookout without a good, quality steak and the perfect grilling recipe?
1. Thaw and acclimate the steak. For searing to occur, the proteins in steak need to be heated to at least 310°F. Tossing cold meat onto a hot grill lowers the temperature and can prevent a crust from forming, so it’s important that any frozen steaks are thawed completely before cooking.
2. Salt your steak 30-45 minutes before grilling. This causes the salt to draw moisture from within the steak up to the surface, where it dissolves the salt and creates a brine that gets reabsorbed into the steak where it breaks down tough connective tissues.
3. Oil the grate on the grill, not the steak. Use tongs and a paper towel dipped in vegetable oil to lube your grates.
4. Manage your heat well. Remember that your grill needs to be hot for your steak to get a good sear. But if it’s hot enough to cause your oil to smoke, it’s too hot.
5. Use the 60/40 rule. The best-tasting steaks are seared on both sides and cooked evenly in the middle. The simplest way to do that is to only flip your steak once. The 60/40 rule suggests that 60% of your cook time should be spent on one side, and 40% on the other.
6. Keep the lid closed. It may be tempting to peek, but trust the experts and keep it shut! Opening the lid makes your grill lose heat, which makes steaks cook unevenly.
7. Check for doneness. A meat thermometer will give you the most accurate temperature reading:
• Rare: 120°F
• Medium Rare: 130°F
• Medium: 140°F
• Medium Well: 150°F
• Well: 160°F
8. Let your steak rest. Pull your steaks from the grill once they’re cooked to 5-10 degrees below your target temperature and rest for 10-15 minutes.
www.designalliancenm.com
In speaking to Whiskey lovers (most happen to be men, but do accept me in their brethren as a fellow enthusiast, writer, and educator), I’ve learned a great many opinions on how to drink Whiskey. Specifically, preferences on adding water and ice vary greatly.
A brand ambassador that I had the privilege of listening to recently said the obvious: both dilution and temperature change when you add ice, so if you are going to add something, a little water is best. I personally prefer to use a water dropper, so I can add one drop at a time until I get to the desired taste.
THE BEST WAY TO ENJOY YOUR WHISKEY: ON THE ROCKS, ROCK, NEAT, OR WITH WATER
HERE ARE THE DIFFERENCES:
Rocks: Provides the highest rate of dilution as a lot of ice melts quickly. If you are drinking a barrel proof Whiskey, it kind of defeats the purpose as the distiller didn’t add water as they do in every other type of finished Whiskey.
On the Rock: The single rock, cube, or sphere is the slowest to melt and thought to be the most aesthetic. It’s nice if you want to stretch out your tasting. I often order on the rock if I want my drink to last longer.
Neat: This is the way single malt Scotch is served at a tasting event, in a branded Glencairn or Neat glass so that proper nosing for aromas can be achievedand a dram of Scotch, smaller than an ounce, fits in them perfectly.
Water: As I mentioned above, quoting the brand ambassador, a little water is better for a fine Whiskey over any kind of ice. Often, if ordered with water, the water is served in a separate vessel on the side so you can add in as much as you want.
Quoting another expert on the subject, Richard Paterson of The Dalmore famously and enthusiastically demonstrates in his Scotch classes how to drink single malt Scotch Whiskey: Paterson fills a lowball glass to the rim with ice, adds Scotch and then ceremoniously throws it over his shoulder onto the carpet of the classroom –because that much ice makes the drink worthless. One more quote, never “add green tea or milk to Whiskey. You can add a little water, but not a lot of ice.”
Ultimately, the reason we add ice can be for aesthetics, to stretch out the time spent on one glass, for cooling, and for dilution. However, the number one reason enthusiasts add water is … drumroll please … because adding a little water actually opens up a Whiskey to show more aromas and flavors.
