Our New Mexico Work/Adventure Trip

My family and I recently headed to New Mexico on a work/adventure getaway that checked all the boxes—creative inspiration, quality family time, and a few unforgettable detours along the way.

The Work
The work part of the trip centered around a visit with Ski Santa Fe, where we reviewed artwork, selected styles, and finalized the upcoming collection for the next ski season. This is a line I’ve been developing over the past year—and it’s shaping up to be something special. We’re introducing new graphic themes, a dynamic headwear assortment, and a premium line of apparel I can’t wait to show off. Stay tuned for that.

The Adventure
When the meetings wrapped, the exploring began. If you ever find yourself in New Mexico and are looking for things to do (and eat!), here’s a short list of our favorite experiences:

Running at Altitude
I never travel without my running shoes. I’ve been a runner my whole life, and logging 2–3 miles a day is my reset button—it eases anxiety, helps me sleep better, and improves focus. 

In New Mexico, those miles hit different. The high altitude humbles you fast, but once you find your rhythm, it’s pure magic. Crisp air, wide-open skies, and a whole new kind of runner’s high. The pic here is from my daily route in Santa Fe, heading from our casita to a local high school track just down the road.(My daily Santa Fe running route)

(New Mexico road signage in all its glory)

Meow Wolf – Santa Fe
We stepped into the surreal world of Meow Wolf’s House of Eternal Return, a 20,000 sq ft immersive art experience built inside a former bowling alley. With over 70 mind-bending rooms, secret passages, and glowing dreamscapes, it’s part escape room, part art exhibit, part mystery adventure.

Crafted by a collective of artists and backed by George R.R. Martin, it’s one of the most unique art experiences in the country—and totally worth getting lost in.

(Pretty sure I'm supposed to be standing in the middle of this thing, but here we are)

Riding the Rio: Rafting the Rio Grande with Shay
We booked a rafting trip with Los Rios River Runners, and it turned out to be the highlight of our entire trip. The Class III section of the Rio Grande was playful, splashy, and just the right amount of thrilling.

Our guide Shay was awesome—funny, laid-back, and totally on point. He kept the stoke high while keeping us safe through every rapid. Bonus moment: we spotted a big horned sheep perched up on the cliffs, watching us float by like we were part of the show.

And just when we thought the day couldn’t get better? Ice-cold watermelon and cookies were waiting at the take-out, courtesy of Los Rios. The perfect ending to an epic river day. If you’re heading that way, do yourself a favor and raft with Los Rios—and ask for Shay.
(Running the Rio Grand: The five of us paddling a boat named Hot Dog)

(Perfecting my can-opener, it always impresses my daughter...until it doesn't)

(Where's Waldo, but the Big Horned Sheep version)

Breakfast at Pasqual’s
No trip to Santa Fe is complete without a stop at Café Pasqual’s. I went with the Chorizo Burrito smothered in Christmas chili—which in New Mexico means both red and green chile sauces. It’s the local way of saying, “Why choose when you can have it all?” Spicy, savory, and absolutely unforgettable.
(Chorizo burrito w/ Christmas chili sauce...nom, nom,nom)

(Exterior of Café Pasqual's)

Last Night in ABQ: Chaco Vibes & Sawmill Bites
We wrapped up our trip with a stay at the Chaco Hotel in Albuquerque. Rooftop views, poolside margaritas, and a modern desert vibe made it the perfect final stop. For dinner, we walked across the street to Sawmill Market—New Mexico’s first food hall and a must-visit in ABQ. I grabbed a Neapolitan-style thin crust pepperoni pizza from Hawt (incredible) and cooled it off with a habanero popsicle from Paleta Project—sweet, spicy, and the perfect sendoff.
(Our kiddos are crazy about swimming pools. Hotel Chaco has a nice one)

(I've been home for a week and still havn't gotten over this Hawt Pizza)

(Sawmill Market: Where there's something for the whole fam)

Topped off with Grafletics 
No matter where I go, I always travel with a Grafletics cap in tow. Why? Because it’s more than just a cap—it’s a conversation starter. Whether someone’s from Oregon, lived here, or just passed through, it always seems to spark a connection.

For this trip, I brought along the Mt. Hood Cap—and it couldn’t have been a better choice. The colors blended perfectly with the natural tones of the Rio Grande and high desert backdrop. It was meant to be.

(Mt. Hood Cap basking in the sun, celebrating its recent feature in the Willamette Week Hat Guide)