We have seen the start of the Downtown Farmers & Makers Market brought to you by Carlsbad MainStreet, happening every Thursday through September. CavernFest has come and gone as another epic weekend, weekly concerts are happening down by the beach at the Water Park Gazebo, summer activities for kids are in full swing, and we are all looking for some respite from the sweltering heat.

Carlsbad is an incredible place to live and enjoy the outdoors. Having the Pecos River running through town allows us to spend our leisure time in ways other communities cannot. Boating, jet skis, kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, and my favorite…floating on an inner tube are many ways we can cool off during the warm summer months. Maybe a quick mountain escape to the Lincoln National Forest, Guadalupe Ranger District to drive along Forest Road 540 to Five Points Vista in the cool AC of your car is more your style.

Exploring Carlsbad can be done outside and indoors as well. We have the Carlsbad Public Library and Carlsbad Museum, both located in the Halagueño Arts Park complex; both provide a variety of classes, workshops, and activities for people of all ages to enjoy. Speaking of all ages, Carlsbad was the first community in the state of New Mexico to receive the Age Friendly Designation in 2017 thanks to the hard work and dedication of the late, great Janell Whitlock. This designation means that Carlsbad is accommodating to people of ALL ages. This can be seen with the activities available for our youth, adults, and for our senior citizens.

Within the pages of this edition of Focus on Carlsbad, you will find information on many of the ways to explore and play in our community. There is no way I can fit everything into one edition of the magazine. While revisiting the content I realized I did not include all the places we can camp, dock an RV, or look for pretty rocks. Ah! The list could go on and on of what I forgot to include, but here is what I could fit into this edition. Special thanks to our advertisers for making it possible to share our community offerings. Without them, we could not do what we do. I hope you enjoy exploring Carlsbad and finding ways to relax right here at home in our local paradise.

Michele Robertson
Associate Publisher