After a full day of mountain biking through a maze of single track and pinon trees on the La Tierra trails in Santa Fe and bouldering at the Santa Fe Climbing Center, I find myself venturing up to Jemez Springs to soak at the Giggling Springs.

The drive up the Jemez Valley was just as therapeutic as the hot springs themselves and is one of the most scenic drives in New Mexico. The deep red and orange sandstone cliffs that tower high above the valley floor stand out like giant sand castles against the bright blue sky.

With the pool to myself, I floated around thinking about how hot springs have been part of Native American culture for centuries: they are known as sacred gathering places and sources of healing. It is then when I realized that the two individuals who checked me in are cultural entrepreneurs – hopefully willing to talk to me more about their business! Check back soon to learn more about Giggling Springs and the two entrepreneurs who are working to preserve the original historic bathhouse of the Jemez area and are sharing Native American culture with tourists from all around the country.

And in my next post, you’ll learn about their neighbors up the street at the Jemez Fine Art Gallery: An Artist Collective. I will introduce you to local artists and entrepreneurs who are finding not only creative ways to build business in Jemez Springs, but also ways to make buying art more of an experience rather than just a transaction.