Introduction

For years, my ambitions have sparked curiosity and wonder, much like the elusive legend of Bigfoot. People question the feasibility of my dreams, trying to understand if they’re real or just another myth. Throughout my journey, I often felt lost—caught in the whirlwind of confusion, heartbreak, and disappointment. Sounds like the beginning of a great story, right?

Every community has stories waiting to be told, and I’ve always believed that Lincoln County deserves a platform to share them. My name is Nicholas Hall, and I’m the founder of The Lincoln County Living, a project created to connect, inform, and celebrate the people, businesses, and culture of this incredible area.

My Journey

I was not born in New Mexico; I was actually born in Utah. My family moved here when I was five years old to assist my aunt, who had fallen ill. A lot of family drama happened during that time that I won’t get into, but ultimately, that’s how I ended up in New Mexico. We first lived in an oil field town called Artesia, New Mexico, for many years. I don’t remember much about living there other than my mother was ill, and things were tough. My mother had Lupus and Rheumatoid Arthritis—she had open-heart surgery and endured countless struggles, but she was one of the toughest people I’ve ever known. Despite her illnesses, she pushed forward, doing everything she could for our family.

Artesia is not a bad place by any means, but it never truly felt like home for my family. Growing up there had its challenges—I struggled in school, finding it hard to maintain higher grades, and the constant scent from the oil refinery wreaked havoc on my allergies. Despite the difficulties, I cherished the friendships I made and the sense of community that Artesia had to offer. But deep down, my family and I always knew that we were searching for somewhere that truly felt like home.

My parents worked tirelessly to find a better place for us to call home. They searched far and wide across New Mexico and eventually found Capitan—a place I still roam to this day. At first, moving to Capitan was scary, but I quickly learned how truly great this place is. The mountains, the people, and the small-town atmosphere all made it feel like home in a way I hadn’t experienced before.

One thing that was a shock for me was slowing down. The population of Capitan, NM is significantly smaller than Artesia, which was a nice change of pace. There’s a misconception that every small town is full of people stuck in their ways—unwelcoming to outsiders. But when it comes to Lincoln County, that couldn't be further from the truth. The people welcomed us with open arms, making us feel like part of the community from day one.

Life here felt different. I made lasting friendships and developed a strong work ethic, learning hands-on skills that I likely wouldn’t have gained elsewhere. What I love most about living here is the freedom—the ability to step outside, take a deep breath of mountain air, and lose myself in the beauty of nature. Walking among the trees, watching the wildlife, and feeling the vastness of the land—it was an experience I had never truly known until we moved here.

My grades improved. My morale improved. And so did my family. It felt like life had finally given us the space to heal and grow.

During my time in school, there were a few key teachers who had a lasting impact on me—Mrs. Sambrano and Mr. Brown. I had massive dreams as a kid, and these two teachers saw something in me. They believed in me when others didn’t. They told me I was destined for great things, and that encouragement stuck with me through every challenge.

Beyond school, I found joy in the simple moments—spending time at local events, exploring the winding backroads, and experiencing the charm of small-town life. In Lincoln County, everyone knows everyone, and that sense of community is something truly special. Whether it was grabbing food at a local diner, attending a rodeo, or just watching the sun set over the mountains, I realized that this place wasn’t just where I lived—it was home.

I was born with a passion for storytelling, whether through content creation, podcasting, writing, artwork, or photography. Over the years, I’ve worked in real estate, retail, and restaurants, and I even earned a college degree in Culinary Arts and Restaurant Management and Operations. (I’ll always find a place to brag about that, but that’s beside the point.)

My Dad - Eric (Left) & My Mom - Karen (Right)

I have always enjoyed finding new ways to engage with and support the people around me.

While I’ve worn many hats, one thing has remained the same—I love building connections and helping others succeed. That’s what led me to create The Lincoln County Living, a space where local stories could be shared, small businesses could be highlighted, and the community could come together in new and exciting ways while sharing the beauty and knowledge of this incredible place. Whether people are moving here or just visiting, I want them to see Lincoln County the way I do.

My journey, much like Lincoln County itself, is rooted in resilience. I’ve experienced the challenges that come with pursuing big dreams, the setbacks that test one’s resolve, and the moments that redefine purpose. But through it all, one truth has remained clear: community is everything. The connections we forge, the stories we tell, and the legacies we build are what truly shape the places we call home.

Why The Lincoln County Living?

After living here for as long as I have, I realized that Lincoln County—and New Mexico as a whole—often go unnoticed. The more I reflected on it, the more I saw an opportunity to change that. I had played around with the idea of starting a podcast for a long time, but for years, I hesitated. Then one day, I asked myself, "Why not now?"

At first, I envisioned it as just a podcast—a simple way to highlight the beauty, history, and community of Lincoln County. But as I dove deeper, I realized it could be so much more. I started thinking about ways to truly engage with the community, to create something that could make a difference.

I didn’t want this to be just another media project; I wanted it to be for the people, by the people. Something that not only tells the story of Lincoln County but actively contributes to it. That’s how The Lincoln County Living was born—a platform built to connect, inform, and uplift our community through storytelling, business highlights, events, and more. Initially, I thought it would just be a podcast, a way to share the rich history and thriving small business scene of Lincoln County. But the more I thought about it, the more I realized that this could be something much bigger. This could be a movement. A way to bring the community together, not just to tell stories, but to actively create impact. I wanted to create a podcast that showcased Lincoln County—its rich history, breathtaking outdoor adventures, and thriving small business scene. But as I dug deeper, I realized that simply talking about it wasn't enough. I needed to do more—to build something that truly gives back to the community. At first, my plan was for it to just be a podcast. But as I continued, I saw an opportunity to do more. I could bring people together—business owners, leaders, and residents—to create something truly valuable for the community. I could involve others in the community who shared the same passion and vision—to build something meaningful, something that could truly make an impact. Something that gives back, something that is more than just a podcast. I wanted to create something that wasn’t just for the people, but by the people—a true community-driven project.

Through podcasting, blogging, and community programs, I hope to bring more awareness to the incredible people, businesses, and events that make this county special. Whether it’s amplifying the voice of a small business owner, highlighting an upcoming event, or sharing stories that inspire, The Lincoln County Living is here to celebrate what makes this area unique.

What’s Next?

I’m currently working on launching our first community photo contest, where locals can share their best shots of Lincoln County for a chance to be featured in our promotions and win prizes. We’re also developing more interviews with local business owners and community leaders to bring valuable insights and stories to the forefront. Our blog will continue expanding, covering everything from hidden gems in Lincoln County to practical guides for visitors and residents alike. There’s a lot in the works, and I’m excited to see it all unfold!

The Lincoln County Living is just getting started, and I’m excited about what’s ahead. We’ll be launching contests, growing our community initiatives, and creating more opportunities for local voices to be heard. This isn’t just about building an audience—it’s about building a movement that strengthens our community and fosters connections that last.

A Special Thanks

No journey is ever walked alone, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without the incredible people who have supported me along the way. My dad, my wife, my brother, and my kids have all played a huge role in shaping me into the person I am today, pushing me to keep going no matter what.

But above all, I want to give a special thanks to my mom. She always knew I was born for great things, and even though she is no longer with us, I carry her belief in me every day. Everything I do, every step I take with The Lincoln County Living, is to make her proud.

Join the Movement

This is more than just a podcast or a blog—it’s about building a stronger, more connected Lincoln County. Whether you’re a business owner, a lifelong resident, or just someone who loves this place, I invite you to follow, engage, and share your story with us.

📧 Have a story to share? Reach out to me at nicholas@thelincolncountyliving.com. 📱 Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay connected.

Let’s celebrate Lincoln County, together.

Meet Nicholas Hall - The Story Behind The Lincoln County Living