“There is such unadulterated beauty in Cabo,” says Pauline Martinez, owner of Perk Eatery and CHAR Kitchen+Bar in Scottsdale. Martinez visited the Baja California city with her husband this summer to draw inspiration from their culinary traditions to bring back to her restaurants – as well as to kick back a little and enjoy the view. “There’s this big juxtaposition between this party scene and this...rich beauty that is so natural,” she says. And Cabo's seafood, she adds, is delicious. Her recommendations for making the most out of this lively tourist magnet:

Arizona Musicfest has taken place in and around the North Valley every winter for the past 27 years, showcasing the best local classical and country talent. Some artists travel far to perform while others grew up honing their craft right here in Phoenix.

For the second time, Arizona Musicfest will hold a Fall Festival from Nov. 3 to Nov. 17 featuring acts like Dennis Rowland and Grammy Award-winner Mary Chapin Carpenter.

Not content to be just a pit stop between Phoenix and Tucson, Casa Grande has been making strides toward becoming a destination in its own right. To wit: three new attractions keeping locals and visitors busy.

At the end of September, Long Island rapper Hoodie Allen dropped his third studio album, “The Hype,” before embarking on his tour earlier this month. The pop-infused hip-hop star takes over The Marquee in Tempe on Nov. 1. Before his stop in the Valley, PHOENIX got the chance to talk to him about his latest album and the direction he’s headed.

Hoodie Allen's The Hype World Tour, with special guests Luke Christopher and Myles Parrish plays at The Marquee at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, November 1. Get tickets here.

Phoenix has successfully survived its first full-sized music, arts and culinary festival. Lost Lake Festival took over Steele Indian School Park Friday through Sunday with performances from Chance the Rapper, The Killers, Major Lazer and more. It modeled Superfly’s other events like Bonnaroo and Outside Lands, but there was an obvious emphasis on highlighting Arizona’s unique culture.

The second day of Lost Lake Festival began a little slow like the day before, but it quickly picked up as more big name artists like Kongos, The Roots and The Killers. Three different local artists were showcased and I explored more of the park including The Lost Playground after dark and Found: The Lost Lake Marketplace.

The first day of the Lost Lake Festival kicked off on Friday afternoon. The crowd was slow to trickle in, but by the time the sun was going down the park was swarming with people dressed in Coachella-inspired garb. Lost Lake proved to be much more than a concert line up. Superfly, the organizers of this event, welcomed local chefs, artists and shop owners to contribute in the experience of getting “lost in the Valley of the sun.”

The season opener for Arizona Opera, Hercules vs. Vampires, demonstrates just how fine the line between highbrow and lowbrow can be. The mythological Greek hero Hercules ventures into the underworld to fetch a cure for a princess who, thanks to an evil king, has lost her memory. Sure... OK.

There’s nothing about this story that wouldn’t have been taken seriously by generations of grand opera composers. Indeed, it’s arguably a more straightforward narrative than that of many operas.

Lost Lake Music Festival, presented by the makers of Bonnaroo and Outside Lands, starts in just one week, taking place at Steele Indian School Park from Oct. 20-22. The festival will be headlined by Chance the Rapper, The Killers and Odesza. PHOENIX got the chance to speak with Danny Kongos of Kongos, Georgia and Caleb Nott of BROODS and Harrison Mills and Clayton Knight of Odesza about the upcoming fest.

Friday the 13th is upon us. Not only that, but it’s Halloween month. Whether you’re looking into getting a $13 tattoo or you’re in the mood for something a little more spooky, there’s something for you.