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Arizona’s second city is a riot of Southwestern culture, from top-notch Sonoran-style cuisine to stately saguaros to an intoxicating mix of indigenous, Mexican, Spanish and Anglo/cowboy cultures.

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Perched atop the Valley like a feather in one of local hatmaker Eric Watson’s jaunty fedoras, Cave Creek has many beguiling attributes as a day-trip destination, from its bouldered desert scenery to its many funky bars and saloons.

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Celebrate Fall at a Not-so-Spooky Pumpkin Festival Fairmont Scottsdale Princess marks the spookiest time of year with its festive Pumpkin Nights, through Oct. 31. Highlights include a pumpkin patch; a multiacre labyrinth hay maze; amusement rides, fireworks on select nights and a bounty of German beers and seasonal foods at the resort’s Plaza Bar and restaurants. 6-10 p.m. Tickets start at $18. Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, 7575 E. Princess Dr., Scottsdale, 480-585-4848, scottsdaleprincess.com/pumpkin-fest. Get Your Taco Fix...

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Hard Pumpkin Spice Latte from Mavrix | Photo courtesy The James Agency   ‘Tis the season! Pumpkin season, that is. Local restaurants are utilizing everyone’s favorite gourd to concoct gourmet goodies of both the sweet and savory variety. Here’s a few we’re looking forward to. Pumpkin Hummus from Picazzo’s Healthy Italian Kitchen Though it’s not officially available until October 1, we’re already drooling over Picazzo’s seasonal twist on its traditional creamy hummus. Blended with “a...

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The Coconut Blossom | Photo courtesy Instagram.com/thebarkingbodega   I don’t have a dog, but I do follow a lot of canine-centric Instagram pages. I guess I like to live vicariously through various dog owners via the internet without all the time, money and patience it takes to actually be one. The Barking Bodega, it seems, was built for people like me. Well, scratch that. This spot, which opened in March, was built for dogs with...