A no messing around guide to the coolest things to eat, drink and do in Vancouver and beyond. Community. Not clickbait.

When the Smoke Clears, We Want a Weekend Away in This Mountain Lookout

We’re a pretty satisfied bunch, but that doesn’t mean we aren’t covetous. Sometimes we see things out there that we just must have. Cool Things We Want is an archive of those earthly desires.

Chances are good you and your lungs are sick of all this forest fire smoke and yearning for some clean mountain air to breathe. We feel the same way and have been daydreaming of a very particular escape that’s within a day’s drive of Vancouver…

Located outside Tiller, Oregon and built in 2009, the Summit Prairie Lookout was based on the classic fire lookout towers that sprung up in the western states in the early part of the 20th century.

It is set in the midst of 160 acres of private land, and despite its outward appearance evoking a bygone era, its interior is loaded with several modern conveniences, including a fully equipped kitchen and an outdoor shower.

Other bonuses include a fire pit, wood-fired/spring-fed hot tub, vegetable garden, hammock tree and views that go forever.

Best of all, it’s available for rent on Airbnb. It’s already booked through to the end of the year (they only accept 55-60 reservations a year), so we’re crossing our fingers for 2019.

– All images via Summit Prairie Lookout –

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Sign Us Up for ‘Bad Summer Camp’, June 14-16th!

The Bad Academy has brainstormed up their ideal adult summer camp scenario that factors in everything from bonfires, crafting, hiking, paddleboarding and lake dips, to morning sound bathing and yoga sessions, a cedar weaving workshop, and even a visit to Shady Hazel Farm.

The St. Patrick’s Day Collab Between The Irish Heather + Mello Has Our Name on It

If you're the sort to write off St. Patrick's Day celebrations due to stereotypical associations with the messy, rowdy, green-beer-binge-drinking brand of partying - not so fast!

We Can’t Get Enough of Nata’s Food-Inspired Candles

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Surrender to a Snow Day with This Big Bowl of Goodness

Hungry for in-doors activities to keep you amused during the coldest days of the winter season? This Tonkotsu Ramen 'little puzzle thing' seems like an apropos place to start.