Mattress shopping just got a whole lot more fun—and affordable.

Tuft & Needle co-founder JT Marino explains that his idea for starting the business came after a horrible mattress retail experience—one “even worse than shopping for a used car.” Afterward, he vented to friend Daehee Park, and the two decided to quit their Silicon Valley jobs to bootstrap T&N in Phoenix in 2012.

A beautiful October event you won’t want to miss. 

At a time when building bridges between cultures and facilitating discussion has never felt more urgent, the Tasveer South Asian Film Festival returns to the greater Seattle area between October 6 and 15. Over the past decade, TSAFF has grown to become the country’s largest, longest and most diverse South Asian film festival in the country.

There are certain red-hot destinations where everyone seems to flock these days. Intriguing Iceland is one; beautiful Banff is undoubtedly another. Whether it’s due to our current political climate, an exchange rate greatly favoring American travelers who head north or simply the pressing need to hang out among some of the nicest people on Earth, Canada seems the place to plan your next trip.

Getting on island time is truly a breeze when hopping over to Vashon for the day, weekend or a lengthier stay. Simply board the ferry in West Seattle (by car or bicycle), blink your eyes, and find yourself on a rural isle that’s roughly the size of Manhattan and marked by an artsy, carefree and hippie-tinged personality of its very own. If you only have 24 hours or so to explore Vashon, here are a couple gems you won’t want to miss. 

A can’t-miss, low-maintenance weekend of fun, music, nature + community.

Now that 4th festivities have come and gone, it’s time to plan for our next big adventure. Timber! Outdoor Music Festival, we’re looking at you. Next weekend—July 13 through 15—a much-anticipated community gathering is calling your (and our!) names, beckoning music lovers of all ages to Carnation (just 30 miles from Seattle), where awesome summertime tunes come to a tranquil, wooded setting.

Getting to know this happenin’ zone’s waterside parks + trendsetting patios.

Ask any Vancouver resident their thoughts on Yaletown, a thriving neighborhood along the south side of downtown’s peninsula, and he or she likely has an opinion. Whether it’s a destination for weekend spin classes, a celebratory night on the town or simply enjoying some of the best people-watching around, it’s clear that this chic zone is a place to “see and be seen.”

Plan out music-filled days in Happy Valley, Oregon (and other enticing summertime happenings).

It’s no secret that we adore Pickathon—a magical weekend gathering on an Oregon farm that’s all about the discovery of phenomenal new artists in beautiful and unique spaces (think intimate barns and fantastical stages that blend into the surrounding woods). Great news for this year’s much-anticipated event (August 3 through 6): The day-by-day schedule is finally here! Check it out, and get planning.

Brighten up your spring with this beautiful island’s laid-back draws and dynamo deals.

We already know that the San Juan Islands dazzle in summer months, showing off in shimmering, sun-kissed, soul-soothing ways we cannot sufficiently put into words. But did you know that these islands hold a special charm in winter and spring months, too? Here are just a few reasons we suggest you beat the crowds and switch over to “island time” sooner rather than later.