Hello Wilmington! Hope your coffee tastes especially good this morning. In today’s bring-the-kiddos edition: Traffic camera totals, a princess picnic, and an old-fashioned ice cream festival + excuses to get the fam out and about this week.
Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC bill: If your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest. This one's 50% off right now.* |
01 — Worth knowing In the newsThree local stories this week, plus a few worth your money.
Enforcement plan under scrutiny: New Castle County traffic cameras near Marshallton recorded over 20,000 speeders in two months, with more than 3,000 citations after a grace period, amid concerns about revenue from tickets -- see the camera totals.
Growing local breakfast chain: Surf Bagel expanded into New Castle County with a Christiana shop, the chain’s seventh location. The SoDel Concepts brand drew Facebook calls for future spots in Dover, Hockessin, and Wilmington -- browse the new Christiana shop.
Property tax changes on deck: Delaware lawmakers introduced a bill to extend New Castle County school districts’ split property tax rates after reassessment sticker shock, drawing business backlash and proposing fixes and statewide assessment standards -- see what lawmakers proposed.
Nothing prepares you for a pet emergency: I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. As soon as we got home, I signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable – and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.*
The bill all retirees should double check: Car insurance. If you’ve been on the same plan for years, you might be paying way more than you need to. It’s an easy one to forget about, but switching could save you up to $600 this year. Case in point: I shopped around and ended up cutting my premium in half -- this free comparison tool makes it easy.*
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02 — From our sponsor Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC billIf your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest. This one's 50% off right now.* |
03 — On our radar
Local business spotlightNearby spots we'd actually send a friend to.
Time to repot, friend: Locally owned since 1970, Old Country Gardens is the go-to for yard-smart shrubs, perennials, and happy houseplants, plus pots, gardening accessories, and a gift shop for last-minute surprises. Wander, ask questions, leave with advice that works for Delaware yards and a plant you swore you didn’t need.
Quick green escape: Need a low-effort mood boost close to home? Rockford Park brings skyline views from the historic Rockford Tower, wide-open meadows, shady trails, picnic-friendly nooks, and an off-leash dog area. Grab a frisbee, a friend, or both, then reset your week.
Press start, Wilmington: Whether you're chasing pinball glory or proving you still remember the Mortal Kombat II combos, Wilmington Amusements has private party showrooms stacked with 60+ classic arcade and pinball machines set to free play. Grab the crew, book a slot, and let nostalgia do the rest.
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04 — Our recommendations
We got your backA handful of products and services we think are worth a look.
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Home insurance premiums jumped 12% last year alone: That's on top of years of increases that have outpaced inflation. Before you blindly renew with your current insurer, a free comparison tool matches your home with top-rated insurers so you can see quotes side by side, in about two minutes. Some homeowners find hundreds in savings, and if you don't find a better policy, you stay put knowing you checked. *See your options →
Buy one window treatment this summer, get the second 50% off: “My fourth order over 8 years. Product reliability, consistency to values & warranty kept me returning!” See what keeps customers coming back to 3 Day Blinds. Book your free consultation and enjoy summer savings on blinds, shades, and drapery. *Claim your summer savings →
Carrying $5,000 or more on your cards? Stop the interest charges: A balance that size racks up interest fast, and at today's rates it barely budges no matter how much you pay. This card gives you 0% intro APR until 2028 on balance transfers (made in the first 60 days), with a $0 annual fee. That means almost two years to pay down what you owe with no interest charges. *See if it's a fit →
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Have an event to share? We (and our readers) can't wait to hear about it! Submit an event → |
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05 — The event calendar Fun for the famOur favorite upcoming kid and family-friendly events. All events are subject to change. Always check official event pages before heading out.
🎶 Free Summer Concert Series @ Tina Betz Urban Artist Exchange | Wednesday (6/24) at 5:30 PM – If your lawn chair is begging to leave the garage, bring it to the Tina Betz Urban Artist Exchange for a free Wednesday night concert series with food, music, and vibes. Pre-show grooves from GDash Jones, then the headliner takes over, blanket and company encouraged.
🌳 Nature on the Go @ Warner Elementary School Library | Thursday (6/25) at 10:00 AM – Head to 18th Street Playground for Nature on the Go, a weekly hands-on wander through our natural world. Theme is Exploring Space, with kid-friendly activities, take-home projects, and enough science cred to impress the grandkids, teachers, and the telescope neighbor.
🎳 MDPCF Bowling Fundraiser @ Bowlerama Family Entertainment Bowling Center (New Castle) | Thursday (6/25) at 7:00 PM – Lace up those gloriously ugly shoes, this is a laid-back bowling night backing The MDP Cancer Fund. Gutter balls still count, laughs are loud, and every pin you topple actually moves the needle. Shoes rented, pride optional, community spirit high.
👑 Delaware Princess Picnic @ 5 Shaw Alley (New Castle) | Friday (6/26) at 5:00 PM – Bring the kids and your royal wave for a summer picnic with Moana and Ariel, an end-of-school bash that might even delight adults. Expect princess singalongs, photo ops, a big dance party, and bites from Zollie's Jazz Cucina. They get magic, you get snacks.
⛵ Tall Ship River Cruises @ Kalmar Nyckel Shipyard | Saturday (6/27) at 10:00 AM – Kalmar Nyckel, Delaware’s tall ship, is cruising the Riverfront with 90-minute sails where you can haul lines, set sails, hear crew tales, or lounge with a view. Kids score a scavenger hunt, pirate story, and an excuse to wear costumes, otherwise known as peak parenting.
🍦 Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Festival @ Rockwood Park & Museum | Saturday (6/27) at 1:00 PM – Rockwood Park is churning up the Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Festival again, serving scoops with a side of nostalgia, patience, and park-bench people-watching. Kids get the sprinkles excuse, adults get the brain freeze. Elastic waistbands are respected, small-town vibes are guaranteed.
⚾ Frederick Keys at Wilmington Blue Rocks @ Daniel S. Frawley Stadium | Saturday (6/27) at 6:05 PM – Baseball at Frawley means the Blue Rocks hosting the Frederick Keys, a good excuse to sit, chat, and sip something cold. Expect between-inning bits, surprise cameos from Mr. Celery, and enough foul balls to keep your reflexes honest. Charming, relaxed, and cheaper than therapy.
Want more? Browse our full events calendar | Submit an event |
06 — From our sponsor Heads up for pet parentsTogether with our sponsor Lemonade. Nothing prepares you for a late-night emergency at the vet. I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. From the initial exam fee just to be seen, to x-rays, surgery, medication, and follow-up visits… the bill racks up fast (to say the least). And at that moment? You’re not thinking about your savings, you’re just saying yes to whatever keeps them thriving. As soon as we got home, I dug around online and ultimately signed up for Pet Insurance. It was too late for me, but you could save thousands on your next vet bill with *Lemonade. |
07 — The Wilmington report Weather forecastToday — High: 85°F — Low: 63°F — Precip: 0%
Sunny, with a high near 85. Northwest wind around 10 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 63. West wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tomorrow — High: 88°F — Low: 64°F — Precip: 4%
Sunny, with a high near 88. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Later: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 8pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 64. Chance of precipitation is 20%. This house is wildThis custom Barone Homes farmhouse in North Wilmington pairs classic board-and-batten charm with nearly 2,500 square feet of smart, single-story living. An open layout links the gourmet kitchen, airy family room, and covered rear porch, while four bedrooms, 3.5 baths, and a finished second-floor bonus room add flexibility. A two-car garage and landscaped flat lot round it out.
Take a peek inside → |
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