Monday, April 27, 2026

Heads up for pet parents: An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial fee just to be seen to x-rays, surgery, medicine, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could get up to 90% cash back on your vet bill with this pet insurance plan.*

Critical funds for area schools: Voters in Grand Haven and Spring Lake will decide May 5 on renewing an 18 mill non-homestead school millage that supports a significant share of each district's budget -- see what's at stake.

Community vote crowns designs: Muskegon Area District Library celebrated National Library Week with four patron-designed cards. They are for purchase at MADL branches while supplies last, and replacement card fees are waived through April -- get all the details.

County takeover cuts transit costs: Muskegon’s free beach shuttle returns this summer after commissioners approved a contract, with MATS running from downtown to Pere Marquette Park and possible trips for July’s Soccer in the Sand -- get details on routes and costs.

The bill everyone over 50 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.*

Retirees are making moves: After gold's best year in nearly five decades, more folks than ever are moving part of their savings into precious metals. Not all of it... just enough to hedge against inflation. AHG put together a free guide that explains how it works -- grab your copy here.*

Mini-golf mood boost: Craig's Cruisers - Muskegon serves up an outdoor 18-hole mini-golf course with twists, turns, and playful obstacles that keep things lively, not head-scratching. Ideal for kids, a couple friends, or that coworker who talks smack, it turns a low-key weeknight into a friendly putt-off.

Find your next fave: Gathered Goods is a cozy collective of vintage, reclaimed and handmade pieces from local makers, perfect for a quick browse that turns into a mini home refresh. Swing through Vintage Row, trust your gut, and let that funky lamp or just-right side table find you.

Beat the midweek blahs: Round up the crew and put your brains to work at Lakeshore Quest Escape Room this week. Expect clue-hunting, code-cracking, and those sweet aha moments that carry into post-game tacos. Easy Muskegon night upgrade when the weather or group chat refuses to cooperate.

The slower you walk, the more it works: Tai Chi walking is trending online. Turns out it's centuries old — slow deliberate steps, paced breath, attention on the body. Thirty minutes a day burns fat, lifts your mood, and builds balance. No gym, no treadmill, no pounding on the joints. Take the quick quiz to see if it fits, then use code BASELOCAL for a discount on the coaching plan. *See how it works →

Your homeowners insurance has a blind spot: It covers your house if a tree falls on it. It doesn’t cover your furnace when it quits in January, your AC when it dies in July, or your water heater when it starts leaking on a Tuesday. Those are all classified as "normal wear and tear," and they're 100% on you. American Home Shield can help fill that gap for ~$1/day (even if your appliances and systems are really old).*See what it covers →

Selling your house doesn't have to take months: If you need to sell quickly — because you're downsizing, relocating, or just ready to close this chapter — Liz helps seniors sell their houses fast. As-is. No repairs, no showings, no drawn-out back-and-forth. You pick the closing date. *See how it works →

Unknown-number calls aren't random: Scammers don't just pick numbers out of a hat. They pay data brokers a few bucks and get everything they need to harass you, trick you, rob you, or steal your identity outright. Incogni removes all of your personal info from these data broker sites and keeps an eye out to make sure it stays gone for good. *Get protected →

For women who've been feeling off for years: The fatigue, the weight creeping up, the mood swings, the sleep that won't hold. Turns out most of those "it's just aging" problems are actually caused by hormones, and proper HRT can get you back to feeling like yourself. The catch? You can't get it without a full hormone panel and a doctor who understands what those numbers mean. Most women never get either, but Hone Health gives you both. *See how it works →

🌿 Terrarium Party - 4/27 @ Aldea Coffee | Monday (4/27) at 5:00 PM – Got a cookie jar or thrifted vase? Bring a container and build a mini jungle in about 20 minutes, with moss, soil, rocks, and three plants included. Upgrade with extra plants, crystals, paintable stones, or tiny statues, and yes, containers are for sale too.

🌱 Intro to Raised Beds Workshop @ McLaughlin Grows Urban Farm at Trinity Health | Wednesday (4/29) at 6:00 PM – Take a break from weeding your excuses and learn raised bed gardening at the farm in Muskegon. It’s a free intro outdoors, so dress for the weather, and park in the lot across the street. Fresh dirt, fewer YouTube rabbit holes.

🌙 After Dark Tour @ Hackley & Hume Historic Site | Friday (5/1) at 9:00 PM – Turns out history perks up after the sun clocks out. Wander the Hackley and Hume Historic Site by lantern, with lumber fortunes, family lore, and Victorian Muskegon on display. Check in at the City Barn, park free on Webster or 6th, and reserve at bit.ly/TourAfterDark.

🛍 Spring Shop Hop @ Lakeside District Association | Saturday (5/2) at 9:00 AM – Do your Mother's Day reconnaissance in Lakeside with the Spring Shop Hop. Wander the shops and restaurants for sales, sips, and small-town charm, then throw your name in for a gift card bouquet. Support the neighbors, look prepared, and maybe actually finish your list.

👖 Denim & Oddities Sale! @ My Space Office & Storage | Saturday (5/2) at 9:00 AM – Clear some closet space and swing by the giant denim warehouse on Getty for a Levi’s treasure hunt with RPC Vintage, So Sew Chic, and 10,000 pairs of jeans. Vintage grails, everyday workhorses, all sizes. Find the perfect rise, knees and ego will thank you.

🎨 Spring Craft Fair @ The Salvation Army Muskegon Citadel Corps Community Center | Saturday (5/2) at 10:00 AM – Whether you're a craft fair grazer or here for scented candles, Spring Craft Fair at The Salvation Army on Shonat is a worthy wander. 35+ vendors, handmade goodies, and admission is canned goods or a donation, so clean out the pantry, then shop guilt-free.

🐴 Free Community Days – Horse Transportation @ Muskegon Heritage Museum of Business and Industry | Saturday (5/2) at 11:00 AM – If you’ve been waiting for a sign to teach the grandkids that horsepower once required hay, here it is. The Muskegon Heritage Museum opens its doors for a free day on horse-drawn transport, local lore, and how we moved before mufflers.

On Muskegon Country Club’s fairways near Lake Michigan, this home shines with a great room. The chef’s kitchen offers a large island and two butler’s pantries. A primary suite adds motorized shades and spa bath. The walkout lower level brings a guest suite and gym, while an EV charger and HOA social membership with restaurant discounts and maintenance seal it.