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.*

Fresh fairways beckon players: Watertown’s former Watertown Golf Club opened on April 21 as the Thompson Park Golf Course, kicking off the 2026 season and giving North Country golfers a reason to get outside -- get all the details.

A celebration of creativity: Watertown’s 43rd Annual Tri-County Student Art Show will fill the Dulles State Office Building May 6 through May 13, showcasing 1,200-plus student pieces and select works by regional art teachers -- see dates and details.

Local grocery expands selection: Save A Lot in Canton opened a new deli April 14, featuring Dietz & Watson meats and cheeses, plus prepared meals, subs, and salads for North Country shoppers -- get all the details.

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.*

Neighborhood wine fix: Whether you want a crisp pour or a classic martini, Irises Cafe & Wine Bar delivers a relaxed, linger-a-while vibe downtown. Expect easy conversation, thoughtful pours, and local comfort that quietly lands in your regular rotation.

Craving cozy comfort? Swing by Taste of the Philippines NY for homestyle Filipino plates that hit all the right notes, from crispy, savory bites to warm, saucy goodness that makes leftovers a myth. Perfect when you want a quick lunch that still feels like a real meal.

Crispy chicken, whiskey vibes: When you want an easy win this week, The Whiskey Coop serves crunchy fried chicken, comfort classics, and whiskey-forward cocktails without the fuss. Meet a friend, sample a couple pours, and let the sauce debate spiral into North Country small talk you actually enjoy.

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 →

👶 Baby-N-Me Expo @ Champlain Centre (Plattsburgh) | Thursday (4/30) at 4:30 PM – Champlain Centre is hosting an expo for parents, grandparents, caregivers, and the kid-wrangling curious, with local agencies, interactive demos, and actually useful freebies. Stock up on resources, meet the pros, and support Child Abuse Prevention Month. Free, friendly, and stroller approved.

⚔ Jedi Training Academy @ Flower Memorial Library (Watertown) | Saturday (5/2) at 10:00 AM – Think you still have the reflexes for a lightsaber? The library is hosting a Jedi Training Academy with a DIY saber craft, a scavenger hunt, and a cameo from Darth himself. Bring the kids, grandkids, or your inner 8-year-old, and earn bragging rights.

💐 Mother's Day Craft/Vendor Fair @ Knights of Columbus (Ogdensburg) | Saturday (5/2) at 10:00 AM – Swing by Knights of Columbus for the first Mother’s Day craft and vendor fair benefiting Gracious Friends Animal Sanctuary. Two bucks gets you in, with a 50/50, a bag raffle, and bonus points if you bring paper towels or pet food.

🔥 Beltane Festival @ The Silver Cauldron (Watertown) | Saturday (5/2) at 10:00 AM – Beltane is taking over The Silver Cauldron with a day of mini workshops run by their trusted practitioners. It is first come, first served, so channel your inner druid, grab a coffee, and claim some fire-festival mojo, houseplants and good vibes included.

♻ Annual Riverside Drive Roadside Cleanup @ St. Lawrence County Center for History & Culture (Canton) | Saturday (5/2) at 10:00 AM – Grab your work gloves and meet at the church in Canton for a Riverside Drive cleanup on our Adopt-a-Highway stretch. We’ll carpool, suit up in those flattering safety vests, and wrangle trash like pros. Bags provided, bring water, pride, and your best neighborly gossip.

🏛 Open Doors to History @ Ogdensburg History Museum | Saturday (5/2) at 11:00 AM – If you've been waiting for a sign to finally peek inside those "always closed" gems, this is it. Open Doors to History, Nancy LaFaver's America 250th project, opens spots like the Ogdensburg History Museum for free or donations, plus photo ops, giveaways, and challenge coins.

🎉 Madfest @ Marshall Park Bandstand at SUNY Potsdam | Saturday (5/2) at 4:00 PM – If you’ve been waiting for a sign to park a lawn chair at Marshall Park Bandstand, Madfest’s 10th anniversary is it. Folk and Americana from the North Country and across the state, free snacks, and genuine neighborly vibes. Bring a blanket, not expectations.

This 5,750-square-foot lakefront estate claims over 19 private acres in Plattsburgh's Cumberland Head, showcasing Lake Champlain views. An open-plan gourmet kitchen with Wolf and Sub-Zero, two-level porches, and a family room fireplace set the stage for gatherings. Two primary suites, a guest house, a private tennis court, a commercial-grade playground, a pool, and a private drive complete a lakefront compound.