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 design from hometown talent: Richland Library’s limited-edition card designed by Columbia-born artist and writer ND Stevenson is now available at all locations. More than 1,100 have already been activated since launch -- see how to sign up.

Local eatery's sizzling comeback: After a seven-month closure, Diablo's Southwest Grill in Lexington has reopened with record first-day sales, bringing burritos back to Sunset Boulevard from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. -- read the full story.

Plans for smoother commutes: SCDOT is seeking public input on plans to ease I-26 traffic between Columbia and Charleston, adding a lane in Dorchester and Berkeley counties. Construction is set to begin in 2028 -- see how to get involved.

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.*

Whiskey night, upgraded: Bourbon serves up Cajun-Creole comfort and properly made cocktails in cozy, historic digs, plus a whiskey selection big enough to make your group chat go quiet while you read it. Meet a friend, order something you can’t pronounce, and pretend it’s “research” for the weekend.

Sip something interesting: When your week needs a little ahh, Lula Drake Wine Parlour pours a smart by-the-glass lineup in a cozy nook that makes catching up with friends (or your book) feel easy. Easygoing sips, gentle buzz, and a midweek reset without the fuss.

Secret island vibes: Urban Tiki is Columbia’s low-key tropical escape, a cozy underground spot pouring rum-soaked classics and playful sippers that taste like PTO in a glass. Grab a friend this week, duck downstairs at The Grand on Main, and let the island music reset your weekday brain.

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 →

🐦 Birdwatching in the Gardens @ Hampton-Preston Mansion & Gardens | Thursday (4/30) at 8:00 AM – Historic Columbia is hosting a free guided bird walk in the Hampton-Preston Gardens with local birder John Tjaarda, so you can finally put names to the divas waking you up by sight, sound, and behavior. Registration required, capped at 20, binoculars optional, weather permitting.

🏺 Midlands Clay Spring Sale @ Stormwater Studios | Thursday (4/30) at 11:00 AM – Swing by Stormwater Studios for a spring clay sale where local ceramicists roll out sculptural, functional, and delightfully odd pieces you'll actually use. Free to browse, dangerous for your cabinets, and likely to produce that whimsical thing your mantel secretly needs.

🪙 Midlands Coin Club Spring Coin Show @ Medallion Conference Center | Friday (5/1) at 10:00 AM – Spring Coin Show is rolling into the Midlands with 70+ tables, over 30 dealers, and enough shiny distractions to bankrupt your coffee can. Free parking, admission, and appraisals, plus buy, sell, trade. Family friendly, Bessinger’s BBQ on site, and a Scout badge clinic.

🏷 Annual Alice Thompson Thrift Sale @ Greenlawn Baptist Church | Saturday (5/2) at 8:00 AM – If your linen closet looks tired and your craft bin is down to glitter, this thrift sale delivers. Linens, books, housewares, puzzles, and more, most for a buck, plus free clothing at Dolly’s Closet, and an $8 spaghetti plate with bread and brownie to go.

🚶 Hike for Hope @ Riverbanks Zoo & Garden | Saturday (5/2) at 9:00 AM – Lace up and head to the zoo for a walk that actually matters. You will wander past giraffes, flamingos, and your step goal, while showing up for suicide awareness and mental health. It is thoughtful, low key, and the animals will not judge your pace.

🧵 Art Class: Block-Printed Textiles @ Columbia Museum of Art | Saturday (5/2) at 10:00 AM – Give your tees and totes a proper makeover at this two-day block, stamp, and screen printing class with Mary Robinson, yes, that Mary Robinson. They provide the gear, bring fabric if you want, and you leave with patterns that look store-bought, but handmade. Members save.

🦀 Rosewood Crawfish Festival @ South Carolina State Fair | Saturday (5/2) at 11:00 AM – Patio weather calls for peel-and-eat crawfish, live music, and a lazy afternoon in Rosewood. This fest keeps it classic with local artisans, kid-friendly diversions, and plenty of Cajun spice. Bring napkins, an appetite, and the willingness to make friends over a messy table.

This 6-bed, 5-bath home in Glenwood Mansions blends in-town convenience with resort flair between Forest Hills and Forest Acres. A soaring two-story living room and a Monogram-equipped chef's kitchen anchor the plan. Highlights include a main-level suite, 12-seat theater, wine cellar, solar with battery, a 3-bay garage with workshop, and a showpiece pool with sun shelf and waterfalls.