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.*

Small-town spirit on display: Travel and Leisure spotlights Sumter as a gem, from Swan Lake Iris Gardens, home to all eight swan species, to nature trails, walkable downtown, and race nights at Sumter Speedway -- discover the local highlights.

Historic venue readies next chapter: Sumter Opera House reached a milestone as crews installed the final beam, keeping renovations on track for an early 2027 reopening with new seating, a reworked balcony, and improved restrooms -- explore the upgrades and timeline.

Community wellness hub launches: Sumter County’s new YMCA senior center is now open, offering older adults activities and growing programs. No membership needed, but visitors must check in before entering -- get hours and key 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.*

Lunch you’ll look forward to: When the midday hunger hits, Mary Ann's Deli Restaurant comes through with a stacked Reuben, turkey focaccia, soup of the day, and grab-and-go fixes so you can eat well between errands. Treat yourself this week, your to-do list will forgive you.

Bourbon meets brisket bliss: If your week needs a proper pick-me-up, Side Bar is smoking meats Texan-style on Big Daddy and Lil' Smokey, with 30 bourbons and rotating craft beers to back it up. Roll in, catch that smoky, cozy vibe, and leave suspiciously happier.

Got a gift gap? From specialty invitations to jewelry, apparel, and home accessories, Silverpaper is the kind of browse that turns into the perfect present before you can say I meant to plan ahead. They’ll even handle gift wrapping and offer in-store pickup if you’re sprinting.

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 →

🎨 Oil Painting Lessons Week 3 @ Sip&Gogh | Monday (4/27) at 6:00 PM – Sign up for a three-week oil painting series with renowned artist Dennis Snell, where you actually paint a Dennis Snell original, sip in hand. Choose mornings or evenings, pick your colors, and finally upgrade that wall from 'college poster,' to 'grown-up art.'

🍔 Diners and Dives @ Sumter Cut Rate | Wednesday (4/29) at 6:00 PM – Festival of Windmills is pulling into Sumter Cut Rate, and Quixote Hospitality’s crew is cooking what they’d serve Guy Fieri, creative, diner-inspired plates with a few left turns. Expect comfort, curiosity, and bragging rights, no frosted tips required.

🏃 Fun & Color Run @ Bubba Davis Gymnasium (Manning) | Friday (5/1) at 9:00 AM – Remember field day, only with a purpose and washable chaos? The Boosterthon Fun & Color Run rallies the whole school to raise $35,000 for curriculum upgrades, with grade-by-grade laps and a finale where high schoolers gleefully dust the middle schoolers. Bring water, volunteer, cheer.

🏷 Multi-Family Yard Sale @ New Hope Church | Saturday (5/2) at 7:00 AM – Whether you’re hunting for Big and Tall threads, a reliable wrench, or that casserole dish Aunt Mae swears she returned, the multi-family yard sale at New Hope is your weekend sport. Come early, bring coffee and small bills, enjoy snacks, fellowship, and Sumter’s treasure hunt.

🐦 Heron @ Sip & Gogh | Saturday (5/2) at 3:00 PM – Think you can paint a heron without it turning into a pelican? Come sip, chat, and make art that would at least impress the neighbors, with kids welcome alongside an adult. Reserve your easel early, because walk-ins vanish faster than herons on Lake Murray.

This new-construction, all-brick stunner mixes elegance and easy living. An airy open plan with high ceilings flows from living to dining to a storage-rich kitchen with a generous island. Crown molding adds polish throughout. The primary suite features a zero-entry walk-in shower. Outside, a covered rear deck and brick fence boost privacy and curb appeal.