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.*

Statewide travel just got easier: Virginia Breeze has launched the Tidewater Current, a bus link along I-64 connecting Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Newport News, Williamsburg, Richmond, and Staunton, and is celebrating with 25% off trips -- read the full story.

Springtime flora and fun: New River Valley Master Gardeners will hold a plant sale Saturday, May 9 at Montgomery County Government Center, with a plant clinic, free basil bar, and proceeds supporting NRVMGA grants -- get all the event details.

Hometown hero takes victory: Christiansburg’s Matt Hagan won the Funny Car title at the 66th NHRA Winternationals earlier this month in Pomona, delivering a victory that has the New River Valley buzzing -- read the full story.

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.*

Weekend brunch, sorted: 622 North serves brunch for early birds and sleep-in champs alike, with a solid lineup and morning cocktails, set in a renovated Victorian. When it’s warm, the patio opens and downtown Blacksburg hums, making it easygoing, consistent, and ideal for lingering without fuss.

BBQ + beer, no brainer: Bull & Bones serves in-house smoked brisket, pulled pork, and wings, paired with sauces from tangy Carolina Gold to a sneaky Reaper BBQ. It’s the easy fix for a Tuesday slump or the fuel for game night, big flavor without the fuss.

Instant adventure fix: Virginia Tech - Venture Out rents legit outdoor gear to students, staff, and the community, plus runs guided trips and custom programs when you don’t feel like being your own tour guide. Grab camping stuff, canoes, mountain bikes, even lawn games, then actually use that free Saturday you keep talking about.

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 →

🌱 Blacksburg High School Plant Sale @ Blacksburg High School | Monday (4/27) at 8:30 AM – This annual plant sale at Blacksburg High School is your chance to stock the porch, the veggie beds, and bragging rights. Expect hardy starts and hanging baskets, friendly chaos, and prices you can explain to your spouse. Cash or checks only, and bring a box.

📚 Read Along with Meadowbrook @ Meadowbrook Public Library (Shawsville) | Monday (4/27) at 10:00 AM – Whether you’ve been a Meadowbrook regular since the carpet was new or just unearthed your library card, celebrate 20 years with a year-long, monthly-themed reading quest. Read six months for a free book, all twelve for a prize, and grab a reading log at Meadowbrook.

🍹 Sip, Sample & Relax! @ Renew & Restore Wellness | Thursday (4/30) at 6:00 PM – If your group chat has been promising a night out since football season, here’s one you might keep. Hit Renew and Restore on Main for sips, Neora samples, and $25 cryo, red light, and compression therapy. Low pressure, high glow, and zero awkward sales pitches.

🌿 Info Session: Certified Virginia Master Naturalist Volunteer @ Christiansburg Library | Thursday (4/30) at 6:00 PM – Into citizen science, education, and keeping our wild places healthy, without joining another boring committee? Learn how to train as a Certified Virginia Master Naturalist with the NRV chapter, then volunteer close to home in Radford, Giles, Floyd, Montgomery, or Pulaski.

🧺 Create Your Own Berry Basket @ Historic Smithfield | Saturday (5/2) at 12:00 PM – Learn to weave a berry basket with artisan Susan Frank at Historic Smithfield’s pavilion, no experience required. $25, materials included, small group, and you leave with a basket, not homework. Bring a towel and a pencil, stroll into the farmers market looking prepared and handmade.

🌳 Genealogy Saturday @ Alexander Black House | Saturday (5/2) at 1:00 PM – First Saturday means heading to the Alexander Black House, where Carol Smith and Don Braffitt help you ditch family lore for actual records, and sprout new branches on that stubborn tree. Bring questions or none at all. It’s free, friendly, and blissfully nerdy.

🏇 2026 Kentucky Derby Fundraiser @ McClain's at First & Main | Saturday (5/2) at 5:30 PM – Think you can pick a winner without leaving town? Our fourth annual Derby fundraiser brings big hats, mint juleps, and heavy hors d'oeuvres, plus a bartender slinging drink specials. Come mingle, place a friendly wager, and feel smug knowing it all benefits a good cause.

This 4,680 ft² home delivers versatility with 5 bedrooms above grade and a private 2-bedroom walkout suite below. The main level hosts the primary suite and entertaining space, while the upper level adds 4 bedrooms and 2 baths. The lower level features a kitchenette, separate entrance, and its 2-car garage. Recent updates include carpet, new appliances, and a 2025 roof.