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.*

Progress for women in trades: Vermont Works for Women kicks off National Apprenticeship Week today to May 1, spotlighting Women in Apprenticeship Day and celebrating Trailblazers 24th cohort graduation at Carpenters Union in South Burlington -- read the full story.

Cleaner streets and safer drains: Operation Clean Sweep is underway in Burlington, with most zones cleaned 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. Downtown runs midnight to 6 a.m. Cars risk $75 tickets and $100 tow fee -- get times and ticket info.

Decades of curbside comfort: Beansie’s Bus has opened for another season in Burlington, serving favorites from a retrofitted school bus that has fed locals since 1944. The family-run spot is open until 7 pm -- 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.*

A little devilish: Skip the same-old IPA and let Devil Takes A Holiday mix you something clever, seasonal, and just a touch dramatic. It’s the kind of cozy cocktail spot you keep in your back pocket for date night, a friend catch-up, or celebrating that tiny win you forgot to tell anyone about.

Cozy O.N.E. date spot: Globally influenced Italian plates, an intimate room with about 30 seats, and a friendly neighborhood feel, Gold Restaurant brings the Old North End serious comfort without the fuss. Swing by this week, share a couple dishes, sip something nice, and leave feeling like you just upgraded Tuesday.

Weekday lunch, upgraded: Rogue Rabbit is cranking out Roman-style pizza al taglio and schiacciata sandwiches that actually make weekday lunch feel special. Expect rotating combos, house-made bread, and local goodness like Maplebrook burrata or Brio coffee, plus a tiramisu or affogato if you’re pretending it’s already the weekend.

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 →

🕺 Beginner Line Dancing Lessons @ South Burlington Senior Center | Monday (4/27) at 6:00 PM – South Burlington’s Senior Center is hosting a six-week, beginner-friendly, blissfully partner free line dancing series. No boots required. Better in Boots teaches it step by step, then lets you cut loose. Register with Parks and Rec, or drop in for ten bucks, cash.

🚲 EZ Breezy Spring Bike Rides @ Local Motion Trailside Center | Tuesday (4/28) at 5:30 PM – Leaving Trailside Center, easy rolls end at Zero Gravity Craft Brewery, where neighbors chat and city-street confidence builds, no spandex required. On Tuesday, April 28, it is Free Bike & Gear Repair Day with Generator, with a shorter route, so bring needy bikes and gear.

📚 Spring Book Sale @ Fletcher Free Library | Wednesday (4/29) at 3:00 PM – Friends of the Fletcher Free Library are running a book sale with 6,000 fiction, nonfiction, and kids’ books for two bucks each, plus a few CDs and DVDs. Cheaper than parking on Church Street. Stock up for summer, the guest room, and your coffee table.

🧘 The Art & Science of Yoga Nidra @ The Sanctuary for Healing & Liberation | Friday (5/1) at 5:00 PM – Mud season calls for mastering the art of doing nothing, properly. Spend a weekend at the Sanctuary at the Chase Mill learning Yoga Nidra with Sukha’s Cilla, refill your cup, earn CEUs, and learn to lead deep rest. VSAC grants accepted, register at sukhayogaschool.com.

🕺 Balboa Fridays @ North Star Community Hall | Friday (5/1) at 7:00 PM – Think your footwork could use a spring cleaning? First and third Fridays in April and May, learn Balboa with Christianna Irish and Luc Cohen-Wanis, then enjoy a free practice session, pay what you can, suggested $15, welcoming for beginners, the Bal-curious, and anyone rebuilding basics.

🚲 Skirack's Bike Swap @ Skirack | Saturday (5/2) at 9:00 AM – Opening day of Skirack’s Bike Swap hits Main Street, Vermont’s biggest two-day hunt for bikes and gear with a second life. Whether you’ve swapped since ’88 or your knees just protested, come trade up, clear space, and score honest deals. Friendly chaos, local chatter.

🤠 Country for a Cure @ Citizen Cider | Saturday (5/2) at 4:00 PM – If you’ve been waiting for a sign to dust off boots and feel good about a bar tab, this is it. Josh Panda hosts a country-tinged benefit for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, no cover, donations of any size. Bring cash, neighbors, and your two-step.

This contemporary 4-bed, 3-bath home in South Cove includes coveted mooring access and a private association beach, close to the Burlington Bike Path, Red Rocks Park, and Oakledge. Bright entertaining spaces span a formal dining room, sunroom, and family room with wood-burning fireplace and wet bar. Features include a Jenn Air range, garage-access elevator, and oversized 3-car garage with workshop.