Sunday, April 26, 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.*

Tech infrastructure plans in limbo: Manitowoc County’s Planning and Parks Commission approved a pause on data center permits. The moratorium, sought by several Lakeshore communities, still needs County Board and public approval -- read the full story.

A storied space revived: Trattoria Tennie is now open in downtown Manitowoc at the former Grizzly’s, Casa di Amici and Tony’s Pizza site, serving hand-rolled pasta and scratch-made sauces from Chef Mark Tennie -- read the full story.

Great Lakes icon sets sail: The S.S. Badger will launch 73rd season with Ludington events May 15 and a first Manitowoc crossing at noon May 16, with tours, a documentary premiere, and Open Boat Night -- get the full event rundown.

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.*

Local night-out pick: Part historic downtown landmark, part no-fuss comfort zone, The Fat Seagull nails the Manitowoc trifecta with a solid draft lineup, crowd-pleasing pub food and regular live music. When that Friday Fish Fry craving hits, this is the kind of spot you rally friends for.

Beer worth the walk: Craft Creek Brewing Co keeps Manitowoc happily hydrated with a lineup that swings from juicy IPAs to a vanilla stout, plus a blue-raspberry Berliner Weisse that weirdly works. Swing by downtown this week, meet your new favorite pint, and call it self-care.

Local brunch vibes: Bloom & Brunch keeps mornings easy with breakfast and lunch favorites that taste like a day off. Settle in for cozy comfort and just enough indulgence to carry you through the week... because Manitowoc runs better on good bites and good coffee.

That patch of scalp that wasn't there a year ago: It's more common than most folks talk about. Especially in your 50s... hormones, stress, and nutrition all start pulling at hair density at once. Nutrafol is a drug-free daily supplement designed to work on those causes together — and in clinical studies, 93% of women said their hair looked healthier after six months. *Take a look →

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 →

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 →

Two sprays before bed, no more snoring? It really is that simple. No mouthpiece to wrestle with, no CPAP mask, no nose strips that peel off at 2am. This doctor-developed throat spray has been keeping sleepers quiet for 30 years, and first-time orders are 40% off right now. *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 →

✂ Cricut Badging Session @ Manitowoc Public Library | Tuesday (4/28) at 5:30 PM – If your spice jars, school projects, and gift tags could use an upgrade, pop into the library’s Idea Box for a Cricut Maker badging session. Staff will show how it cuts and scores, answer questions, and get you badged to use it, no PhD required.

🕯 April Showers Aromatherapy Ritual @ The Woodlands Day Spa & Retreat | Thursday (4/30) at 5:30 PM – Because your shower caddy deserves a promotion, this two-hour aromatherapy ritual outfits you in plush robes, pours a glass of something nice, and teaches you to make custom shower steamers. Hit the steam room, salt cave, and infrared sauna. Leave grounded, glowing, and unbothered.

🥕 Manitowoc Farmers Market Opening Day @ Quay Street Parking Lot | Saturday (5/2) at 8:00 AM – Nothing beats market opening day on the riverfront, a leisurely lap of fresh produce, great coffee, food trucks, and crafty finds. Hit the info booth for a new tote from the sponsors, and if you’re early, stuff it with Visit Manitowoc swag.

📚 Wood and Flora Author and Vendor Fair @ The Venue at Union Square | Saturday (5/2) at 8:30 AM – Slide over to The Nook Collective for a bookish fair where local authors and makers tempt you with romantasy-inspired flower crowns, bookmarks, fantasy jewelry, tabletop gaming accessories, and more. It’s equal parts literary escape and retail therapy, with zero judgment for sniffing books.

🐄 Family Day @ Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center | Saturday (5/2) at 11:00 AM – Round up the crew for Family Day at Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center in Manitowoc, where the kids ogle tractors and you finally learn where your cheese curds start. WiFCC is hosting, registration is on Eventbrite, and the exhibits are hands-on, educational, and actually fun.

🎨 Great Art on a Great Lake @ The Inn on Maritime Bay, an Ascend Collection Hotel | Saturday (5/2) at 12:00 PM – Local talent is lining the lakeshore with 20-plus artists showing off drawing, fiber, painting, watercolor, and more. It’s the kind of art afternoon where the breeze does the curating, you do the strolling, and your walls finally get some personality.

🏇 5th Annual Kentucky Derby Party @ The Wharf Manitowoc | Saturday (5/2) at 1:30 PM – The Wharf's 5th Derby bash returns with 5 Card Studs crooning A.M. gold, bottomless Mint Juleps, and enough screens to make Churchill Downs jealous. Expect lawn "horse races," best hat and bow tie contests, and a Champagne fountain. Free, fun, and over the top.

This 3-bed log home sits on 2 private acres amid mature trees, pairing rustic charm with modern ease. Soaring ceilings, warm wood finishes, and updated amenities set the tone. A loft overlooks the open living area, and a finished rec room expands hangout space. Outside, serenity and wildlife abound. A 4-car garage adds generous storage. The property is sold as-is.