Hello Charleston! Hope your coffee tastes especially good this morning. In today’s bring-the-kiddos edition: America250 celebration lineup, a tree tour group bike ride, and a Toy Story game + excuses to get the fam out and about this week.
Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC bill: If your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest. This one's 50% off right now.* |
01 — Worth knowing In the newsThree local stories this week, plus a few worth your money.
Celebration lineup takes shape: Alabama will headline Charleston’s America250 Capital City Celebration, with festivities July 3 to 5 including the West Virginia Symphony on July 4 and The Marshall Tucker Band on July 5 -- see the full event details.
Tour expands with new dates: Country singer Ella Langley will bring her tour to Charleston Coliseum on Saturday, September 12. Tickets for the show will go on sale to the public Thursday, August 25 -- get the full tour details.
Rebuilding after major delays: After 2023 flooding, Chesapeake Volunteer Fire Department is rebuilding the Winifrede substation with FEMA and Gov. Patrick Morrisey funding after shutdown delays, expecting the station to open in a year -- see the rebuild timeline.
Nothing prepares you for a pet emergency: I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. As soon as we got home, I signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable – and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.*
The bill all retirees 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.*
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02 — From our sponsor Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC billIf your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest. This one's 50% off right now.* |
03 — On our radar
Local business spotlightNearby spots we'd actually send a friend to.
Blooms for any mood: When your living room needs a tiny joy upgrade, Charleston Cut Flower Company has you covered with fresh arrangements and giftable plants, crafted by folks who actually live here. Order same-day in Charleston, surprise a friend, or just treat yourself... your coffee table will thank you.
Your next group hang: Grab your crew and try Locked and Coded Escape Rooms LLC, where you can take on a coal mine caper, a ghostly pirate hunt, or a wicked cavern... all in a private game with just your people. Perfect for friend groups, team bonding, or proving you are the puzzle MVP this week.
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04 — Our recommendations
We got your backA handful of products and services we think are worth a look.
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Home insurance premiums jumped 12% last year alone: That's on top of years of increases that have outpaced inflation. Before you blindly renew with your current insurer, a free comparison tool matches your home with top-rated insurers so you can see quotes side by side, in about two minutes. Some homeowners find hundreds in savings, and if you don't find a better policy, you stay put knowing you checked. *See your options →
Buy one window treatment this summer, get the second 50% off: “My fourth order over 8 years. Product reliability, consistency to values & warranty kept me returning!” See what keeps customers coming back to 3 Day Blinds. Book your free consultation and enjoy summer savings on blinds, shades, and drapery. *Claim your summer savings →
Carrying $5,000 or more on your cards? Stop the interest charges: A balance that size racks up interest fast, and at today's rates it barely budges no matter how much you pay. This card gives you 0% intro APR until 2028 on balance transfers (made in the first 60 days), with a $0 annual fee. That means almost two years to pay down what you owe with no interest charges. *See if it's a fit →
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Have an event to share? We (and our readers) can't wait to hear about it! Submit an event → |
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05 — The event calendar Fun for the famOur favorite upcoming kid and family-friendly events. All events are subject to change. Always check official event pages before heading out.
🧬 SLC - NYSA STEM Camp: Microbiology @ Dunbar Branch Library | Thursday (6/25) at 10:00 AM – Summer in SLC means finding something smarter than more screen time for the kids. A week-long microbiology camp has them peeking at bacteria with microscopes, Petri dishes, and real experiments, turning tiny organisms into big aha moments, and yes, they will still wash their hands.
⚾ Story time: Baseball @ Glasgow Branch Library | Thursday (6/25) at 11:00 AM – This story time goes full ballpark, with a special guest from the Charleston Dirty Birds dropping by Glasgow Public Library, plus popcorn. Think charming chaos, big smiles, and a few foul jokes. Bring the kids, your glove, and your inner umpire.
🚴 Tree Tour Group Bike Ride @ Lee Street Triangle | Thursday (6/25) at 6:30 PM – Hop on your bike for a relaxed 90-minute roll as arborist Chris Higgins shows off Charleston’s finest trees, starting at the Lee Street Triangle. It is free, family-friendly, rain or shine, and yes, bring a helmet and enough water to outlast your neighbor’s stories.
🤸 USA Gymnastics - Gymnastics for All GymFest - Session I @ Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center | Friday (6/26) – GymFest is vaulting into the Coliseum with joyful, feel-good showcases from gymnasts of all ages, and it is as wholesome as it is impressive. Come cheer the flips, savor the AC, and let the athletes inspire you while your hamstrings twinge in sympathy.
🤠 Hat Party and Horseback Riding @ Circle B Stables | Saturday (6/27) at 10:00 AM – Think your hat game peaked at the county fair? Design a personalized cowboy hat with The Hummingbird Hat Collection, then saddle up with Circle B Stables for a laid-back ride, adult bragging rights included. Spots are limited, and a $20 deposit is required.
🌭 Hot Dog Sale @ Unity of Kanawha Valley | Saturday (6/27) at 11:00 AM – Serving up a second helping this summer, this hot dog sale pairs grill-side classics, neighborly catching up, and a puppy cameo from New Hope Animal Rescue. Hot dogs for you, belly rubs for them, and zero judgment if a 'foster' becomes family.
⚾ Story time: Baseball @ GoMart Ballpark | Sunday (6/28) at 12:34 PM – Whether you’re team Woody, team Buzz, or just here for a lazy afternoon at the ballpark, the Dirty Birds host a Toy Story game versus the York Revolution with character meet and greets and special jerseys. Expect kid-happy chaos, parent nostalgia, and peanuts.
Want more? Browse our full events calendar | Submit an event |
06 — From our sponsor Heads up for pet parentsTogether with our sponsor Lemonade. Nothing prepares you for a late-night emergency at the vet. I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. From the initial exam fee just to be seen, to x-rays, surgery, medication, and follow-up visits… the bill racks up fast (to say the least). And at that moment? You’re not thinking about your savings, you’re just saying yes to whatever keeps them thriving. As soon as we got home, I dug around online and ultimately signed up for Pet Insurance. It was too late for me, but you could save thousands on your next vet bill with *Lemonade. |
07 — The Charleston report Weather forecastToday — High: 83°F — Low: 59°F — Precip: 0%
Areas of fog before 9am. Mostly sunny, with a high near 83. Northwest wind around 1 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 59. Wind around 0 mph.
Tomorrow — High: 89°F — Low: 67°F — Precip: 3%
Sunny, with a high near 89. Southwest wind 0 to 7 mph. Later: A chance of showers and thunderstorms after 8pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 67. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible. This house is wildThis beautifully maintained South Hills home sits on a quiet dead-end street with a first-floor primary suite and a heated-floor bath. A custom Darin Fisher kitchen shines with quartz countertops, a Sub-Zero refrigerator, and Wolf gas range. Outside, a wraparound porch, screened patio, brick grilling area, and flat backyard make entertaining easy, while the finished lower level adds extra room to spread out.
Take a peek inside → |
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